Event Schedule

10th Anniversary Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown

A Decade of Delicious. A Decade of Doing Good for Kids in Need.

Saturday, March 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
TENK West Bank | Cleveland, OH

From first bite to final vote, here’s how the day unfolds.

12:00 PM – Doors Open

• All-you-can-eat mac ’n’ cheese tastings begin
• Vendor booths open
• Local maker marketplace opens
• People’s Choice voting opens (Text MAC to 66866)

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Judge’s Choice Tastings

• A panel of judges conducts blind tastings in the Classic Mac and Modern Mac categories
• Judging takes place during the event while guests continue to taste and explore

1:00 PM | Mac v. Mac – Midday Challenge

• The first live Mac v. Mac showdown hits the floor
• Brave competitors go head-to-head in a mac ’n’ cheese eating challenge
• Crowd reactions encouraged

2:30 PM | Mac v. Mac – Last Bite Challenge

• The headline Mac v. Mac moment of the day. Final competitors battle for the title of Mac v. Mac Champion – 2026

3:30 PM – People’s Choice Voting Closes

• Final chance to cast your vote by text
• Tallies are locked for awards

3:35 PM – Awards Ceremony

Join us as we celebrate the chefs, creativity, and community that define the Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown, with awards presented across the following categories:

Competition Awards

• Judge’s Choice – Classic Mac
• Judge’s Choice – Modern Mac
• People’s Choice Award

Heritage & Culture Awards

• Golden Noodle – Rising Chef Award
• Heavyweight Mac Champion – Veteran Award
• Best Dressed Mac
• Chef’s Choice Legacy Award

10th Anniversary Honor

• The Mac Legacy Award (10th Anniversary Edition)

Know Before You Go

• Tastings and activities run continuously throughout the event
• Voting is open from 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
• Schedules are designed to keep guests tasting, watching, and participating all afternoon