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(10th Annual)

Maine Cheese Festival

September 13th, 2026

What Is The

Maine Cheese

Festival?

It’s a celebration of Maine’s artisan cheesemakers, presented by the Maine Cheese Guild. Every year we gather to taste incredible cheeses, listen to live music, and sample beer, wine, craft beverages, and food from more than 65 vendors. Plus, you can watch the winners of the Maine Cheese Competition be crowned. Maine’s best cheeses and cheesemakers are here — you won’t want to miss it.

View the Full day's schedule

(MAIN STAGE)

  • 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Music performance by Sigrid Sibley
  • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Music performance by Rough Sawn Band
  • 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Music performance by Jud Caswell
  • - 2026 Maine Cheese Competition Winners Announced — Sponsored by Austin Associates (happening after the 3:30 PM Tasting Experience)

(EDUCATION TENT)
Sponsored by Bangor Savings Bank

  • 11:30 AM: Fresh Ricotta: A Live Cheesemaking Demo, Jean Koons, Maine Cheese Guild President
  • 12:15 PM: Melted Magic: A Maine Fondue Experience, presented by Allison Lakin of East Forty Farm and Lakin's Gorges Cheese
  • 1:00 PM: The Great Maine Cheese Swap
  • 1:45 PM: Fresh Ricotta: A Live Cheesemaking Demo (repeat), Jean Koons, Maine Cheese Guild President
  • 2:30 PM: What Does It Take to Have a Creamery in Maine?, moderated by Holly Aker (Aker Strategy / Local Goods Gathered), featuring Fuzzy Udder Creamery and Oaklands Farm
  • 3:30 PM: Unexpected Pairings Tasting Experience (limited tickets) A one-of-a-kind tasting experience featuring Maine-made cheeses alongside artisan foods, specialty products, and Maine craft beverages.

(CHILDREN'S PAVLLION)
Sponsored by: Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery

  • 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Presentation: "Cows' Superpower" with the Maine Dairy Promotion Board, plus a Live Calves Exhibit
  • 12:30 PM: Hope Hall, co-owner of Sunflower Farm Creamery — reading of "Midnight Tea Party" and "Sweet Pea is Free"

What To Expect

Taste cheeses crafted from cow, goat, sheep, and water buffalo milk, made by Maine’s best farms and creameries.

Stop for a drink at the wine and beer garden, taste the flavors of Maine at a food truck, and enjoy live music.

Cheeses from award-winners past and present will be available! Explore blue-ribbon flavors across every variety — and some you’ve never tried.

From cheesemaking demonstrations to industry panels, learn how it’s done from the experts.

Taste the cheese 
culture of Maine.

Join cheesemakers, cheese lovers, foodies, and those who just love a good time in the Pine Tree State.

Sponsors Make It Happen

Benefit

A voucher toward a meal
from the food truck
of your choice.

Benefit

A Maine Cheese Festival
insulated-cooler goody
bag and special volunteer 
t-shirt.

Benefit

A complimentary ticket to
the Maine Cheese Festival.