Join us in teeing off the 2025 Wisconsin Art of Cheese Festival with the inaugural Art of Cheese Open, a shotgun start tournament pairing cheese and golf enthusiasts with Wisconsin cheesemakers, and more. Held at The Oaks Golf Course, golfers can visit the Art of Cheese Clubhouse and Pro Shop, engage with golf-loving cheesemakers, and compete in cheese-themed hole competitions. The Open will conclude with a happy hour awards ceremony honoring those who had a gouda day on the greens. Register now for a grate day of golf!

Want to bring a guest? Companion tickets for the awards reception and happy hour are available for $75 each.

Price increases to $275 on June 2nd. 

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT & THE WAITLIST IS FULL.

This one-of-a-kind tour through Wisconsin's Driftless region features its unique combination of panoramic vistas, world-class cheesemaking, and storied architecture. Guests will visit Uplands Cheese to learn from Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker Andy Hatch, maker of the award-winning Pleasant Ridge Reserve. The journey continues to Riverview Terrace Café, where chef and host of PBS’s Wisconsin Foodie, Luke Zahm, will discuss the importance of place in crafting artisanal culinary masterpieces, drawing parallels between cheesemaking and Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural innovations. The experience concludes with a private tour of Taliesin, Wright's home and studio, showcasing a deeper appreciation for the region's artistry and heritage.

Please note: Unfortunately this event is not ADA accessible. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

Wine and cheese get all the headlines, but it’s hard to beat the bold and smooth flavors of bourbon and Wisconsin cheese. Attendees will begin with a sensory class taught by experts from the Center for Dairy Research to learn how to appreciate every aroma and flavor note. Next, we’ll take that knowledge to J. Henry & Sons for a guided tour and tasting with distinguished cheesemakers from around the state. The experience continues with a multi-course lunch prepared by James Beard Award-nominated Dan Fox of Madison’s celebrated Heritage Tavern. It promises to be an afternoon of refined tastes perfect for your new sensory skills. 

Please note: Transportation for this event is not ADA accessible, however tour locations are accessible if you are able to arrange your own transportation. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

Limit 4 tickets per person. Prices increases to $205 on June 2nd. 

Understanding the nuances of cheese and wine pairings, from the distinct flavors and aromas of the individual components to how those change and complement each other, enhances our appreciation of this classic match. The day starts with a sensory evaluation course taught by experts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Center for Dairy Research. We’ll take those lessons on a visit to the American Wine Project and have an expert-led pairing session. We’ll wrap up with a wine and cheese-themed lunch prepared by a renowned local chef.

Please note: Transportation for this event is not ADA accessible, however tour locations are accessible if you are able to arrange your own transportation. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

Limit 4 tickets per person. Price increases to $205 on June 2. 

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese in Waterloo, Wisconsin, is a family-owned farm and creamery, and proud producers of renewable energy.. Their milk is pumped directly into Crave Brothers’ cheesemaking facility, producing incredibly flavorful and award-winning cheese. We’ll tour and taste our way through the farm and creamery to see how they make their spectacular farmstead cheeses. Afterward, we’ll stop for lunch at a nearby retired and reclaimed Wisconsin dairy barn, where chef Evan Dannells from Madison’s Cadre will prepare a Wisconsin Cheese-inspired meal. 

Please note: Transportation for this event is not ADA accessible, however tour locations are accessible if you are able to arrange your own transportation. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

Limit 4 tickets per person. Price increases to $205 on June 2nd. 

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT & THE WAITLIST IS FULL.

Get ready for a delicious adventure as we take you on a tour of Milwaukee’s finest cheese spots. Our first stop will be an opportunity to sample and shop at Milwaukee’s Public Market. The day continues with a special lunch at EsterEv, crafted by Top Chef runner-up and James Beard Award-nominated chef Dan Jacobs, who will serve up globally inspired dishes that honor his Midwestern roots. Our last stop will be Hill Valley Dairy Creamery, where we’ll indulge in expertly paired cocktails, wine, and cheeses at their new Cheese Bar in Walker’s Point neighborhood. 

Please note: Transportation for this event is not ADA accessible, however tour locations are accessible if you are able to arrange your own transportation. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

The Wisconsin Cheese Ball: A Night in Lights will be the ultimate celebration of Wisconsin’s cheese culture. The weekend’s marquee event is the perfect opportunity to pay homage to Wisconsin’s Rock Stars as Wisconsin Cheese legends shine on the big stage. Dance, drink, and rock the night away at Madison’s glammiest, glitziest music venue, The Sylvee. Live music and entertainment, along with cheese experiences galore, make for an electrifying evening of legendary delights. With every note, your cheese dreams will come to life! 

