A mac and cheese festival? Heaven really is a place on Earth.

Yes, please – America's favorite comfort food is getting its very own festival right here in Richmond! This fall, visitors can sample dozens of mac and cheese specialties from food vendors and then vote for their favorite one. The winner will reign supreme with the title of "Best Mac and Cheese in Richmond" and a $500 prize!

Plus, you get to eat lots of mac and cheese. Who wouldn't be cheesin' after eating gooey mac and cheese all afternoon?

mac and cheese from baltimore mac and cheese festival

Courtesy of Facebook

WHEN: Saturday, October 12, 2019 | 12:30-3:30 p.m. and 5:30-8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Old Dominion Building | Richmond Raceway Complex, 600 E. Laburnum Avenue, Richmond, VA
TICKETS: $20 for advance "just entry" | $40 for advance general admission | $55 for advance VIP experience

All tickets are sold in sessions, so you'll need to pick a time slot. You can choose between 12:30-3:30 p.m. or 5:30-8:30 p.m., with VIP guests getting in a half-hour early. Three different ticket options await you, so pick the best experience for yourself!

"Just entry" tickets are $20 in advance and include access to a la carte concessions and live entertainment.

General admission tickets are $40 in advance. They include 10 mac and cheese tickets, a full-sized drink of your choice (beer, wine, soda, or cocktail), and access to live entertainment.

VIP tickets are $55 in advance. Along with 10 mac and cheese tickets, VIP ticket-holders will receive early access to the festival, two full-sized drinks, and access to a Private VIP Area.

courtesy of richmond mac and cheese festival

Courtesy of Richmond Mac and Cheese Festival

Here are some other things to know before you go:

  • This event is rain or shine.
  • You must present a valid ID upon entry.
  • Children are allowed, and those under 12 receive free admission – though keep in mind there won't be any kid-exclusive entertainment.
  • Parking is available at the event site. Taking an Uber or Lyft? Type in "Old Dominion Building at Richmond Raceway Complex" to ensure you reach the correct destination. 

We know this event will sell out fast, so grab your tickets today! You can buy them here.

Any Richmonders excited for this mac and cheese festival? Tell us if you'll be going in the comments!

Brianna Persons
Brianna is an Oregon native who made her home in the DMV over two years ago. She loves scouting out new restaurants and drooling over Van Gogh’s landscapes in the National Gallery’s East Building. When she isn’t writing for Our Community Now, she’s tackling short fiction and working her baking magic in the kitchen. She resides in Maryland with her husband Nick and their black cat Sable.
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