A festival in Arthur, IL is one of the best ways to spend your Labor Day weekend. Why not do something a little different this year and attend the 51st Annual Arthur Amish Cheese Festival? This fun event will take place Aug. 31 through Sept. 3, 2024, offering plenty of delightful activities, live entertainment, fun, and cheese — LOTS of cheese! Read on to see what’s in store over this delicious weekend dedicated to cheese!

Arthur is a small village located within the Illinois Amish country with a population of approximately 2,200 residents.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
It hosts several events throughout the year for locals and visitors alike, including the annual Arthur Amish Country Cheese Festival which takes place downtown.
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
Folks come out in droves to experience the food and craft vendors, live musical performances, and fun for the kids.
If you are someone who loves cheese, this festival is one of the things to do in Arthur, IL.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
It's an event that many families in the area look forward to every year, because in addition to great food, you never know what you might see.
festival in arthur, il
Greg Schechter/Flickr
Especially keep your eyes peeled during the "Big Cheese” Parade held on Saturday. The line-up for the parade begins at 2:30 p.m. in the old Progress Tank Facility at 402 E. Progress St. The parade will start at 3:45.

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In addition, all festival attendees will receive free slices of cheese at the Big Cheese Tent on all three days.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
The Cheese Tent will also host the National Cheese Eating Championships on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. Each contestant will receive a one-pound block of Colby cheese, a bottle of water, and five minutes to finish. The first one to eat all or most by the end of those five minutes is declared the winner. This competition is limited to the first 36 contestants in each age class. Just listen for a large chanting crowd.
Also on the schedule for Saturday at 2 p.m. on Vine Street is the Cheese Chaser Kids Run, one of the best events of this Amish cheese festival in Illinois.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
During this free event, kids will chase the two Festival Mascots - Artie Mouse and Miss Slice - down the street for two blocks. At the end of the race, participants will receive an honorary medal and a goody bag.
Another fun event to consider participating in is the International Cheese Curling Championships beginning at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Greg Schechter/Flickr
This competition occurs at Illinois and Vine Streets which takes the idea of ice curling to a whole other level. Watch while folks use brooms and four-pound wheels of cheese instead of curling stones.
Both the Main stage and The Penn Station Music Hall, located close to the Arthur Welcome Center, will host live entertainment throughout the weekend.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Visitors Center, 106 E Progress St, Arthur, IL 61911, USA
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
Other events include foot races, a fireman's breakfast, a car show, buggy rides, and the Bob Doan Memorial Cheese Curd Spitting Contest.
festival in arthur, il
Arthur Welcome Center/Facebook
With all the cheese and scheduled events throughout the weekend, we also love a reason to visit the lovely Amish country in Illinois. What about you?

A festival in Arthur, IL is the best way to welcome summer. Are you ready for a delicious Labor Day weekend in the town of Arthur? Discover more on the Arthur Cheese Festival website. Have you attended this event? Please share your experience in the comments below. If you plan on bringing some cheese home, learn to make Swiss fondue.

And while you’re there, shop for some diverse and interesting finds at the Third Saturday Arthur Flea Market. 

The Amish Flea Market Every Illinoisian Needs To Explore At Least Once

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More to Explore

Amish Country In Illinois

Carolyn Harmon | May 20, 2024

Where are some of the best things to do in Arthur, IL?

  • Yoder's Kitchen (Arthur): If you're headed to the Arthur Cheese Festival, give this eatery a try. Taste a buffet of authentic Amish cooking or order something delicious from the menu.
  • The Homestead Bakery (Arthur): Also in Arthur, this heavenly place offers made-from-scratch Amish baked goods, such as caramel iced cinnamon rolls, yeast and sweet breads, cookies, angel food cakes, and the renowned pumpkin cookies.

Where are some of the best Amish places to visit in Illinois?

  • Arcola: Known as the "Broom Capital of the World," you can catch the annual Broom Corn Festival in this charming town. The downtown stores are stocked with local art, antiques, Amish baked goods, and hand-crafted Amish furniture.
  • Illinois Amish Heritage Center (Arcola): This interesting museum is open on Saturdays and during special events throughout the year. It is home to the 1865 Moses Yoder House, which is the oldest Amish House in Illinois.
  • Amish in Illinois: Read about when and why the Amish people came to live in Illinois.

 

 

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Arthur, IL, USA