Toronto to get a three day mac & cheese festival

Mac and cheese lovers in Toronto are about to get all gooey inside with news that the city will play host to a three day festival in honour of the classic comfort food late this spring.

To be held at the Liberty Market June 5-7, the festival sounds promising so far. Those fearing a repeat of Grilled Cheese Fest will be relieved to know that admission is free and that additional entertainment like live music and street performances are planned so that you don't die of boredom waiting in lines.

From a vendor standpoint, the early list is enticing. Some of the chefs and restaurants already on board include Cheesewerks, Fonda Lola, Cardinal Rule, Morgan's on the Danforth, Art of Food, Big E's Hawaiian Grinds, H-Bar, Local Public Eatery, Penthouse Catering, Burrito Burrito, and Locus 144. The Holy Grill food truck is also set to launch at the event.

Beyond the food and entertainment, there will be lots of beer (thank god). The Brazen Head will set up a beer garden near the main stage and will have a variety of offerings including some craft brewers.

By virtue of the venue the fest is at least partially rain proof, with the vendors slated to set up in the covered galleria that runs through the market, which will also be outfitted with picnic tables so you don't have to stand and eat. Given the three-day timeline, it's also unlikely that rain could put a damper on the whole festival (knock on wood).

I'd be remiss not to note that the event also has a charitable component, as organizers will be partnering up with Foodshare Toronto to support the non-profit's goal of addressing food system inequalities.

More details about the festival are forthcoming, but the date and times are firm. June 5th (6-10pm), June 6th (11am-11pm), June 7th (12-5pm). Follow @macandcheesefst for updates.