Oregon Cheese Festival Returns to Central Point
Two-day event at the Expo to feature artisan cheesemakers, regional vendors, and tastings
Attendees sample artisan cheeses during the Oregon Cheese Festival, one of the region’s premier food events celebrating local producers and specialty foods.
Images by Steven Addington Photography.
CENTRAL POINT, Ore. — Cheese lovers from across the region will gather later this month as the Oregon Cheese Festival returns to the Jackson County Expo for a two-day celebration of artisan food, drink, and local producers.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 25, and Sunday, April 26, the festival will take place at the Seven Feathers Event Center, bringing together dozens of cheesemakers and specialty vendors from Oregon and across the West Coast.
Organizers expect close to 100 producers to participate this year, offering samples and products ranging from handcrafted cheeses to chocolate, baked goods, jams, cooking oils, and more. Beverage tastings, including wine, beer, cider, and spirits, will also be available as an add-on for attendees.
Saturday’s event, running from noon to 5 p.m., is limited to guests 21 and older. Sunday’s session, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is open to all ages. Tickets are available in advance, with general admission priced at $25 for Saturday and $15 for Sunday, while tasting packages and VIP options are also offered.
A crowd of attendees fills the Expo floor during the Oregon Cheese Festival, exploring vendor booths, sampling artisan products, and connecting with regional producers. Photo by Steven Addington Photography.
The weekend kicks off Friday evening with the annual Cheesemaker Dinner in Ashland, featuring a four-course, cheese-centered experience and an opportunity for guests to meet and interact with regional producers.
The Oregon Cheese Festival, which began in 2005 as a small local gathering, has grown into one of the largest cheese-focused events in the country, drawing thousands of attendees each year. The festival moved to the Expo in recent years to accommodate its continued growth and expanding vendor lineup.
Proceeds from the event support Oregon’s artisan cheesemakers and the nonprofit Oregon Cheese Guild, which works to promote education, collaboration, and awareness within the state’s cheese industry.
Event organizers say the festival not only highlights the diversity of Oregon-made products but also provides a direct connection between consumers and small businesses.
Cover image: A variety of artisan cheeses are displayed for sampling at the Oregon Cheese Festival, showcasing the diverse flavors and craftsmanship of regional producers.
Photo by Steven Addington Photography.
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