Throughout the day, enjoy a carefully curated selection of Maine food trucks alongside opportunities to sample and purchase Maine craft beverages—perfect for discovering your next favorite pairing.
Every ticket includes an insulated festival goody bag with a reusable gel pack, making it easy to keep your cheese purchases fresh while you explore.
Festival entertainment features live performances by acclaimed Maine singer-songwriters Sigrid Sibley (11am – 1pm), Rough Sawn band (1-3pm), as well as a performance from Jud Caswell (3-5pm) providing the perfect soundtrack for a day celebrating Maine’s food, farms, and makers.
Explore a full schedule of educational demonstrations and interactive presentations, including:
- 11:30 AM (30 mins) Fresh Ricotta: A Live Cheesemaking Demo with Jean Koons, Maine Cheese Guild President, featuring a step-by-step demonstration of crafting fresh ricotta and tips for making it at home.
- 12:15 PM (30 – 40 mins) Melted Magic: A Maine Fondue Experience, showcasing how to create rich, flavorful fondue using Lakin’s Gorges Cheese. Presented by Allison Lakin of East Forty Farm and Lakin’s Gorges Cheese.
- 1:00 PM (30 mins)The Great Maine Cheese Swap, a fun discussion comparing iconic international cheeses with exceptional Maine-made alternatives that may become your new favorites.
- 1:45 PM (30 mins) Fresh Ricotta: A Live Cheesemaking Demo with Jean Koons, Maine Cheese Guild President, featuring a step-by-step demonstration of crafting fresh ricotta and tips for making it at home.
- 2:30 PM (45 mins) What Does It Take to Have a Creamery in Maine? An open conversation with Maine cheesemakers about starting and operating a creamery, caring for animals, producing artisan cheese, and building a successful farm business. Moderated by Holly Aker, founder of Aker Strategy and Local Goods Gathered featuring Fuzzy Udder Creamery and Oaklands Farm.
Enjoy the limited-ticket Unexpected Pairings Tasting Experience at 3:30 p.m. then celebrate with the announcement of the 2026 Maine Cheese Competition winners.
Families will enjoy the Children’s Pavilion with the Maine Dairy Promotion Board. With the presentation, “Cows’ Superpower”, a fascinating look at the science, care, and the farm-to-table journey behind every glass of milk and bite of cheese. Plus a popular LIVE CALVES EXHIBIT.
At 12:30pm, join farmer and author, Hope Hall co-owner of Sunflower Farm Creamery to read aloud her charming children’s books ‘Midnight Tea Party’ and ‘Sweet Pea is Free’.
Whether you’re meeting Maine’s cheesemakers, sampling award-winning cheeses, learning new culinary skills, discovering local beverages, or simply enjoying a memorable day with family and friends, the Maine Cheese Festival delivers an unforgettable celebration of Maine’s vibrant cheese community.
