Top Food and Drink Events at Smith Mountain Lake [2026]
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Smith Mountain Lake offers a tasty lineup of food and beverage events year-round for those who love to sip, sample and savor. From casual wine tastings and beer dinners to lakeside festivals with barbecue, chili and fine wines, there’s something for every palate.
This is just a sampling of the exciting events at the lake. Be sure to subscribe to our free weekly email newsletter to stay updated on all the latest happenings!
Year-round
Try Before You Buy
Sip and savor each Friday at SML Fine Wines during their weekly wine tastings. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere, explore new selections and discover favorites with friends from 4 to 7 p.m.
Saturday Sips
An interactive tasting experience featuring cocktail classes, spirits paired with small bites and a relaxed, social atmosphere. Join the fun on select Saturdays from 2-4 p.m. at Tiff’s Lakefront.
May 2, 2026
Portside BBQ Battle
Enjoy barbeque tastings, live music, fresh oysters and fun drinks at Portside Grill & Bar. This lakeside cookoff at Virginia Dare Marina starts at noon and benefits Food for Kids Weekend Pack-a-Sack program
Sept. 26-27, 2026
SML Wine Festival
The region’s most popular annual event with tastings of wine, beer, cider and spirits, live music, food and artisan vendors, plus stunning lake views. Held rain or shine, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days at Bernard’s Landing.
August 19-September 19
Dine Out to Lift Up
A delicious way to give back, Dine Out to Lift Up returns for its second year, with participating SML restaurants donating a portion of proceeds to support Lake Christian Ministries’ food assistance programs. Dine local and make a meaningful impact. dineouttoliftup.com
Fall-Winter
Beer Pairing Dinners
Experience craft brews paired with gourmet courses at Jake’s Place. These fun, flavorful evenings feature expert pairings, chef-inspired menus and a laid-back lakeside vibe.
September 26-27
SML Wine Festival
The region’s most popular annual event with tastings of wine, beer, cider and spirits, live music, food and artisan vendors, plus stunning lake views. Held rain or shine at Bernard’s Landing, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days. smlwinefestival.com
Fall-Winter
Beer Pairing Dinners
October-May
Cooking With Lo
Sharpen your culinary skills with Chef Lauren Sanders at Tiff’s Lakefront. Held on select Sundays in the offseason, they’re your chance to enjoy hands-on instruction, delicious fare, recipes and fun with fellow foodies. ozzymoose.com
November 7
SML Chili Festival
Enjoy chili tastings, live music, artisan vendors and fall foliage at this family-friendly lakeside festival at Bridgewater Plaza. Gates open at 11 a.m., with tastings from noon to 2 p.m. visitsmithmountainlake.com
October-March
Cooking With Bruno
Sharpen your culinary skills with popular chefs Bruno Silva and Lauren Sanders at Tiff’s Lakefront at Mariners Landing. Held on select Sundays in the offseason, they’re your chance to enjoy hands-on instruction, delicious fare, recipes and fun with fellow foodies.
Nov. 1, 2025
SML Chili Festival
Enjoy chili tastings, live music, artisan vendors and fall foliage at this family-friendly lakeside festival at Bridgewater Plaza. Gates open at 11 a.m., with tastings from noon to 2 p.m.
Andie Gibson
CO-PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Andie has been covering Smith Mountain Lake since 2000 for a variety of publications, including the SML Visitor and Newcomer Guide, SML HOME Magazine, The Roanoker and Life Outside. As a partner in G&C Ventures, LLC, she oversees all content for our suite of websites, including Smith-Mountain-Lake.com and LakeLubbers.com.
