Calgary Food Festival: Mac & Cheese Showdown Ignites Culinary Rivalry
Calgary's Mac & Cheese Festival runs Jan 15-31, 2026. Local restaurants compete for the best dish.
CALGARY — The highly anticipated Calgary Mac & Cheese Festival kicks off on January 15, 2026, running until January 31. Organized by YYC Sociables, this second annual event features numerous Calgary restaurants competing to create the city's best mac and cheese. While the festival showcases creative dishes like the "Mac Kim-Cheeze," there is no official confirmation of its inclusion in the festival lineup, highlighting a gap in public documentation.
The Deeper Context
The Calgary Mac & Cheese Festival is a notable cultural event, contributing significantly to the city's lifestyle and dining trends. Promoted by platforms like Visit Calgary and BizBash, the festival aligns with the growing popularity of comfort food and Korean fusion trends, as highlighted in 2024–2025 Canadian foodservice reports. With the event entering its second year, it builds on the success of its inaugural 2025 edition, which ran from January 19 to 31. The festival's timing and format as a two-week competition among local eateries aim to bolster Calgary's culinary scene, drawing both residents and tourists.
The Critics & Costs
While the festival is celebrated for its creativity, the absence of detailed public records linking specific dishes, like the "Mac Kim-Cheeze," to participating restaurants raises questions. This lack of transparency may concern attendees interested in specific offerings. Moreover, food vendors must comply with Alberta Health Services regulations, ensuring food safety without needing a separate City of Calgary business licence. This regulatory framework, while streamlined, places the onus on festival organizers to ensure compliance, which could present logistical challenges.
Looking forward, the festival promises to be a vibrant addition to Calgary's cultural calendar, with the potential to grow in scale and impact. As it progresses, organizers and participants must address documentation and transparency issues to enhance public confidence and engagement.
