April 1 - April 25
Get ready Peterborough…. Something super cheesy has melted into The Boro.
Our beloved Mac and Cheese Festival is back for 2026 and trust us, you’re NOT going to want to miss out (would you recover from the FOMO? we highly doubt it). The chefs of Peterborough have brought their A-Game and it’s up to you to help crown this year’s winner! Festival voting runs until April 25th. Click HERE to vote!
From April 1-25, 18 restaurants downtown are serving up melty, gooey, comfort-food dreams from comforting classics to over-the-top creations and bold + unexpected twists, this year’s festival highlights the range and imagination of Peterborough’s culinary scene.
THE GRAND FINALE IS ALMOST HERE!
Join us for the Mac & Cheese Festival Grand Finale on April 25 at Quaker Square (215 Charlotte St) from 11AM–3PM for one epic celebration of comfort food, creativity, and community.
- Live music all afternoon
- Bold, unexpected mac & cheese creations from local vendors
- Family-friendly fun
- Fully licensed event
- Photo booth by Seven Events + sticker/tattoo station
Whether you like it classic, loaded, crispy, or wildly creative….. there’s a bowl (and a vibe) with your name on it.
👉 Don’t miss the ultimate cheesy showdown!
Click here for all the details!
Click here to see what’s on the menu and VOTE for this year’s Big Cheese!
Follow us on instagram for the latest updates!
Who's Involved
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Agave by Imperial
Mac Pastor Creamy house-made mac & cheese gets a bold twist with tender pork belly carnitas, tangy pickled red onions, and sweet jalapeños, all drizzled with Agave's signature Al Pastor BBQ sauce. It’s comfort food with a fiesta of flavour in every bite.
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By the Bridge
BBQ Jack and Mac (VEGAN) Creamy sauce, crunchy veggies and elbow-y macaroni topped with sweet, smokey and spicy BBQ jackfruit.
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Cork & Bean
The Mac and Merlot A rich cabernet merlot reduction is folded into aged cheddar, creating a velvety, deeply savoury cheese sauce. Tossed with spiral noodles for the perfect bite, this is comfort food with a bold, elevated twist.
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La Mesita Mexican Restaurant
Mexican Street Corn Mac and Cheese The perfect marriage made in Mac & Cheese heaven! Mexican street corn combined with a super cheesy Mac! A little heat, a little corn, A LOT of cheese and soooo much flavour!
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LóLa Cakes and Coffee
Mac and Biscoff Tiramisu A sweet twist you didn’t see coming. It’s unexpected, addictive and the twist you didn’t know you needed. This Biscoff tiramisu features layers of creamy indulgence with a playful addition of macaroni noodles. A unique texture and a whole lot of delicious.
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Love You, Mean It
The Steakhouse Mac A decadent three-cheese mac layered with gorgonzola, mozzarella, and white cheddar, crowned with crispy brown butter panko, shallots, and garlic. Topped with a tender 10 oz striploin and rich buffalo compound butter—this is mac and cheese, dialled up to the max .... steakhouse style.
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McThirsty's Pint
McThirsty's traditional Mac is Comfort food at its finest. Tender noodles smothered in a rich three-cheese cream sauce, loaded with crispy bacon and extra cheesy goodness. Baked to perfection with a golden, seasoned crust and served alongside warm garlic bread, this is indulgence you won’t want to share.
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Sam's Place
The Ultimate Comfort Smoky BBQ beef brisket, sharp aged cheddar, and creamy smoked Gouda baked into mac & cheese, then grilled to golden perfection on hearty 12-grain bread. Pure comfort in every bite.
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The Boardwalk Board Game Lounge
The Mac-Cuterie A shareable Mac experience! Honey-rosemary béchamel, gooey gouda, aged cheddar & mozzarella, topped with salami, goat cheese, candied pumpkin seeds, apple, marinated olives, and served with garlic crostini. Like a charcuterie board, but cheesier!
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Railyard Café
Baked to cheesy perfection Rich, melty, and utterly irresistible. Take it to the next level with savory BBQ pulled pork!
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The Vine
Crab Rangoon Mac & Cheese Creamy, indulgent mac loaded with sweet crab and rich cheese, finished with crispy toasted panko and a drizzle of sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet-and-savory kick! Mac & No Cheeze (Plant-Based) All the comfort, none of the dairy. This ultra-creamy plant-based mac delivers bold, cheesy flavour with a smooth, satisfying finish.
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Turnbull Cafe
The French Onion Maple Mac! A symphony of rich, creamy perfection. Each forkful delivers layers of bold flavour: golden crispy onions add delightful texture, while the aromatic herbed panko crumble provides the perfect crunchy contrast. Finished off with a luxurious rustic balsamic maple glaze that captures the essence of authentic French Canadian tradition. Turnbull Cafe was the crowned winner at last years Grand Finale Event .. can they hold the title again?
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The Back 40 Smokehouse
Smoked Sweet Whiskey Heat Mac and Cheese Sweet, smoky, and packing a gentle kick. This mac is made with rich queso and house hot sauce, then slow-smoked for deep flavour and topped with crispy onions for the perfect crunch.
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Dreams of Beans
Dreamy Mac and Cheese! You can’t beat a classic. Creamy béchamel, savoury garlic, and smooth white cheddar come together in this perfectly balanced, ultra-comforting mac & cheese. Simple, classic, and seriously dreamy.
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St. Veronus Cafe & Taproom
Creamy house-made Chimay Red cheddar & Gouda sauce, tossed with sautéed pearl onions and fresh herbs, then crowned with crispy fried leeks and a drizzle of curried ketchup. Complex, indulgent, and full of flavor.
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Ashburnham Alehouse
Mac of the Day - Rotating Daily! Ashburnham Ale House has taken the Mac and Cheese challenge to the next level with a new Mac to try every day of the week. Pop in to see what's on the menu!
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Pappas Billiards
Pappas Greek Mac and Cheese Creamy mac loaded with tangy feta, briny olives, and a sprinkle of fragrant oregano. A Mediterranean twist on cheesy comfort!
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