Eat, drink and be merry at the Columbus Food and Wine Festival near Goodale Park
Greater Columbus residents never stopped loving food and wine, but the Columbus Food and Wine Festival was put on pause during the pandemic.
Fear not, foodies and wine connoisseurs: The popular festival is set to return near Goodale Park on Friday and Saturday.
“We’re excited to be bringing it back,” said co-founder Trish Wright. “We’ve been getting a lot of great response.”
The festival is free to attend, though special events are ticketed. Wine packages are also available. What follows are the particulars for this year’s event. For more information, tickets to special events and a full schedule, visit www.columbusfoodwine.com
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When does the Columbus Food and Wine Festival start?
The festival will kick off at 11 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, near Goodale Park, Goodale Avenue between Park Street and Dennison Avenue..
What to drink, what to eat
Although it lacks a huge footprint, the festival will provide a solid sampling of offerings from area wineries and food venues. “It will be 6 to 8 wineries, ... as well as five different food options,” Wright said. Local chefs will also give demonstrations.
What to listen to
While you’re sipping or snacking, guest entertainers will be featured, including Dommy Styles at 8:30 p.m. Friday and the Jimmy McGee Band at 9 p.m..
Special events
Several special events will pair music with things to taste. On Friday, “Rock n’ Reds” will pair chocolate and red wine flights with music by the rock group the Body Aches. On Saturday, “Soul & Sangria” will mix soul music with Southern Recipe Small Batch pork rinds and sangria cocktails. Also on Saturday, “Birthday Cake & Bubbly” will serve birthday cake and Champagne flights as a DJ mixes music. Each of the special events costs $49.99.
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What about the kids?
In a special event aimed at children, “Storytime + Shortcakes,” at 11 a.m. Saturday, will feature a story time as well as bakery-made shortcakes. Kids will also be taught how to bake their own shortcakes.
Where to park
The easiest place to park is in the garage of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St., Wright said. “That would probably be the closest and more convenient,” she said. There are surfaces lots and spaces available nearby, too. Attendees can use the LAZ parking app for assistance, https://lazparking.com/app.
What to bring (or not)
Guests can bring lawn chairs, but coolers or large bags are not permitted, Wright said. You can purchase alcoholic beverages but cannot bring your own.
What if it rains?
The festival will go on, rain or shine, Wright said.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Food and Wine Festival returns near Goodale Park
