Taste Tickets

10th Anniversary Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown

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

The Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown is Cleveland’s original mac ’n’ cheese festival — and in its 10th year, it’s bigger, bolder, and cheesier than ever.

From noon to 3:30 PM, guests enjoy all-you-can-eat mac ’n’ cheese tastings from some of the region’s most loved chefs, restaurants, and returning champions. Each competitor brings their own spin on the ultimate comfort food, battling it out in Classic and Modern categories while guests vote for the coveted People’s Choice Award.

But this isn’t just a food festival — it’s a fundraiser.

Every ticket sold supports W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, a Northeast Ohio nonprofit providing mobility and autism service dogs to children with disabilities. Proceeds from the event help fund service dog training, placement, and early intervention programs that change lives for kids and families across our community.

Can’t-Miss Moments

• Mac v. Mac — a head-to-head mac ’n’ cheese eating showdown where brave competitors take on the ultimate bowl of comfort food, live and in front of the crowd
• Best Dressed Mac — come dressed cheesy and compete for bragging rights and prizes
• Judge’s Choice & People’s Choice Awards — taste, vote, and help crown the best mac ’n’ cheese of the day
• Live edible art & interactive experiences
• Local merchandisers and makers
• Awards ceremony celebrating both culinary excellence and a decade of impact

The event is family-friendly, ADA-accessible, and designed for guests of all ages to enjoy — whether you’re here for the food, the fun, or the cause.

Come hungry. Leave happy.
Every bite helps a child gain independence.