Why we celebrate cheese curds: Ellsworth’s signature festival returns June 27–28

ELLSWORTH — Every summer, the streets of Ellsworth come alive with the sights, sounds, and irresistible smells of one of the Midwest’s most beloved hometown events: the Cheese Curd Festival. Held June 27–28 in Ellsworth’s East End Park and business district, the festival celebrates the town’s claim to fame, the fresh, squeaky cheese curds produced by Ellsworth Creamery, the festival’s presenting sponsor and a cornerstone of the local economy.

Named the Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin in 1984, Ellsworth takes pride in its rich dairy tradition. The Ellsworth Creamery processes more than 160,000 pounds of cheese curds each day, distributing them across the world and building a brand that’s synonymous with quality and flavor. But once a year, Ellsworth brings it all home, inviting visitors to experience the curds in their finest form: freshly made, beer-battered, fried, and paired with regional beer, wine, and hard cider.
The festival`s national appeal continues to grow. Since 2023, USA Today has recognized the Cheese Curd Festival as one of its 10Best Specialty Food Festivals in the country, placing Ellsworth on the map as a must-visit destination for food lovers from across the U.S.

"The Cheese Curd Festival is more than a food event," says Chamber Executive Director Kim Beebe. "It’s a celebration of everything that makes Ellsworth special. Our agricultural heritage, our tight-knit community, and the small-town pride that puts our cheese curds on the map."

The two-day event draws nearly 30,000 visitors and is organized by the Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce. Festival proceeds directly benefit local nonprofits, volunteer groups, and community projects.

This year’s festival kicks off at 4 p.m. Friday, June 27, and runs through 10 p.m. Saturday June 28. Admission is free, with food and beverages available for purchase, with ticketed specialty tasting events. Free parking and a free shuttle service will also be available to help guests make their way to the festival grounds without the need to search for parking...