My First Time Attending a Wisconsin Cheese Festival and the Unexpected Expenses Along the Way

3 December, 2025 Cheese
cheeses stacked in a shop
Credit: Pixabay/VMonte13

I arrived in Little Chute, Wisconsin, where the Big Wisconsin Cheese Festival is held at Doyle Park. Every year, the schedule is published on TravelWisconsin.com. So before the trip, it’s convenient to check the dates, times, and the full program.

When I approached the park, I immediately saw food tents, tasting areas, a children’s playground, live music, and local vendors. Volunteers directed visitors, and the signs at the entrance helped them quickly find the tasting lines and entertainment zones. For me, as someone who was there for the first time, it was very convenient. 

What the Festival Was Like Through a First-Timer’s Eyes

At the festival, you could try dairy products from Wisconsin companies, attend short workshops, and watch a parade. According to DATCP, Wisconsin is the leader in cheese production, so many producers come to showcase the quality of their products. The tasting areas were popular, but the lines moved quickly thanks to staff who directed the flow of visitors.

Besides cheese, vendors offered fried sausages, ice cream, pretzels, soda, and items made by local artisans. Music played on the stage all day, and families spent time at the children’s attractions. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly; however, I didn’t expect to encounter so many additional expenses so early in the morning.

The Small Costs That Added Up Faster Than Expected

I, like many visitors to the cheese festival, thought it would be inexpensive. But here are the expenses I didn’t account for:

  • Merchandise and souvenirs
  • Snacks, meals, beverages, and tasting items
  • Specialty cheese to take home
  • Increased hotel costs, gas, rideshares, and parking

How I Managed the Surprise Expenses During the Trip

To stay within my budget, I tracked every purchase. I wrote down my expenses and checked how much money I had left several times a day. When some amounts got out of hand, I turned to help with surprise costs in Wisconsin. Overspending often happens to travelers during major events, so it’s wise to have a safety net. I also used the EveryDollar app. It’s free, easy to set up, and lets you quickly adjust categories when new expenses appear. This helped me focus on the tastings and local products. 

Despite the extra expenses, everything went well, but next time, I would prepare in advance. I would compare hotel prices, look up information on traveling around the state, estimate my expenses beforehand, and bring water and light snacks.