It may be cheesy, but it’s undoubtedly delicious and you won’t want to miss the 8th Annual Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival at Back Forty Beer Company (3201 1st Ave. N. Birmingham) on Sunday, September 21 from 1–4 p.m. (There’s a reason over 10,000 people have gone over the past 7 years!) Feast on this fest—hosted by Community Grief Support’s Junior Board, this event will feature scrumptious macaroni and cheese dishes from local restaurants, food trucks, caterers, chefs, and more, all competing to be named the best mac & cheese in Birmingham! There will even be local “celebrity” judges, including Miss Iron City. “The intent of Mac + Cheese Fest is to bring the Greater Birmingham area and beyond together for great food, fun, and fellowship. Community Grief Support strives to be a beacon of love and hope to those who are struggling with the loss of their treasured loved ones. It’s a safe space to ‘get cheesy’ and enjoy the best food in the city,” says Amber Pope, Director.
This year’s competitors include Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, The Local Bourbon House, Porky’s Pride Smoke House, The Southern Kitchen & Bar, Chief Grill daddy & The Hose Draggers, Eugene’s Hot Chicken, and 1918 catering. (Can I get a YUM? I can almost taste it now…) Feel free to bring the kids and your dogs to join in on the fun! (I mean, what kid doesn’t like mac & cheese?! This is a big upgrade from Kraft!)
Your kids will be cheesing big because of the face painting, bounce house, yard games, and more offered in the event’s “kid zone.” You, meanwhile, can watch them while stuffing yourself silly with cheesy pasta perfection while listening to live music by Southern Choice.
General admission to the festival costs $20 early bird, $30 day of, and kids are $5 early bird, $10 day of. Children under five are free! If you want to reach the next level of gooey goodness, consider going VIP, which includes food from Back Forty Beer Company, drinks, a Magic City Mac + Cheese Festival t-shirt, a spork (hello, Bojangles!), and a private bathroom (VIP is $65 early bird, $80 day-of).
Did I mention that by eating the South’s favorite comfort food, you’re actually helping raise money for Community Grief Support? Their mission is “To enhance the quality of life for bereaved adults who face the challenge of rebuilding their lives without their loved ones.” All proceeds benefit Community Grief Support’s no- to low-cost grief services and programs to individuals and families who have experienced loss and need support. So your mac & cheese eating is making a difference!
It’s all that and a bag of cheese… Find more information about the fest on Community Grief Support’s website or purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
