The Hudson Valley Mac & Cheese Festival is celebrating a major milestone this year—its 10th anniversary—with its biggest, boldest, and most indulgent event yet. Set for May 2, 2026, at Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville, NY, the festival promises a full day of flavor, music, and community, with VIP entry beginning at 11:30 a.m.
A decade after it first melted hearts (and plenty of cheese), the festival has cemented itself as the ultimate comfort food experience in the region, drawing food lovers from across New York and beyond. This year’s celebration comes with serious bragging rights. Recognized multiple times by Hudson Valley Magazine as having the “Best Mac & Cheese” in the region—five times, no less—the festival was recently elevated to “Best of the Best” in Upstate New York.
At the heart of the event is, of course, the mac and cheese itself. More than a dozen top-tier creators—over 12 vendors in total—will compete for the coveted title of “Best Mac.” Each brings their own twist to the classic dish, from rich, traditional recipes to inventive, boundary-pushing creations. In a first for the festival, vegan-friendly mac and cheese options will also be available, ensuring even more guests can indulge.
But the experience goes far beyond pasta. Organizers have expanded the menu to include empanadas, burgers, pizza, pasta, and other non-pasta options, creating a diverse culinary showcase. Whether guests come for the cheese or the variety, there’s something for every taste.
Entertainment Lineup
The entertainment lineup is going to blow off the roof. Leading the charge is KISS Alive NYC—New York City’s wildest, most hardcore KISS tribute band, crowned Best Tribute Band and known for melting faces with their legendary live shows.
Their explosive performance will unleash pure rock-and-roll chaos, cranking the adrenaline to eleven.
And if you’re ready for thrills, horror master Russell W Dickson will be on site, signing copies of his chilling new bestseller, The Leather Man’s Curse. Snap up your copy—available on Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com, and 40+ platforms—and meet the author who’s redefining the genre with raw, spine-tingling tales.
This festival doesn’t just happen—it’s fueled by powerhouse sponsors who bring serious swagger to the event. Jarritos, the official soft drink, MisterSolarguy.com, Stella Artois, iHeartMedia, and Brotherhood Winery crank the energy up, transforming this cheesy blowout into one of the Hudson Valley’s most legendary annual parties.
Ten Years of Mac & Cheese Festival
After ten years, the Hudson Valley Mac & Cheese Festival has grown into more than just a food event—it’s a beloved tradition. With its largest and most diverse lineup to date, this anniversary edition reflects both its evolution and its continued commitment to delivering a one-of-a-kind experience.
From gooey classics to bold new creations, from live music to sweet treats, the message is simple and irresistible: eat, drink, and get cheesy.
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