Charleston Wine + Food's 2nd Street Fest includes Black Expo

For the second year running, upper King Street is going to be transformed into a fun, happening street market during this year’s Charleston Wine + Food festival.

Some 4,000 people attended last year’s event and just as many — if not more — are expected this year, organizers say.

“We realized, talking to our friends at the city of Charleston, that we really wanted to create a family-friendly experience,” said Laura Whitney, director of experience for Charleston Wine + Food (CW+F).

This year’s Street Fest is the only event offered by CW+F that is free and open to the public. The area between John and Mary streets will be closed to allow easy access for participants to enjoy the festivities.

“It’ll be a little bit of a street-market feel,” Whitney told the Charleston City Paper. “We are bringing together a beautifully diverse group of chefs, artisans, small businesses — to come together and to really give back to the community in a big way.”

Expect a bustle of food trucks and local vendors, featuring a live DJ and a special appearance from the Burke High School marching band. The brick-and-mortar businesses and restaurants will be open as normal and are invited to extend onto the sidewalks.

A section of Ann Street will be dedicated to a beer and wine garden for those 21+ and older.

A unique garden experience

New this year, attendees can enjoy an immersive garden experience presented by Black Expo. This year for the first time, CW+F will partner with Black Expo of Charleston, which is in its 26th year and will showcase its Black Wine and Spirits Tasting Garden.

The Black Expo will join the CW+F Street Fest as an exclusive ticketed experience. For $25, guests are invited to embark a journey to explore 12 Black-owned wine and spirit brands, with the opportunity to sample, discover more about the brands and learn how to show your support. Tickets can be purchased online through Eventpasshero.

Upon walking onto Ann Street, a check-in counter will have special wristbands to enter the garden. If it’s last-minute, there is an opportunity to purchase a ticket and get your wristband on-site.

“This is going to be a rare opportunity for those who come into the town for Black Expo and Charleston Wine + Food to experience something different,” said Joselyn Johnson, Charleston native and Black Expo’s market event manager.

The owners and creators of wine and spirit brands, including winemakers such as The McBride Sisters, will be on-site, in addition to special partnerships like Breakthru Beverage.

“We want to spotlight these brilliant makers that really tap into their backgrounds to create the flavor that they bring to the table with their wine and spirit,” Johnson said.

A show of community support

In line with Black Expo’s mission to promote economic empowerment, ticket sales will benefit and directly invest back into the local food and industry community.

“It is important that these major platforms and big events that are bringing audiences from around the world into our city show diversity and inclusion, that we make sure that everyone has ample space and the platform to shine,” Johnson explained.

CW+F officials said they were excited to reintroduce the street festival in response to the positive feedback from the community last year, now offering even more opportunities and experiences.

“Show up with good energy and an appetite to explore, and we’ll do the rest,” Whitney said.