BEER & CHEESE FEST 2026
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Event Map & Schedule
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FAQs
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Available Menus
Hotel Partner & Room Block Info
Skip the Ubers. Just stay next door.
Make your Beer & Cheese Fest weekend easy and worry-free. We’ve partnered with Madison Marriott South to offer a special discounted rate of $129/night for festival guests on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The Madison Marriott South is a short walk from the Alliant Energy Center — the perfect place to relax after a full day of sampling Wisconsin’s best beer, cheese, and more.
Rooms are limited, and the Beer & Cheese Fest room block closes on January 2, 2026. Book early to secure your stay at the discounted rate.
Book your room online using the link below, or call Madison Marriott South at 608-251-2300 X 0 and request the Beer & Cheese Fest Jan2026 room block rate.
Madison Marriott South Stay Giveaway!
To celebrate our partnership, Madison Marriott South is giving away a free two-night stay for Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17, 2026 — the perfect Beer & Cheese Fest weekend getaway!
How to enter:
Purchase your Beer & Cheese Fest ticket.
Book your room at Madison Marriott South using the Beer & Cheese Fest link below or by calling the hotel and requesting the Beer & Cheese Fest Jan2026 room block rate.
Submit your ticket order number and hotel confirmation number using the entry form.
That’s it! One lucky winner will receive their Beer & Cheese Fest weekend stay for free.
Entries must be received by November 17th, 2026. The winner will be contacted directly by Beer & Cheese Fest organizers via email.
Games & Things to Impress Your Friends
Stein Relay Races:
Scores on speed and spillage. It's harder than it looks! Carrying up to 35 pounds of bier quickly and safely across the course is a challenge.
Spanish Long Pour:
Step up to the challenge of the traditional Spanish long pour! Contestants will test their skill (and balance!) by pouring cider or wine from a bottle held high above their head into a glass below—without spilling. The higher the pour, the smoother the stream, and the fewer drops lost, the better your score. Precision, style, and flair all count in this fun and lively contest that always draws a crowd!
Stein Hoist Competition:
Do you have what it takes to hoist one of our mugs? This competition of strength pits contestants against Steins and the clock.
Nail Hammering Races:
Get ready to test your precision, speed, and strength in this thrilling and competitive activity! Nail Hammering Races challenge participants to hammer nails into a wooden board as quickly and accurately as possible. Whether you're a seasoned DIY pro or a first-time hammer wielder, this event promises a blend of fun and skill-building for all ages.
Want in on the fun? Sign-ups and waivers happen on-site—easy peasy.
Entertainment & Things to Watch
Wendy Lynn Markus, Violinist
Imagine an evening where sophistication meets vibrant energy, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for guests. Wendy Lynn Markus, a seasoned musician with 28 years of stage experience, brings a dynamic and elegant musical performance that heightens the mood of any occasion.
Wendy's mastery of the violin combines with meticulously crafted backing tracks to create a rich tapestry of sound that captivates and enchants. Her repertoire spans a variety of genres, from which she designs a custom playlist for each event, ensuring the music resonates with the audience's tastes.
Throughout the event, Wendy's presence is both commanding and graceful. Her ability to adapt to the flow of the evening ensures that every performance segment enhances the overall ambiance, whether it's a stirring rendition of a classical piece, a soulful interpretation of a modern ballad, or an electrifying take on a rock classic.
Eric Dane Jaqua One Man Band
Eric Dane Jaqua is a Northern Michigan-based one-man band, known as EDJOMB, who combines guitar, vocals, and foot-operated drums to create a soulful, multi-instrumental sound. He is a prolific musician who also performs in other projects, such as the funk/blues duo The Pistil Whips, has a musical family background, and has been active on the Michigan music scene for over a decade
The Rhinemaidens
An alphorn is 12 feet of pure wonder. Made of spruce and rattan, an alphorn was used by Shepards for conversions in the Alps. The Rhinemaidens and their alphorns are not only mesmerizing to listen to but inspire absolute awe and amazement to see this majestic instrument in action.
Dr. Natalie Grana is a professional French horn performer and Fulbright scholar in the field of Solfège. She is the director of Alphorn outreach with the Utah based company Alpensong and is on staff with the Alphorn Institute of America. She resides in Chicago where she teaches at DePaul University, Loyola University and Lake Forest College.
Dr. Laura Whisler is a physician and French horn musician who has made alphorn an integral part of her life.
Janisch Creative
Witness a 40-pound block of cheese turn into a beautiful piece of art! Turning cheese into art and ideas into reality——cheese carving
Participating Beverage Vendors & Things to Drink
Participating Cheese Vendors
Other Things to Eat
(For Sale)
Things to Thank
(Thank you sponsors!)
