Mark your calendars, cheese lovers! The 8th Annual Austin Mac & Grilled Cheese Festival is back, and this year, it’s going to be bigger, cheesier, and tastier than ever. Hosted by the crew here at Austin Food Magazine and our partners at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this iconic festival is set to take place at a brand-new location—Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, TX—on Sunday, November 17th, 2024. Prepare yourself for an ooey-gooey, flavor-packed day of indulgence!
Some of Austin’s top chefs, restaurants, and food trucks will be competing to create the most mouth-watering mac & cheese and grilled cheese dishes you’ve ever tasted. Each team will be vying for the coveted Championship Belt, and you get to be the judge, sampling innovative takes on cheesy classics with unexpected twists.
This year, things are heating up with a special Mardi Gras theme! Expect to see a Cajun twist on your favorite comfort foods, as chefs spice up their creations with Louisiana-inspired flavors. Feel free to join in the fun by dressing in your best Mardi Gras colors, or just come ready to eat your way through cheesy offerings.
2024 Festival Line-up:
We’ve gathered a star-studded lineup of local favorites to showcase their best cheesy creations, including:
- Moonshine Grill
- Huckleberry
- Uptown Sports Club
- Industry Austin
- Original Black’s Barbecue
- Follie Pops – Chef Kevin De’Andrea
- Austin’s Rotisserie
- MAC’s Mac & Cheese Cafe
- Rogues Over the Top Pierogi
- Schulze’s Pit Room (Bill Dumas)
- The Victory Tap
- The Vegan Nom
- The Pretty Farmer
- Trudy’s Tex-Mex
- TLC Austin
- Rollin Smoke BBQ
- Pig Pen BBQ
- Kurty’s Cookies
- Highland Ice Cream
- Antonelli’s Cheese (VIP)
- Auguste Escoffier Culinary School (VIP)
For those with a sweet tooth, dessert options will be plentiful, thanks to Kurty’s Cookies and Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream.
Sip & Savor
The festival wouldn’t be complete without a few refreshing beverages. Attendees can enjoy local wines, craft beers, and premium spirits from Dulce Vida Tequila, Misunderstood Whiskey, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Infamous Brewing, and others. There’s also non-alcoholic bevies for everyone else. It’s the perfect way to wash down all those cheesy bites!
VIP Experience
Want an elevated festival experience? VIP ticket holders get exclusive early access starting at 11 AM, allowing them to beat the crowds and enjoy additional tastings, snacks and sweet treats in the VIP lounge—brought to you by Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, November 17th, 2024
- Location: Star Hill Ranch, Bee Cave, TX
- VIP Hour: 11:00 AM
- General Admission: 12:00 PM
Ticket Prices:
- General Admission: $55 (plus tax and fees) – Includes unlimited tastings and drink pairings.
- VIP Admission: $100 (plus tax and fees) – Early access at 11:00 AM, exclusive tastings, and VIP lounge access.
- Children’s Admission: $25 (ages 4-10)
Tickets are expected to sell out fast, so secure yours today at Austin Mac & Cheese Festival Tickets.
Why You Should Attend
Whether you’re a mac & cheese connoisseur, a grilled cheese enthusiast, or simply want to support the fun side of Austin’s food scene, there’s something here for everyone. Plus, you’ll be helping a good cause, as this year’s festival supports Chive Charities, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting underserved veterans, military families, first responders, and individuals with rare medical conditions.
Grab your tickets, put on your Mardi Gras best, and get ready for the cheesiest showdown of the year at the Austin Mac & Grilled Cheese Festival!
For more details, visit macncheesetour.com and follow along on Instagram at @macncheesefest and @austinfoodmagazine.