Island Men Mac & Cheese Festival Returns to Carolina Beach This Weekend

Carolina Beach, NC – The Island Men’s annual Mac & Cheese Festival is set to take place this Saturday, March 21st, at Good Hops Brewing, located at 811 Harper Avenue. The event promises a celebration of everyone’s favorite comfort food, with dozens of local cooks competing for the coveted Golden Noodle Trophy.

A Culinary Competition and Community Fundraiser

The festival will feature approximately 35 entries from local restaurants, professional chefs, and home cooks, each vying for the top prize . Participants will compete in categories including traditional, meat, spicy, seafood, and vegetarian mac and cheese variations.

Attendees will have the opportunity to sample dishes and vote for their favorite using a QR code system. Second and third-place finishers will be awarded silver and bronze awards, respectively .

According to Rob Bramhall with The Island Men, the event combines food and fundraising, offering a platform for both professional and amateur cooks to showcase their recipes .

Event Details and Ticket Information

VIP entry begins at noon, with general admission opening at 1 p.m. The festival will run until 3 p.m. . Admission is a $10 donation, and children under ten are free. VIP tickets are available for $25 and include early access to the Good Hops Taproom .

Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. Organizers advise against purchasing tickets from individuals attempting to resell them .

Supporting Local Charities

Proceeds from the festival will support The Island Men and their charitable initiatives, including scholarship programs and organizations such as Little Pink Houses, Martha’s Kitchen, and Ocean Cure .

Important Reminders

Please note that pets and strollers are not permitted at the event .

About The Island Men

The Island Men is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting local charities and community initiatives .