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.
Purchase Tickets
Southern Smoke Symposium
Join Southern Smoke Foundation for a day filled with interactive panels that will tackle industry challenges, explore effective growth strategies, and discuss ways to keep your business thriving in an ever-changing economy. Save the date for January 25, 2027.
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.
Farmstead Live Fire x Southern Smoke Foundation
Farmstead Live Fire x Southern Smoke Foundation once again brought together California’s incredible chefs, wineries, and hospitality community for an unforgettable evening of live-fire cooking, exceptional wines, and celebratory giving in the heart of Napa Valley. Together, guests raised more than $100,000 to help Southern Smoke Foundation provide emergency relief and no-cost mental health counseling to food and beverage workers nationwide. Thank you to everyone who cooked, poured, volunteered, attended, and supported this special event. Save the date for next year: Friday, July 23, 2027!
Interested in hosting an event to benefit Southern Smoke? Reach out at
caroline@southernsmoke.org
Oct 16–17, 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.
Oct 22–25, 2026
Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival
Fredericksburg, TX
Held in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, The Fredericksburg Food & Wine Festival brings together wineries, chefs, artisans, and food producers for a lively series of tastings, demonstrations, live music, and shopping. Guests enjoy wine tastings, chef-prepared bites, educational experiences, and the welcoming community atmosphere that has defined the festival for more than 30 years. Southern Smoke Foundation is a proud beneficiary of the Festival.
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.
