The Austin Mac and Cheese Festival marks its 10th year on November 15 with 20 participating kitchens, unlimited tastings and two championship belts up for grabs. Produced by Austin Food Magazine, this year’s Camp Mac and Cheese theme brings the competition to Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, with live music, camp activities and a menu that stretches into grilled cheese, barbecue and desserts.
Mac and cheese earns its own festival because the details matter. The macaroni needs to hold its shape. The sauce needs depth, not just richness. A topping should contribute something beyond looking good in a photograph. And when guests are tasting their way through a field of competitors, a memorable bite has to make its case quickly.
This year’s lineup puts that challenge to a broad mix of restaurants, caterers, bakeries and mobile kitchens. Industry Austin, JABS Burgers and Twin Isle join The Cavalier, Phoebe’s Diner, TLC Austin and East End Ballroom. Hattie B’s and Tumble 22 are also on the roster, alongside Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Knotty Deck and La Pera Catering.
The field continues with The Big Mack & Cheezy, Fourth’s Burgers, Jet’s Pizza, Redfin Mobile Kitchen and Smoky Trio. Sunfield Hand Pies, Teal House Bakery and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream round out a lineup that gives guests plenty to explore between mac and cheese tastings.
The individual festival dishes have yet to be detailed, but the range of participating kitchens is the draw. A restaurant’s everyday menu offers one introduction; asking its team to compete over a shared comfort food offers another. Guests can compare approaches side by side, discover a kitchen they haven’t visited and decide which deserves a return trip.
They also help decide who leaves with a belt. The People’s Choice championship belongs to the guests’ favorite, while a judging panel selects the Judges’ Choice winner. Both awards keep the food at the center of the afternoon, with every tasting doubling as a chance to size up the competition.
VIP admission adds an hour to that experience. Guests enter at 11 a.m. and receive exclusive bites from Jack Allen’s Kitchen, Picnic Bites and Co., and Salt Traders in the VIP Lounge before general admission begins at noon.
The beverage village includes Independence Brewing, Briggs Distillery, Dulce Vida Tequila, Brightside, Favorite Brands, Hyatt Lost Pines Resort, Minute Maid, Red Bull and Topo Chico. Offerings span craft beer, spirits, sparkling water, lemonade, soft drinks and energy drinks.
YETI, Made In and Outdoorsy join Buda Place RV Resort Park, Renewal by Andersen and Resort Vacations Inc as sponsors and partners for the camp-themed anniversary edition.
The 10th annual Austin Mac and Cheese Festival takes place Sunday, November 15, 2026, at Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave. VIP entry begins at 11 a.m., general admission opens at noon, and the festival ends at 3 p.m. Children ages 4 and under enter free. Tickets and additional information are available at macncheesetour.com.