Tickets still available for Wine + Food events

Charleston Wine + Food (CHSWF) 2025 kicks off in less than two weeks, but if you’re worried you’ve missed the boat on buying tickets, fear not.

While it’s true many CHSWF events are sold out (or running a waiting list), there may be a few hot ticket events still available.

We chatted with CHSWF’s executive director Alyssa Maute Smith about this year’s lineup ahead of the festival’s March 5 kickoff.

Culinary Village

As of publication time, there were still tickets available for each day of the Culinary Village ($185/general, $145/locals on Sunday), held Friday through Sunday at this year’s new village venue, Johnson Hagood Stadium in Charleston.

There are even some VIP tickets ($295/visitors, $255/locals) left for Sunday. Smith said that this year’s VIP offerings are top-notch, including private bathrooms, a climate-controlled VIP lounge and an outdoor porch overlooking the village (prime for people-watching!).

CHSWF staffers plan to start building the culinary village Feb. 28, transforming the stadium into a collection of foodie “neighborhoods,” such as the Corkyard, Tippling Town and Chillin’ and Grillin’ (an ode to Lowcountry live-fire cooking).

“Any good town is explored via its neighborhoods,” Smith said. “Each one has its own feel, tastes, sights, sounds and storytelling moments.”

The silent disco, always a crowd favorite, returns this year — this time with a dedicated bar alongside a local DJ spinning hits.

New this year is the Duke’s Mayo Demo Kitchen, where chefs such as Jeremiah Langhorne, Carrie Morey, Shuai Wang, Rodney Scott and Joy Wilson will cook dishes with Duke’s and share bites with the crowd.

Participating chefs with their own cookbooks will host signings in the dedicated Book Nook, presented by Blue Bicycle Books, during designated hours.

Also new this year is a pop-up, reservation-only “restaurant” presented in partnership with Saratoga Water and situated in the village. With local chef Marcus Shell (Uptown Hospitality Group Director of Culinary Operations, head chef at BTW) at the helm, the experience is one to savor. Even better, it’s included with your ticket purchase — just sign up to make a reservation when you arrive.

As always, village-goers can grab food from both foodie kitchens (spaces dedicated to local caterers serving larger portions) and snack shacks (which feature both local and out-of-town guests). Participating chefs and restaurants will rotate throughout the day.

There will be two rideshare dropoff locations, and guests are encouraged to utilize rideshares as much as possible.

Additional tickets are available for these notable events:

Opening Night, $225. Held from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. March 5 in the Cistern Yard, opening night promises bites from over 35 restaurants including Husk, Obstinate Daughter, Ma’am Saab, Kultura, Coterie, Jackrabbit Filly, The Establishment and more. “It’s magical being at the Cistern,” Smith said. “[The event] is so locally rooted in the community.”

Vinyl Party, $85. Held from 9 p.m. to midnight March 5 at Groovers Listening Bar on Calhoun Street, the vinyl party features mixologists serving up drinks made with Ford’s Gin. Beloved former Charleston chef and known vinyl lover Sean Brock will be in the house spinning tunes, too.

Due South, $225. Held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 6 at The Island House on Johns Island, this event celebrates the ingredients and cooking techniques found in the Sea Islands, influenced through the African Diaspora. Join local chefs like Amethyst Ganaway, Janae Coaxum and Tia Clark for a seafood feast.

The Water Bring We, $250. Held from noon to 2:30 p.m. March 7 at CudaCo. on James Island, this event is named after a common Gullah Geechee proverb, “the water brings to us and the water will take us back.” James Beard Award–winning journalist Jamaal Lemon joins chefs Shaun Brian, Preeti Waas and Modou Jaiteh as they explore Charleston’s climate change issues through a beer and dining experience.

Good Vines Only, $195. Held from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 8 at Harborside East, this wine-focused event features 20 (!) different producers and bites from restaurants that boast specialized wine programs.

High Tea with the Queens, $175. Held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Founders Hall in West Ashley, the festival’s beloved drag show returns after a year hiatus. Smith described this special event as “Bridgerton meets Marie Antoinette.”

Big Shrimpin’, $175. Held from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 9 at Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park, this crustacean-focused event features crab, shrimp, crawfish and more.

The Day Party, $155. Held from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 9 at Founders Hall in West Ashley, this signature event features lots of bubbles and brunch-inspired bites. CHSWF just announced a special guest at this year’s party, too — Jarobi White of A Tribe Called Quest. White, a founding member of the iconic hip hop group, will perform at The Day Party.

To see all remaining tickets, head to charlestonwineandfood.com and search for “available” events.