October 22, 2026 · Madison, WI What's more Wisconsin than beer or cheese? Both at once. Beer & Cheese Fest returns for its 17th year on Saturday, January 16, 2027, at the Alliant Energy Center, 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way in Madison. More than 80 beer and beverage vendors will be sampling, with breweries at the heart of it and cideries, meaderies, distilleries, wineries, and seltzer makers alongside. Cheesemakers bring the other half of the name, and every guest sips from a commemorative tasting glass. Guests can test their skills in a stein hoist competition, nail hammering races, and a Spanish long pour contest. Watch for violinist Wendy Lynn Markus, one-man band Joe Wray, the alphorn-playing Rhinemaidens, a silent disco, and live cheese carving by Janisch Creative. General admission runs from 2 to 6 p.m. Early Access opens at 1 p.m., and the VID (Very Important Drinkers) ticket opens at 12:30 p.m. with a private lounge, exclusive pours, and cheesy bites from Madison chefs including Elena Terry of Tall Grass at MMoCA and Dan Fox of Heritage Tavern. Last pour is 5:45 p.m. The fest is 21 and over, no exceptions. There is a coat check, food is available from vendors on site, and plenty of gluten-free options are pouring for non-beer drinkers. Host it in the dead of winter, bring your buddies, and fill a glass with Wisconsin's best. January 16 in Madison is the date. Sources: Beer & Cheese Fest official site (beerandcheesefest.com, home and 2027 Fest pages).What's pouring
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