Cheese Fest 2026

Start: Saturday, June 6, 2026 10:00AM
End: Saturday, June 6, 2026 11:30PM

Register for Classes and Workshops HERE: https://www.dairyguildofmichigan.com/collections/events Mozzarella Workshop Master the art of hand-stretched mozzarella! Our expert staff will demonstrate how to craft this satisfyingly simple cheese from local milk and a handful of basic ingredients. In addition to the mozzarella you make in class, you’ll take home a rock-solid, repeatable recipe for home production. Cheese Tasting 101 Join expert cheese mongers as you navigate a deliciously curated collection of cheese representing several distinct styles. As you taste your way through this exquisite array, you’ll learn the basics of cheese-making, the art of affinage, and develop key tasting skills that will enhance your appreciation of cheese for the rest of your life. Chocolate & Cheese Pairing Discover the flavor adventure of chocolate and cheese pairings. Fermentation at its finest, representatives from Grocer's Daughter will teach you which chocolate pairs best with different varieties of cheeses. Cider and Cheese Pairing Learn the art of pairing local hard cider and cheeses with experts from Leelanau Cheese Company and Tandem Ciders. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. Ice Cream 101 Happiness is just a scoop away this June 6th as ice cream experts Josh and Gary from Leelanau Cheese Company explore the science and flavors of this frozen dairy delight. Fromage Blanc Workshop Learn firsthand from our Cheesemakers how we make our delicious cheese spreads! You will be guided through the cheese-making process, learning the science of what makes this cheese special and how it comes together. You will be shown how to create your own flavor from a variety of mix-ins, or make any of our signature flavors with your own twist! The Fromage you mix in class will be yours to take home to share with family and friends. Limited space. Black Star Farm Wine and Cheese Pairing Learn the art of pairing local wine with Michigan-made cheeses with cheese and wine experts from Leelanau Cheese Co and Black Star Farms Winery. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. Black Star Farm Wine and Cheese Pairing Learn the art of pairing local wine with Michigan-made cheeses with cheese and wine experts from Leelanau Cheese Co and Black Star Farms Winery. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. MAWBY Sparkling Wine & Cheese Pairing Learn the art of pairing local wine with Michigan-made cheeses with cheese and wine experts from Leelanau Cheese Co and MAWBY Winery. This is a FREE event, but space is limited. Kids Crafts Enjoy some cheesy crafting with our friends from MSU Extension! Petting Zoo: 2 pm-4 pm Come, pet, and enjoy some furry and feathered friends provided by our local 4H group! The group will also be selling goodies to raise money for their club. Face Painting: 2 pm-4 pm It isn't a festival without face painting! Kids and adults alike can join in the fun. Kids STEM Activity Your little curd nerd will get a hands-on cheesy experience with the help of our very own cheesemakers! Cheese Olympics Starting at 10 am, participate in the Cheese Throw, Cheese Curling, and more to win cheesy prizes all day! Donations for participation are appreciated! All donations will go to The Michigan Cheese and Dairy Guild Cheese Cave Tours Get an inside look at the cheese-making process through a guided tour of our creamery and cheese cave. Tours will start every 30 mins throughout the day Cheese Market From 2:00-4:00 pm,, peruse and purchase cheese, dairy, and cheese-related goodies from local farmers, artists, and vendors. Meet the Cheesemaker Gather fireside to end the perfect cheesy day. Chat with local cheesemakers and dairy farmers to learn the rich history of Michigan cheesemaking. SMOOthie Bike Bike n blend your very own smoothie! Daisy the Cow Daisy, the 10ft MMPA Cow, will be joining the cheesy celebrations! Make sure to get a picture with her! FREE Cheese Samples Taste samples of Michigan-made cheeses throughout the day provided by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan.