Charleston’s most celebrated food and wine event is coming back in 2026, and fans of the Charleston Wine + Food Festival can now grab early tickets. Pre-sale for the Culinary Village went live on Thursday, August 21, offering food lovers a chance to secure their spots for one of the most anticipated weekends in the city.
Culinary Village Returns to Johnson Hagood Stadium
The 2026 Culinary Village will again take place at The Citadel’s Johnson Hagood Stadium, bringing together top chefs, local artisans, and food lovers from across the country. This year is extra special — it marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, a major milestone for Charleston’s vibrant food scene.
Ticket Details and Special Locals Day
Pre-sale tickets are available through Monday, September 1, at 11:59 p.m. Ticket options include:
General Admission starting at $185
Locals Day (Sunday, March 8, 2026) at a discounted price of $145
Locals Day offers the same Culinary Village experience but at a lower price, especially for Charleston-area residents.
New GA+ Experience and VIP Lounge
For the 2026 celebration, the festival is introducing new experiences to make the Culinary Village even more exciting:
GA+ Tickets: Includes early entry (one hour before GA), allowing guests to explore food, wine, and demos with smaller crowds.
Zero Proof Garden: A fresh concept featuring non-alcoholic wines, beers, and craft drinks in a relaxed garden setting.
VIP Lounge: A new exclusive space to celebrate the festival’s 20th anniversary in style.
Live Music & Interactive Demos: Visitors can enjoy performances, cooking demonstrations, and meet local chefs and creators.
Dozens of Vendors: From local bites to artisan goods, the Culinary Village will once again showcase what makes Charleston’s culinary culture so unique.
A Celebration of 20 Years
Executive Director Alyssa Maute Smith said the 2026 event is not just another festival — it’s a celebration of the impact Charleston Wine + Food has had over two decades.
“As we celebrate 20 years of Charleston Wine + Food, this milestone is a chance to reflect on our past successes, build on the incredible energy of 2025, and look ahead to the continued impact we hope to make in our community,” Smith said.
She added that the event wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of Charleston locals, volunteers, and partners, who bring the festival to life every year.
The 2026 Charleston Wine + Food Festival promises to be one of the biggest and most memorable yet. With new experiences like GA+, a Zero Proof Garden, and a VIP anniversary lounge, the Culinary Village is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event. As Charleston prepares to celebrate 20 years of food, flavor, and community, now is the perfect time to grab your pre-sale tickets and be part of this iconic celebration.
