Southern Smoke Festival
At Southern Smoke Festival on October 3, 2026, you’ll get bites from some of the best chefs in the country, excellent drinks poured by top bartenders, live music, culinary demos, and all the big-hearted energy that makes this weekend so special. Get ready for a celebration of food, community, and the people who make this industry shine.
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Farmstead Live Fire x Southern Smoke Foundation
SSF is heading to Wine Country! At the third annual Farmstead Live Fire x Southern Smoke Foundation event on July 24, 2026, California’s hottest chefs and top-tier wineries will be bringing the heat with unforgettable flavors and world-class pours! Join us for a celebration of incredible food, standout drinks, and the people who keep our industry alive.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Southern Smoke event without the best wine, beer, spirits, and serious good vibes. Come for the food, stay for the community, and leave knowing you made a difference.
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Southern Smoke Decanted 2026
Southern Smoke Decanted brought together an incredible community of vintners, chefs, and supporters for an unforgettable afternoon of great wine, amazing food, and even bigger generosity, raising an incredible $1.6 million to support food and beverage workers nationwide. From the walk-around tastings to the high-energy live auction, the room was filled with people showing up for the industry in a real way. Every glass poured and every paddle raised will go directly toward Southern Smoke Foundation’s mission of providing emergency relief funding and access to mental health resources for hospitality workers in crisis, a powerful reminder of what this community can do when it comes together. Save the date for April 3, 2027.
Behind You Classic 2026
Thank you to everyone came out to MacGregor Downs Country Club in Cary, North Carolina to show their support for North Carolina’s food and beverage industry — the event raised an incredible $75,000 with your help! These critical funds will go directly towards supporting SSF’s Behind You mental health program and its expansion into North Carolina.
Interested in hosting an event to benefit Southern Smoke? Reach out at
caroline@southernsmoke.org
Oct 17–18, 2026
Hot Luck 2026
Austin, TX
Created by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland, Hot Luck is a DIY casserole of the culinary and music world. The 2026 edition of the festival will take place October 16 & 17 in Austin, TX and proudly benefits Southern Smoke Foundation.
Nov 13–15, 2026
Food & Wine Classic in Charleston
Charleston, SC
Our friends at Food & Wine are hosting the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston, a three-day event featuring celebrated chefs, premium wines and spirits and the best of local food and culture. Experience the warm hospitality of the Lowcountry with grand tastings, celebrity chef demos, and more.
