10th Annual Celebration | Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The Madison | 4601 Payne Ave, Cleveland, OH 44103 ● Map It

Now in its 10th year, the Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown is one of Cleveland’s most anticipated culinary festivals, bringing together more than 20 of the region’s top restaurants and food trucks. Each participating vendor puts their own unique spin on mac and cheese—offering bold, unexpected, and delicious takes on the classic comfort dish.

Guests are invited to taste as many varieties as they like, then vote by text for the People’s Choice Award across multiple categories. A panel of local food experts will also select their favorites and crown the overall winner.

The event features four hours of live music on the Front St Social Stage and a full-service bar with beverages sponsored by Coca-Cola, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jim Beam, and Rhinegeist Brewery. Local artisans and food makers will also be on-site, offering a curated marketplace of handcrafted goods and regional specialties.

The Throwdown is ADA-accessible and family friendly, making it an inclusive celebration for all ages.

Presented by FirstEnergy and SMART Local #33, the Mac 'n' Cheese Throwdown is more than a food festival—it’s a fundraiser. Proceeds benefit W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, a local nonprofit providing mobility, autism, and mental health service dogs for children across Northeast and Central Ohio. Remaining food from the event is donated to The Ed Keating Center to support those in recovery.