If you’re ready for a cheesy good time, mark your calendar for the Columbus Mac & Cheese Festival! Returning for its eighth year, this festival isn’t just about indulging in creamy, gooey mac and cheese—it’s also about supporting a great cause.
Proceeds from the event benefit the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) cancer program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James).
This year’s event is happening on Friday, September 26, from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at The Yard at Easton Town Center (3989 Merchants Row, Columbus, OH 43219). The Yard is Easton’s newest district, tucked away near Macy’s and Nordstrom. With easy access to the Worth Ave. Parking Garage, you won’t have to stress about finding a spot before diving into all that cheesy goodness.
Tickets are now available, and there’s something for everyone:
Tickets start at $25 for adults and $10 for kids, with prices going up after August 22. VIP passes (with bonus bites and drinks on The Beeline patio) start at $100. Family Four Packs are also available, but only in advance. All tickets include mac samples from every vendor—just grab your drinks separately.
Good food for a good cause
The festival, hosted by the NextGen James Ambassadors Society and Easton Community Foundation, features mac and cheese from some of Central Ohio’s favorite spots. With live entertainment, a kid zone, giveaways, and more, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained while you eat your way through the fest.
In 2024, the festival raised more than $75,000, bringing the total donations over the years to over $486,000. These funds have made a real impact—from hosting a national oncofertility conference to funding social opportunities for young cancer survivors, creating multiple research studies, and even outfitting the family room at The James with gaming consoles for patients and their loved ones.
If you’re ready to dive into some mac and cheese and support a worthy cause, don’t miss out on this year’s festival. You can get more info, or purchase your tickets right here.
