We’ve got gouda news for you! Yes, that was cheesy – but it’s the only way to kick off an announcement that Australia’s biggest cheese festival is returning this spring. Last year, 15 tonnes of dairy delights were devoured at Adelaide’s annual CheeseFest, with its 20th milestone event on track to break that record. Set in the lush surrounds of Rundle Park, the festival will bring together more than 100 of South Australia’s finest artisans for a weekend of sunshine, free tastings, cooking demos, live music, top-notch drinks and of course, enough cheese to melt your heart.
Whether you’re craving camembert, pining for parmesan or goggling at that gooey raclette, CheeseFest has something to satisfy every savoury (and even sweet) tooth. In 2025, cheese lovers can sample gourmet goodies and meet the passionate makers behind them at a record 100 stalls, ranging from cheesemakers, chocolatiers and farmers to winemakers, distillers and brewers. Expect big names like Vannella Cheese, Long Paddock, Udder Delights and vegan-friendly Noshing, alongside Kimbolton Wines, Swell Brewing Co and Beresford Estate.
Beloved food personality Matt Preston will return in his incredibly important role as ‘Master of Fromage’ (dream job alert!), sharing cheesy recipes, hot tips and plenty of laughs on the RAA Cooking Demonstration Stage. Also back by popular demand is the CheeseFest live music program, which will showcase South Australia's hottest emerging artists across pop, jazz, folk and roots. So grab some ooey gooey goodness from Frencheese’s Raclette Bar or a squeaky grilled buffalo halloumi skewer from Kris Lloyd Artisan’s Halloumi Bar, then settle on the grass and sway yourself into a dreamy cheese-induced coma.
Between tastings, you can make a pit stop at the 23rd St Distillery Gin Garden or wander over to the Prohibition Liquor Co corner for a curated cheese and gin pairing. Alternatively, cleanse your palate with premium Franklin Harbour oysters and Pol Roger French Champagne – because oysters and bubbles paired together are a total no-brainer, right?
For its 20th year, CheeseFest is introducing a brand new interactive experience, the Great Wine Voyage – a curated wine trail celebrating six of South Australia’s award-winning wine, spirit and culinary stalls. At each stop, you’ll get to enjoy a free tasting and collect a stamp in your ‘wine passport’ from the likes of Dandelion Vineyards, Kimbolton Wines, Beresford Estate, McLaren Vale Distilery and Sidewood Estate.
This mega cheese fiesta is going down at Rundle Park in the heart of Adelaide on Saturday, October 18 from 11am to 8pm and Sunday, October 19 from 11am to 6pm. To celebrate its 20-year milestone, CheeseFest is slinging special early bird tickets for just $20 until July 20. After that, it’s $28 for a one-day adult pass or $45 for the full weekend. You can find out more here.