The sun shone brightly over Hope Mills as the first annual Grilled Cheese Festival unfolded at the beautiful Dirtbag Ales and Taproom. The weather was perfect, setting the stage for a day filled with laughter, music, and the irresistible aroma of melted cheese.

A Ticket Selling Success

  • More than 500 tickets were sold, proving that the community was hungry not only for grilled cheese but also for connection and a sense of purpose.
  • Food trucks lined the venue, each crafting their own grilled cheese masterpieces—gooey, golden, and inventive enough to make even the most devoted cheese lover swoon.
  • Local vendors added to the magic, offering creative items and tasty treats that kept festival-goers browsing and snacking throughout the day.

🎶 Entertainment & Energy

  • Five Star Entertainment kept spirits high with music that had families and friends singing along.
  • Volunteers gave generously of their time, ensuring every detail—from ticketing to cleanup—was handled with care and heart. Their support garnered nearly $1800 in-kind.

The Big Cheese Battle
The highlight of the day was the fierce but friendly competition to crown the Grilled Cheese Supreme. After countless bites and ballots, the People’s Choice Big Cheese Award went to Bus Stop Melts, whose gooey creation captured the hearts (and stomachs) of the crowd.

Fundraising & Friendraising
This wasn’t just about food—it was about impact. Between cash donations and in-kind contributions, the festival raised nearly $12,000 (in cash and in-kind) to support programs and services benefiting local children and families.

A Day to Remember
The festival was more than an event—it was a celebration of community spirit, generous hearts, and full bellies. It was proof that when neighbors come together, magic happens.

🧀 SAVE THE DATE! 🧀
The Second Annual Grilled Cheese Festival is officially set for Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 1 PM – 5 PM at Dirtbag Ales!

Get ready for another ooey‑gooey, melty‑magic day filled with:
✨ Food Trucks
✨ Vendors
✨ Sponsors
✨ Volunteer Opportunities
…all coming soon!

A huge THANK YOU to all of our amazing attendees, food trucks, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and our gracious hosts at Dirtbag Ales for making this festival possible. We can’t wait to bring even more cheesy fun to the community this year!

Stay tuned — lots more delicious details are on the way in 2026! 🧀🎉