Hudson Valley Mac & Cheese Festival Celebrates 10th Anniversary
- Cheese Festival is scheduled to celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 2, 2026, in Washingtonville, New York, United States.
- The 2026 celebration is described as the largest and most indulgent iteration of the festival to date.
- A central feature of the festival is the competition for the title of Best Mac.
The Hudson Valley Mac &. Cheese Festival is scheduled to celebrate its 10th anniversary on May 2, 2026, in Washingtonville, New York, United States. The event will take place at the Brotherhood Winery, which is recognized as America’s oldest winery, having been established in 1839.
The 2026 celebration is described as the largest and most indulgent iteration of the festival to date. The event is organized by Famous Food Events and will be hosted on the grounds of the historic Brotherhood Winery, where guests can explore the Wine Village and shop from local vendors.
Culinary Competition and Accolades
A central feature of the festival is the competition for the title of Best Mac
. More than 12 top-tier creators will compete for the award, presenting a range of dishes that span from traditional recipes to inventive creations.
The festival has received significant regional recognition over the last decade. Hudson Valley Magazine has named the event the Best Mac & Cheese
in the region on five separate occasions. The festival has been designated as the Best of the Best
in Upstate New York.
Expanded Menu and Vendor Offerings
For the 10th anniversary, organizers have expanded the culinary scope of the event. While mac and cheese remains the primary focus, the 2026 menu will include several non-pasta options to provide a more diverse showcase. These additions include:
- Burgers
- Pizza
- Empanadas
- Various other pasta dishes
In a first for the festival, vegan-friendly mac and cheese options will be available to guests. The event will feature over 50 of the region’s best food and general vendors throughout the winery property.
Entertainment and Performances
The anniversary event is themed as a rock and roll celebration. The entertainment lineup features a mix of country and rock music to accompany the food offerings.
Tayla Rees, a rising country star from the Hudson Valley, is scheduled to open the show. The headlining act will be KISS Alive NYC, a tribute band that has been recognized as the Best Tribute Band
and is known for high-energy live performances.
Ten years of cheese. Ten years of community. Ten years of unforgettable memories.
Eventbrite
Event Schedule and Logistics
The festival will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. General admission hours are set from 1 p.m. To 5 p.m. However, guests with VIP entry will be permitted to enter the grounds starting at 11:30 a.m.
The event is located at the Brotherhood Plaza Drive in Washingtonville, New York. Guests are encouraged to utilize the time to explore the historic grounds of the winery while sampling the various gourmet twists on classic comfort food.