The dress code is music gala glam with a generous side of cheese. Get your red carpet look ready to mingle, dance, and enjoy a whole lot of cheese.

Price increases to $185 on June 2nd. 

Kickstart your morning with the perfect trio of cheese, coffee, and chocolate. This one-of-a-kind experience blends the artistry of Wisconsin cheese with the rich flavors of coffee and chocolate as experts guide you through the art of pairing these delicious delights. 

Price increases to $60 on June 2nd. 

Learn the basics of pairing as well as crafting a Bloody Mary with a distinctive Wisconsin twist. Visionary cheesemonger Alisha Norris Jones, founder of Immortal Milk, and esteemed mixologist Brian Bartels come together to showcase why this remains a Wisconsin brunch staple. 

Price increases to $75 on June 2nd. 

Taking a bite of good cheddar is so much more than simply a mild-to-sharp experience. Flavorings, rubs, aging, and affinage all greatly affect cheddar’s taste and texture, contributing to an enormous range of flavors. Though it originated in England, Wisconsin cheesemakers have turned cheddar into the favorite it is today. Host Molly Browne, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin’s Education Director and Dean of Cheese State University, will take attendees on a delicious journey as they taste their way through an expansive cheddar flight, learning about the make process and history along the way.

Price increases to $60 on June 2nd. 

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT & THE WAITLIST IS FULL.

We’ll bring the aprons, and you bring the enthusiasm! Get ready to learn some tips and tricks when it comes to cooking with Wisconsin cheese. Attendees will work alongside a local chef who will teach some of their secrets for making a perfectly cheese-centric meal to impress your friends and satisfy every appetite. Afterward, everyone in the class will sit down to lunch to enjoy what they’ve prepared.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND.

Sip, sample, and paint during this fun, hands-on session. Artist Mike Geno, known for his portraits of cheese, will be instructing participant painters as they create their own cheese masterpieces. For inspiration, you will find cheese pairing guides and samples. Wine, cocktails, and mocktails will be served, and you’ll bring home your cheese-on-canvas creation.

A perfect wine and cheese pairing can set the tone for an intimate night to remember or become the highlight of a lively celebration with friends. Join us at Madison’s acclaimed L’Etoile, where renowned James Beard Award-winning sommelier Belinda Chang and James Beard Award-winning author and cheese expert Laura Werlin will guide you through a session that will educate and inspire as you explore the world of Wisconsin cheese and wine pairings.

Price increases to $95 on June 2nd. 

So why does the best cheese in the world come from Wisconsin? Is it the state’s climate? The soil? How about the cows? Maybe the cheesemakers? Hosted by the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Dairy Research (CDR), this lively conversation hosted by CDR’s industry favorite, Dean Sommers, will cover key milestones in our cheese history and evolution, discuss the specialty cheese landscape, and, of course, have many samples of Wisconsin original cheeses. 

Price increases to $60 on June 2nd. 

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND.

An expertly crafted cocktail or mocktail is a delicious balance of flavors, perfectly paired with the rich complexity of Wisconsin cheese. Cheesemonger and founder of Immortal Milk, Alisha Norris Jones, along with expert mixologist Brian Bartels will lead you through a guided tasting experience like no other.

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND.

Grab a stool at Giant Jones Beer Company, Working Draft Beer Company, and State Line Distillery for some beer or cocktail and cheese pairings on this walking tour (approx. 1.5 miles) while a cheesemaker and beverage expert explain why each selection goes so well together.

Purchase your tickets for your preferred starting location. 

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT. PLEASE JOIN THE WAITLIST IF YOU'D LIKE TO ATTEND.

Bar hopping around Wisconsin’s beautiful capital city is a bucket list item for many visitors. Pop into Plain Spoke Cocktail Company, swing by Oz by Oz, and stop in at Merchant to meet our cheesemakers and learn why each pairing is a perfect match. This short walking tour will span less than .25 miles. 

Please note: Not all stops on this tour are ADA accessible. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact us at brie@artofcheesefestival.com

Come stretch, center, and relax on Sunday morning at Old Sugar Distillery, where the instructor will lead us through cheese-themed poses. Afterwards, join us for pastries, coffee, and, you guessed it – more cheese! 

Price increases to $50 on June 2nd. 

Join us for a bountiful spread of traditional Wisconsin brunch foods, mimosas and Bloody Marys, all perfectly paired with the finest cheeses from around the state. Graze co-owner and executive chef, James Beard Award winner Tory Miller, will prepare the meal joined by a variety of Wisconsin Master Cheesemakers. Truly a one-of-a-kind Wisconsin-original dining experience that promises to be one of the best brunches you’ve ever had.

This event is not eligible for early bird pricing.