National Cheese Curd Day

Celebrated on 10/15/2026

Quick Fact

National Cheese Curd Day is celebrated on October 15th, and cheese curds are the fresh, mild cheddar nuggets that squeak when you bite them—a sign of freshness! Wisconsin, the top cheese-producing state in the U.S., hosts an annual Cheese Curd Festival in Ellsworth, often called the 'Cheese Curd Capital of Wisconsin.'

Origins and Establishment of National Cheese Curd Day

National Cheese Curd Day was established in 2015 by the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) to promote Wisconsin's cheese industry and celebrate the state's signature snack. The date, October 15th, was chosen to coincide with the peak of fall cheese production and to honor the state's rich dairy heritage.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Since its inception, National Cheese Curd Day has grown beyond Wisconsin, with cheese curd lovers across the U.S. and Canada joining in the celebration. Today, the day is marked by special promotions at restaurants and cheese shops, social media campaigns (#NationalCheeseCurdDay), and events like the Ellsworth Cheese Curd Festival, which features curd eating contests, cheese-making demonstrations, and live music.

Facts & General Observations

• Wisconsin produces over 600 million pounds of cheese curds annually, accounting for nearly half of all U.S. cheese curd production.
• Fresh cheese curds should be consumed within 24–48 hours for the best squeak; after that, they lose their signature texture.
• Cheese curds are a key ingredient in poutine, a Canadian dish of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy, and are also popular breaded and deep-fried as a snack.

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