Festival · Knoxville
Knoxville Cheese Fest
The Knoxville Cheese Fest takes place on Kentucky Derby weekend at the Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus, 621 Lamar Street. In 2026 it ran on 1 and 2 May. Entry is by ticket for timed sessions: $45 for the Friday evening Cheese Derby and $40 for a two-hour Saturday tasting. The 2027 dates have not been announced.
- When
- Kentucky Derby weekend, early May
- Where
- Barrelhouse by Gypsy Circus, Knoxville
- 2026 tickets
- $45 Fri, $40 Sat
Dates
The next dates have not been announced yet. It last ran 1 May 2026 to 2 May 2026.
What Happens
Friday night is the Wisconsin Cheese Derby, which the organisers call the Cheese Concert. Cheese Ambassador Michael Peterman leads the room through 10 cheeses with ciders, beers and a Wisconsin Derby cocktail, and there is cheese trivia with prizes. On Saturday, two-hour tasting sessions feature cheeses from Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin plus guest cheeses, with four five-ounce pours of Gypsy Circus cider or Atomic City Brewing beer. Certified Cheese Professional Jess Benoit and the School of Cheese team guide the tasting. Derby hats and outfits are encouraged.
Tickets and Times
In 2026 the Friday sessions ran from 6 to 7:30pm and 8 to 9:30pm, at $45 a ticket, $80 for a pair or $250 for a table of six. Saturday had three sessions, 11am to 1pm, 1:30 to 3:30pm and 4 to 6pm, at $40 a ticket or $70 for a pair. Bourbon and cheese pairing classes, with four bourbons and four American cheeses, cost $25 and do not include festival entry.
Getting There
The Barrelhouse is on Lamar Street, just north of downtown Knoxville. Sessions include alcohol, so plan a ride home. Sweetwater Valley Farm, with free cheese tastings and a grilled cheese café, is a drive southwest of the city on a Tuesday to Saturday.
Where to Stay near Knoxville
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All of TennesseeQuestions People Ask
When is the Knoxville Cheese Fest?
On Kentucky Derby weekend in early May. In 2026 it ran on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 May. The 2027 dates are not out yet.
How much are Knoxville Cheese Fest tickets?
In 2026, $45 for a Friday Cheese Derby session and $40 for a Saturday tasting session, with cheaper pairs. Bourbon and cheese classes were an extra $25.
Official site: knoxvillecheesefest.com/. Dates, hours and prices checked 22 October 2026; confirm on the official site before you travel. See all cheese festivals.