Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CHSWFF) is widely regarded by locals as one of the city's crown-jewel events — a well-produced, genuinely community-rooted celebration that has grown from a scrappy 2006 launch into a 20-year institution spotlighting Lowcountry chefs, artisans, and beverage makers. The Culinary Village at Marion Square is the clear centerpiece, praised for first-class organization, diverse tastings, and a welcoming atmosphere even for non-foodies — though some attendees flag steep ticket prices, limited bathroom facilities, and occasional underwhelming bites amid an otherwise impressive spread. Locals appreciate its non-profit mission supporting the hospitality community, but the festival's ballooning national profile means it increasingly skews toward out-of-towners, leaving some regulars feeling it's no longer a neighborhood affair.