South Carolina is getting its first annual, 100% plant-based Mac and Cheese Cook Off, and if you skip year one, you are going to have serious FOMO. 🧀🔥

We are bringing it to Newberry on Saturday, April 25, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and we are making this a new statewide tradition. 🎉📍

Hosted by Wild Pines Sanctuary in Union and Cotton Branch Refuge Project in Leesville, this is a plant-based mac and cheese tasting event built for everyone. If you are already into plant-based food, you are about to be so happy. 🤤🌱 If you are not, still come. This is your “wait, this is plant-based?” moment. 😳✨

How it works. Up to 15 home chefs compete with their best 100% plant-based mac and cheese. You sample and vote, so the People’s Choice winner is decided by the crowd. 🗳️🏆 A panel of professional chefs from across South Carolina will also judge the lineup and award the Chef’s Choice. 👩‍🍳⭐ We will also have vendors on site with crafts and other goodies, so you can snack, shop, and hang out. 🛍️🧁

This day is also about why sanctuary work matters. Both organizations will share a little about the rescue and refuge work happening in our communities, and how support from events like this helps us keep showing up for animals who need a safe place to land. 🐷💛

And the venue is part of the vibe. The Newberry Firehouse Conference Center is a beautiful, restored historic firehouse turned event space, so it already feels special the second you walk up. 🏛️✨

Early Bird tickets are available now.

🎟️ General Admission is $19.99. VIP is $39.99 with limited quantity, and it includes a sponsor gift bag.

💝 Ticket prices increase 25% on March 9, 2026. ⏳

Join us at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center, 1227 McKibbin Street, Newberry, SC 29108, and be part of year one. 🚒📍🎉

😊 Want to sponsor the event? ➡️ CLICK HERE

South Carolina Mac & Cheese Cook-Off

By The Refuge Project

South Carolina Mac & Cheese Cook-Off

1st Annual | 100% Plant-Based