Crisp autumn air is officially rolling across central Maine. Consequently, our vibrant agricultural harvest season has arrived, and with it comes anticipation for local events like the Maine Cheese Festival at Manson Park.
For food lovers across New England, one September gathering always tops the travel list. Specifically, the 10th Annual Maine Cheese Festival returns to Manson Park in Pittsfield, Maine.
Presented proudly by the Maine Cheese Guild, this signature event showcases our state’s premier artisan creameries. You will discover dozens of dedicated cheesemakers, farmstead provisions, regional craft beverages, and lively family entertainment.
Whether you crave tangy farmstead chèvres or sharp aged cheddars, you will discover incredible culinary craftsmanship here. Therefore, pack your favorite insulated cooler and prepare your walking shoes. Let us explore everything waiting for you at this landmark celebration.
Quick Event Facts & Schedule
Mark your calendar early so you do not miss a single moment of the fun.
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Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
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Location: , 51 Peltoma Avenue, Pittsfield, ME 04967
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Early VIP Hour: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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General Admission: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
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General Admission Price: $25
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Official Website: Purchase tickets securely via the Maine Cheese Guild
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Email Contact: Reach festival coordinators directly at [email protected]
Why You Cannot Miss This Landmark 10th Anniversary
This September marks an impressive milestone for our local food community. The festival celebrates its 10th anniversary in Pittsfield. Accordingly, organizers are delivering the most expansive tasting experience yet.
More than 65 Maine-made vendors will set up along the scenic Sebasticook River. Guests can sample dozens of specialty cheeses, meet the farmers, and discover regional specialties.
Additionally, attending this festival directly supports small family dairies across Maine. Every handcrafted wheel preserves historic working farmland and bolsters our rural economy.
Savor Over 65 Maine Artisans & Farmstead Creameries
Maine has rightfully earned a stellar national reputation for artisan cheesemaking. Our coastal breezes, sweet inland pastures, and heritage dairy herds produce extraordinarily rich milk.
At the festival tents, you can journey through diverse flavor profiles. First, sample bright, creamy goat cheeses from Appleton Creamery. Next, visit Winter Hill Farm to taste raw-milk cheeses crafted from pasture-raised Randall cattle.
Furthermore, you will love chatting with the creative team at Fuzzy Udder Creamery. They craft award-winning cheeses blending sheep, goat, and cow milks.
Similarly, be sure to stop by Balfour Farm for certified organic aged cheeses. You can also explore Mediterranean-inspired rounds from Kennebec Cheesery.
Beyond cheeses, local vendors offer small-batch preserves, wild honey, artisan crackers, and cured meats. Therefore, you can assemble the ultimate Maine picnic right on the lawn.
Sip Maine Craft Beer, Wine, and Cider
Outstanding farmstead cheese calls for an equally exceptional beverage pairing. Fortunately, the festival features a curated beer and wine tasting tent.
Adult guests can sample regional pours crafted throughout Maine. For instance, crisp heritage hard ciders cut effortlessly through buttery, bloomy-rind wheels.
Meanwhile, bold Maine craft ales pair wonderfully with sharp, clothbound cheddars.
Local vintners also pour light, fruit-forward wines that accent delicate goat chèvres. Thus, you can relax, sip local beverages, and discuss tasting notes with passionate brewers.
Enjoy Live Music, Contests, and Family Activities
This gathering offers far more than standard food tastings. Manson Park provides a sprawling, tree-lined setting for a full afternoon outdoors.
Local Maine musicians perform live throughout the day. Their lively acoustic folk and bluegrass sets establish a warm, welcoming soundtrack.
Later in the afternoon, wander over to watch the annual Maine Cheese Competition. Skilled judges evaluate rind development, paste texture, aroma, and flavor balance. You can cheer enthusiastically as Maine’s top cheesemakers earn well-deserved ribbons.
Moreover, children and families will find plenty of open grassy space to explore safely. Between bites, browse handcrafted cutting boards, artisan pottery, and kitchen accessories made by local craftspeople.
VIP Early Access vs. General Admission
Selecting the right ticket helps you tailor your festival day effectively.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Early VIP Hour
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First access to every creamery booth before general crowds arrive.
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Intimate opportunities to talk directly with head cheesemakers.
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First pick of limited-edition, small-batch cheese releases before they sell out.
