Get your forks ready, Peterborough! One of downtown’s most mouth-watering events is back for 2025 — and it’s bigger, cheesier, and more exciting than ever. From April 1 to 26, the award-winning Mac & Cheese Festival is returning to the heart of the city, bringing comfort food fans on a delicious adventure through 17 participating restaurants.
Organized by the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), this fourth edition of the festival is introducing some exciting new features, including a Grand Finale Celebration at Quaker Foods City Square and a Judge’s Choice Award to crown the city’s top cheesy creation.
A Month-Long Celebration of Comfort Food
The festival kicks off April 1st, and for nearly four weeks, downtown restaurants will serve up creative and crave-worthy mac & cheese specials. From homestyle classics to gourmet reimaginings, each dish is an ode to one of the world’s favourite comfort foods.
Returning to defend its cheesy crown is The Vine, winner of the 2023 festival. This year, they’re serving a fiery fan favourite: jalapeño popper mac & cheese.
“We figured why settle for just one cheesy guilty pleasure when you can have two?” says The Vine’s owner Tyrone Flowers. “It’s rich, creamy, packed with flavour, and has just the right amount of heat.”
Also on the menu? Bold twists like The Dirty Burger’s mac & cheeseburger samosa, and The Boardwalk Game Lounge’s French onion mac & cheese, dreamed up by owners Connor and Dylan Reinhart.
New for 2025: The Grand Finale Celebration
This year’s biggest addition is a festival-closing event on Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Quaker Foods City Square (Charlotte Street). Expect a full day of food, fun, and flavour with:
Live performances by Jeanne Truax, Warren Frank, Brooklyn Doran, and VanCamp
A beer garden on the rink pad, featuring local faves like 100 Acre Brewing Co., Sandbagger Hard Seltzer, and Maple Light
Vendor booths, entertainment for all ages, and of course — mac & cheese galore
“The Mac & Cheese Festival is a fantastic way to showcase the culinary talent of our downtown restaurants,” says DBIA executive director Nour Mazloum. “It’s a great way to support local businesses and kick off spring with a full day of food, music, and community fun.”
Two Ways to Win
In addition to the fan-favourite People’s Choice Award — voted on by diners online starting April 1 at theboro.ca — this year also introduces the Judge’s Choice Award, where a panel of local celebrity judges will select the ultimate cheesy champ during the grand finale.
Whether you're a diehard cheese fan or just love trying new things, the Mac & Cheese Festival is your chance to explore some of Peterborough’s best eats — one bite at a time.
Mark Your Calendar: 📅 April 1–26, 2025 – Mac & Cheese dishes at 17 downtown restaurants
🎉 April 26, 2025 (11am–7pm) – Grand Finale at Quaker Foods City Square
🧀 Online Voting Opens April 1 – Cast your vote for the People’s Choice!
More info and full list of participating restaurants available at theboro.ca.
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