ELLSWORTH — As the Cheese Curd Festival prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary June 26-27, organizers are inviting visitors to come hungry. Named the No. 4 Best Specialty Food Festival in the nation in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, the Cheese Curd Festival has built a reputation for showcasing Wisconsin's most iconic food in creative and delicious ways.

At the heart of the festival is Cheese Curd Central, where visitors can enjoy classic natural deep-fried cheese curds, the popular Cinnamon Sugar Fried Cheese Curds, a Cheese Curd Festival original, and this year's signature flavor, Garlic Truffle Parm. Developed in partnership with Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, the specialty curd combines garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of truffle for a gourmet twist on a Wisconsin classic. The 2026 Cheese Curd Festival will mark the first time it has ever been served deep fried, giving festival guests an opportunity to experience an emerging cheese curd flavor trend in a whole new way.

Cheese curds can be found in abundance throughout the festival grounds. Every food vendor is required to feature at least two creative cheese curd menu items, resulting in a lineup of one-of-a-kind dishes you won't find anywhere else. Festival guests can sample everything from brisket cheese curd tacos and cheese curd-topped gyros to dill pickle curd kabobs, the "Curd-Rito," a burrito stuffed with golden breaded Wisconsin cheese curds, and the "ChurrizoCURD" Fried Taquitos, a crispy fusion of chorizo, potatoes, and cheese curds.

Beyond the food, festival-goers can explore a variety of specialty tasting experiences inside the Taste of Wisconsin tasting tent. Corks & Kegs offers unlimited sampling of more than 40 regional craft beers, wines, and hard ciders, many produced within 40 miles of the festival. At Craft & Curd: Paired, guests become the judges as six local breweries compete to create the ultimate beer and cheese curd pairing. The popular Block Party tasting event celebrates Wisconsin's dairy heritage with more than 25 unique cheeses from across the state, ranging from award-winning favorites to bold and unexpected varieties. Family-friendly options include a Milk & Cookie Pairing and an Ice Cream Tasting featuring unique flavors created by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Plant, including Berry Curd Bliss made with blueberry pie filling, cheese curd crumbles, and graham cracker pieces. Tickets for select tasting events are available now at cheesecurdfestival.com.

The festival also features live entertainment throughout the weekend on multiple stages. Friday night's headliner, Gus Sent Me, brings a mix of classic, outlaw, and Red Dirt country, while Saturday night's headliner, Them Pesky Kids, delivers a high-energy arena rock experience. Additional performances will take place throughout the weekend, alongside a classic car show, artisan marketplace, family activities, and the crowd-favorite Cheese Curd Eating Contest.

"The Cheese Curd Festival brings together so many of the things people love about Wisconsin," said Kim Beebe, Executive Director of the Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce. "Great food, craft beverages, live music, and a community coming together to celebrate something we're known for and proud of. That's why people travel from across the region to spend the weekend with us in Ellsworth."

The 2026 Cheese Curd Festival will take place June 26-27 in Ellsworth's East End Park and Commercial District. Admission, parking, and shuttle service are free. Information about festival events, entertainment, and tasting tickets is available at www.cheesecurdfestival.com.

Submitted by Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce