The Columbia Food and Wine Festival is back for its fifth year and is expanding even further into Lexington and Northeast Columbia.

Taking place March 30–April 3, the annual event presented by Certified South Carolina, showcases local cuisine + our area’s growing dining scene.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect:

Columbia Food and Wine Festival Kick-off Dinner | Wed., Mar. 30 | 6 p.m. | Ratio, 556 Spears Creek Church Rd., Elgin | A collaborative three-course dinner with a menu curated by local chefs.
Mixer on Main | Thurs., Mar. 31 | 6 p.m. | Boyd Plaza, 1515 Main St. | A cocktail competition featuring local mixologists where judges and attendees choose the most innovative + tasty cocktail.
Dinner On The Green | Fri., Apr. 1 | 6 p.m. | Boyd Foundation Horticultural Center, 1615 Blanding St. | Take the chance to see the new greenhouse at the Hampton-Preston Mansion, and the event will feature a four-course meal influenced by the horticulture center, sourced from SC farms.
Kids Can Cook Too! | Sat., Apr. 2 | 10 a.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum | Local chefs teach kids how to shop for + create a dish for the family.
Sushi and Sake | Sat., Apr. 2 | 12 p.m. | M Space-530 Lady St. | Learn about the history and technique behind sushi-making + enjoy sake or wine pairings.
Flights and Bites | Sat., Apr. 2 | 1 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing | Hop onboard for a bus tour of Columbia’s breweries with flights of beer + conversations with brewmasters.
CAE LEX: Passport to Main Street | Sat., Apr. 2 | 4 p.m. | Icehouse Pavilion, Lexington | Pick up a passport before exploring Lexington’s Main Street dining scene as you try specialty bites + cocktails.
Columbia Food and Wine Festival Finale | Sun. Apr. 3 | 1 p.m. | Robert Mills Estate, 1616 Blanding St. | The finale event will host ~40 of Cola’s finest spots for food and drinks in the historic Robert Mills House + Gardens.

Grab your tickets today before that event that speaks to your tummy sells out.