Discover the 2025 Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest in Black Mountain
Get ready, cheese enthusiasts! The much-loved Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival is making its return on Sunday, September 28, 2025, set against the scenic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Oak & Grist Distilling Company. This annual celebration, hosted by the WNC Cheese Trail, not only tantalizes your taste buds but also raises funds for the region’s thriving artisan cheesemakers.
Event Details
Date & Time:
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Festival Day: Sunday, Sept 28, 2025 at Oak & Grist Distilling, No pets allowed.
- Tickets are required for ages 10+, and supply is limited—no walk-up general admission anticipated.
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Pre-fest Bonus: Friday, Sept 19, join a cozy Raclette & Cider Night at Barn Door Cider Works—30 tickets, $75 each.
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Ticket Tiers (Sunday, Sept 28):
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Super Cheese Lover (11:30 AM): $65 – includes drink ticket, exclusive early access, swag, and parking (sold out).
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VIP Cheesy (12:00 PM): $40 – bag, sticker, early tasting with limited availability (sold out).
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Big Cheese (1:00 PM): $35 – standard entry perks (sold out).
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Cheese Supporter (2:30 PM): $25 – slightly later entry, still full tasting experience.
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Cheese Experience (3:30 PM): $15 – most affordable route to savor local cheeses.
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Facility Tour + Tasting (3:30 PM): $15 – guided tour of Oak & Grist plus pairing.
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What to Expect
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Over 25 Artisan Cheesemakers from Western NC: Ali Rae’s Pimento Cheese, Blue Goat Dairy, Boxcarr Handmade Cheese, French Broad Creamery, Round Mountain, Spinning Spider, White Tree Farm, and more.
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Beyond Cheese: They will have vendors from across the Cheese Trail including winemakers, specialty gourmet food & will have a wide variety of family-fun activities, vendors from across the region, demos, workshops, competitions, farm animals, etc.
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Sustainable & Community-Focused: A fundraiser supporting the WNC Cheese Trail—a nonprofit that uplifts local dairy artisans and educates cheese fans.
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Why Attend?
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Cheese Lovers’ Dream: Taste rare, seasonal, and hard-to-find local cheeses and place your favorites in your cart to enjoy at home.
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Insider Experience: Early-tier ticket holders benefit from short lines, intimate tastings, and first dibs on top cheeses.
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Engaging Activities: Whether you’re a foodie, family-oriented, or curious about cheesemaking, there’s something for everyone—from milking demos to cocktail pairings.
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Support Local: Your ticket funds help sustain a collaborative cheese ecosystem across Western North Carolina.
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How to Secure Tickets
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Sales just opened – get your tickets here.
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Buy online early! With attendance capped and several tiers selling out, don’t risk missing out.
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Plan logistics: Parking onsite is available, but carpooling or rideshares are encouraged.
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Planning Tips
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Friday Night Warm‑Up: Start your weekend with the exclusive Raclette & Cider event—a decadent cheese pairing perfect for warming up to the main event.
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Stay Local: Explore downtown Black Mountain—charming shops, galleries, and dining will complement your cheese adventure. Find the perfect stay.
- Enjoy the Blues: While you’re in town for the cheese, don’t miss the chance to enjoy the music—the 2025 Black Mountain Blues Festival is happening the same weekend, September 26–28, bringing incredible live performances, food, and community vibes to the heart of the mountains.
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Explore the Trail: Extend your cheese experience by visiting the WNC Cheese Trail stops—dry‑cured goat cheese, gold micro‑creamery, and cider pairings await.
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The 2025 Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest is shaping up to be an unforgettable taste journey. From artisan cheese tasting to learning cheesemaking firsthand, all in support of local dairy artisans recovering from natural setbacks—this is the prime local event for anyone who loves good food and community.
Secure your spot – TICKETS, and don’t forget to add the Raclette & Cider night too. See you in Black Mountain this fall—for cheese, culture, and community spirit!
Start planning your trip now.
Check out other local events happening in Black Mountain & Swannanoa area.
