What’s more Wisconsin than beer or cheese?
Beer and cheese. Put them in a festival, host it in the dead of winter, go with all your buddies, maybe there’s a football game on. Life’s good.
80+ beer and beverage vendors slinging samples. More cheese than is doctor recommended. Stein holding competitions and hammerschlagen so you can totally impress your friends.
Back for it’s 16th year, Beer & Cheese Fest is making it’s return to the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin on January 17th, 2026. Although named Beer & Cheese Fest, prepare to sample far more varieties of beverages.
Beer will always be the foundation of the event, but if mead or cider is more your style, you’ll have plenty to sample. If THC infused refreshments are your jam, you’ll find a bunch. Spiked seltzer your elixir of choice? Yep, got those too. We don’t judge what you’re sippin’ on, and this is the perfect time to try out some of these unique libations.
VID Ticket (Very Important Drinker): $110 if purchased before 12/16/25, $120 after
Includes:
• Early entry at 1:00 PM (1 hour before GA!)
• Unlimited sampling in a 5oz commemorative snifter glass
• Access to limited, rare, & exclusive beers
• Official festival T-shirt (you’ll get an email to select your size after purchase)
• Entry to the Private Lounge
• Access to the event until 6:00 PM
General Admission: $60 if purchased before 12/16/25, $65 after
Includes:
• Entry from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Unlimited sampling with a 5.5oz commemorative can taster glass
Group Discount
Planning a party or coming with a crew? Groups of 10+ get 10% off GA tickets!
Select the “10+ Ticket Party Pack” and add 10 or more tickets to your cart to save. Perfect for birthdays, bachelorettes, reunions, or big friend outings.
Parking Information
There will be a charge of $8.00 per vehicle to park at Alliant Energy Center payable at the main entrance. Accepting Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, Google Pay, and Apple Pay or prepurchase a pass HERE. NO CASH accepted.