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Effortless parking access and rapid festival entrance.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: General Admission ($25)
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Full access to all 65+ artisan food and craft vendors.
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Unlimited cheese tastings throughout the entire afternoon.
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Entry to educational workshops, live music sets, and the cheese competition.
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Access to the craft beer and wine tent.
Because ticket capacity is capped, advance booking is strongly encouraged. Secure your passes early at the Maine Cheese Guild site.
Kick Off the Weekend: Film, Cheese & Wine
Why limit your celebration strictly to Sunday? Instead, begin your foodie weekend on Saturday, September 12, in downtown Waterville.
The Maine Cheese Guild has joined forces with Waterville Creates for a fabulous kickoff evening.
Artisan Pairing Event (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM) First, gather at Main Street Provisions on Main Street in Waterville. You will taste select artisan cheeses paired with thoughtfully chosen wines. This social gathering offers the perfect introduction to Maine’s dairy culture.
Feature Film Screening: Holy Cow Afterwards, stroll over to the Waterville Film Center for an exclusive screening of Holy Cow. This acclaimed documentary provides an entertaining, affectionate look at the dedication behind traditional cheesemaking.
You can reserve film and pairing tickets through Waterville Creates.
Driving Directions to Manson Park
Reaching Pittsfield is remarkably simple from anywhere along the Interstate 95 corridor.
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From Southern Maine (Portland & Augusta): Follow I-95 North toward Bangor. Take Exit 150 for Pittsfield. Turn right onto Somerset Avenue (Route 11/100). Next, continue into downtown Pittsfield. Turn right onto Peltoma Avenue, where Manson Park will appear on your left.
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From Bangor & Northern Maine: Take I-95 South toward Newport and Pittsfield. Take Exit 150. Turn left onto Somerset Avenue and drive toward town. Then, turn right onto Peltoma Avenue to reach the park gates.
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Parking Logistics: Attendants will guide vehicles to designated event parking lots adjacent to the park grounds.
Where to Eat Around Pittsfield
Before or after the festival, enjoy a hearty meal at one of these local dining favorites:
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: Located at 107 Main Street in Pittsfield, this welcoming hometown diner serves generous breakfast scrambles, fresh burgers, and homemade pies.
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: Situated at 378 Hartland Avenue in Pittsfield, this casual spot offers hearty sandwiches, crisp flatbreads, and refreshing draft beers.
· $10-$20 -
: Just a short drive north at 20 Pittsfield Avenue in Hartland, this popular eatery delivers fantastic grilled comfort foods and classic Maine hospitality.
Where to Stay: Nearby Lodging Options
If you plan to attend Saturday’s kickoff film or simply want a relaxing weekend, consider these comfortable accommodations:
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: Located at 429 Somerset Avenue in Pittsfield, this motor inn provides straightforward, convenient lodging just minutes from Manson Park.
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: Situated at 37 Zions Hill Road in nearby Dexter, this historic 1930s bed and breakfast offers beautifully appointed rooms and gourmet breakfasts.
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: Located at 9 Main Street in downtown Waterville, this modern boutique hotel puts you right next to Saturday’s film screening and cheese pairing festivities.
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: Located off I-95 at 425 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, this reliable hotel features comfortable suites and indoor pool amenities.
Pro-Tips for Your Festival Day
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Bring Hard-Sided Coolers: Cold packs keep soft cheeses perfectly preserved during your travels.
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Arrive Early: Early arrival ensures stress-free parking and plenty of tasting time.
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Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Staying well-hydrated helps cleanse your palate between rich cheese samples.
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Pack Sturdy Shoes: The park features rolling turf and gravel walkways along the riverbank.
Thank You to the 2026 Sponsors
An extensive agricultural showcase requires great community cooperation. The Maine Cheese Guild extends warm gratitude to all 2026 festival sponsors.
Their dedicated financial support ensures this event continues promoting Maine’s farmers, musicians, and culinary artisans. Because of their backing, our rural food producers can continue to thrive.
Reserve Your Festival Tickets Today
Come hungry, stay curious, and savor the finest foods our state produces. The Maine Cheese Festival remains the ultimate autumn highlight for regional food enthusiasts.
Visit the Maine Cheese Guild today, secure your tickets, and enjoy a delicious September weekend in Pittsfield.
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