Downtown Coeur d’Alene is ready to host the 2025 Mac & Cheese Festival, a celebration of comfort food, culinary creativity and community! This year’s event promises to be bigger and cheesier than ever, featuring more than 20 mouthwatering variations of everyone’s favorite comfort dish crafted by local chefs.

Ticketholders can choose from two tasting sessions: lunch from 11am to 1pm or dinner from 2 to 4pm. Check-in begins at the Plaza Shops (210 East Sherman Avenue), where attendees will receive tasting passports, tickets, and optional glassware for beer pairings.

Adding to the excitement, chefs will compete for the prestigious Golden Noodle Award, judged by an esteemed panel of experts. This year’s judges include Aaron Fish, executive head chef of the Eat Good Group and former Chopped participant; Keith Boe, founder of North Idaho Cuisine and North Idaho Life, chef and restaurateur; Kris Kilduff, professional food writer and critic, and contributor of Eater.com; Larry Phelps, former two-time Mac & Cheese Festival People’s Choice Trophy recipient and touring chef for Pink, Tyler Childers, Korn, and Pearl Jam; Ryan ‘Mac,’ two-time Golden Noodle Award recipient and current restaurant consultant for Sysco Foods; and Mark Robitaille, executive director of the Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitors Bureau and vital advocate for North Idaho’s culinary culture.

Whether you’re a mac and cheese connoisseur or simply looking for a fun, flavorful day out, this festival offers something special. Don’t miss your chance to experience Coeur d’Alene’s finest comfort food and witness the crowning of this year’s mac and cheese champion!

Please note, this year’s event is SOLD OUT, but another great tasting event is coming in February. The Chocolate Affair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8. Ticket-holders will enjoy 16 bite-sized gourmet chocolate treat tasters, with the option to add wine tastings to create the perfect pairing! Find out more and purchase tickets at CdADowntown.com.