Say Cheese with the Family at Wisconsin’s First Art of the Cheese Festival

While National Cheese Lovers Day may be every day in true fans’ hearts, the calendar day came and went Jan. 20. In honor of the blessed event, now seems as good a time as any to plan for Wisconsin’s first Art of Cheese Festival, hosted August 14–16, in Madison.

With most families, cheese is a uniting front in the culinary world. The kids love slices, strings and anything that melts, while adults can appreciate the sharper, drunken, goat, spicy and international varieties. No matter your flavor, this event has it in spades, but with a down-home American panache — and where better to celebrate than the home of the Cheeseheads?

As the name would suggest, the Art of Cheese Festival celebrates a variety of delicacies and the incredible effort that goes into creating them. Guests of all ages and palates can attend cheese-making classes, unique pairing tutorials and even how-to lessons on curating the ultimate cheeseboard.

Assorted cheese inside the Fromagination in Madison. Photo: Rtdeleon04 – Dreamstime.com

Take an exclusive cheesy bus tour visiting Wisconsin’s many dairy farms and world-renowned creameries with a slew of locals-only experiences. Between all the learning and behind-the-scenes experiences, don’t worry, there will be tastings — including an elevated four-course dining experience, prepared with local chefs in a stunning setting, all highlighting the region’s award-winning cheeses. The full lineup of participating restaurants will be announced closer to the event.

One aspect of the festival you can count on to fill your cheese cravings? The cheese fair will pop up downtown for a one-stop shop of all things Wisconsin cheese. Meet the makers, local farmers and creamers while tasting your way through the region’s finest cheese products.

What’s a cheese festival without a well-placed pun? Pack your dancing shoes for the Cheese Ball, featuring live music and entertainment amid more food (cheese-related, of course) and drinks. Dance and shake off some of that dreamy cheese from the weekend and send the festival off with a bang.

Keep an eye on the event’s website for ticket information, news and events being added to the calendar.

With more than 150 years of experience in the cheese-making industry, Wisconsin earned (and maintains) the moniker of the Cheese State for good reason. Bring the kids and see why this state is also known as America’s Dairyland, or head off on a quirky couple’s getaway. Either way, you won’t go hungry.