The Mac N Cheese Throwdown

10th Annual Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown

A Decade of Delicious. A Decade of Doing Good for Kids in Need.

Saturday, March 7, 2026
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
TENK West Bank | Cleveland, OH

Cleveland’s original mac ’n’ cheese festival returns for its milestone 10th Anniversary—bigger, bolder, and cheesier than ever.

Join W.A.G.S. 4 Kids for the Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown, a family-friendly, all-access food festival celebrating comfort food, creativity, and community impact. Featuring 15–20 of Northeast Ohio’s top mac ’n’ cheese chefs and restaurants, this year’s Throwdown brings together champion veterans of the competition alongside new challengers, all serving their most crave-worthy mac ’n’ cheese creations—included with admission.

From first bite to final vote, guests enjoy a full afternoon of food, music, and interactive fun—all while supporting a powerful local cause.

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What to Expect

• 15–20 mac ’n’ cheese chefs and restaurants

• All-you-can-eat tastings included with admission

• People’s Choice voting via text

• Judge’s Choice blind tastings during the event

• Live music throughout the afternoon on the Front St Social Stage

• Interactive activities and crowd-fueled moments

• A curated local marketplace featuring merchandisers, makers, and edible art

• Family-friendly, ADA-accessible venue

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Can’t-Miss Moments

• Man v. Mac — a live, head-to-head mac ’n’ cheese eating showdown where brave competitors take on the ultimate bowl of comfort food in front of the crowd

• Best Dressed Mac — come cheesy, compete for bragging rights and prizes

• Judge’s Choice & People’s Choice Awards — taste, vote, and help crown the best mac ’n’ cheese of the day

• Live edible art & interactive experiences

• Local merchandisers and makers

• Awards ceremony celebrating both culinary excellence and a decade of impact

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Ticket Options

General Admission
Includes event entry, unlimited mac ’n’ cheese tastings, and access to People’s Choice voting.

VIP Admission
Includes premium access, open bar, and an exclusive lounge area.

Kids 5 & Under
Free with a ticketed adult.

Quantities are limited. This event traditionally sells out—early purchase is strongly encouraged.

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Why It Matters

The Mac ’n’ Cheese Throwdown isn’t just a food festival—it’s a fundraiser.

All proceeds benefit Working Animals Giving Service for Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids), a Northeast Ohio nonprofit providing mobility, autism, and mental health service dogs to children with disabilities. Proceeds help fund service dog training, placement, and early intervention programs that change lives for kids and families across our community.

Remaining food from the event is donated to The Ed Keating Center in support of individuals in recovery.

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Know Before You Go

• On-site event parking is available for $20
  Limited to 100 spaces, first come, first served

• Alternate lot and free street parking available nearby (where permitted)

• Other events in the area may increase parking demand — please plan ahead

• Rain or shine event

• No pets permitted (trained service animals always welcome)

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Come hungry. Leave happy.
Every bite helps a child gain independence.

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Questions?

For sponsorship or vendor inquiries: info@wags4kids.com

Follow us on social media: @wags.4.kids and @macncheesethrowdown