The Big Cheese Festival 2026
The Big Cheese: Celebrating Local Flavours Since 2013
Join us Saturday, March 28, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Hassen Arena for a full day celebrating the best local food and drink.
Our Food Festival Market features an incredible lineup of local producers offering everything from gourmet treats and specialty foods to refreshing beverages and unique regional flavours. Sample, discover new favourites, and take home something delicious.
One of the highlights? Meeting the passionate creators behind the food. Our vendors love sharing their craft, their stories, and their products with the community, making The Big Cheese an experience, not just a market.
Come hungry, bring your friends, and enjoy a day of great food, great people, and unforgettable flavours.
Location: Hassen Arena – Armstrong, BC
Date: Saturday, March 28, 2026
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
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Public Market
Saturday, March 28th - 9 am - 3 pm - Hassen Arena
Tastings, seminars, displays, grilled cheese and cheeseball challenges, and more! This annual event is open to the public and features artisan cheese, local food and beverage producers and processors.
Live music and food trucks featuring cheesy goodness will also be on site.
Entry: $5 per person at the door
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Ambassadors Dinner
Saturday, March 28th - 5:30 - 10 pm - St. Joseph's Hall
Enjoy an intimate six-course culinary experience, each course thoughtfully paired with complementary beverages and guided by Canada’s own Cheese Ambassador, David Beaudoin.
SOLD OUT
Guests are NOT required to fill out registrations the daytime event APPLICATIONS & REGISTRATIONS
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Interested in participating in our farm-to-table showcase events? Fill out a Vendor Application!
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Interested in participating in the Restaurant or Amateur Grilled Cheese and Cheese Ball Contests? Fill out the PDF and bring it to the event!
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Want to learn mire about The Big Cheese Festival? Check out the FAQ page!
Professional Grilled
Cheese Challenge
Participate in the challenge by going to each location and trying their creative take on grilled cheese, then vote on location for your favourite.
The winner will be announced on April 6th at Hassan Area
Take a Short Survey to Win!
Take a minute to fill out our short survey for a chance to win exclusive passes to the Food & Buyer Expo, our invite-only meet and greet!
