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Lowville Cream Cheese Festival | September 19, 2026

  • Downtown Lowville Lowville, New York, 13367 United States (map)

Lowville Cream Cheese Festival Serves Up a Giant Slice of Fun

The annual Cream Cheese Festival in Lowville, NY.

Some food festivals are fun; others have a centerpiece that once weighed more than seven tons.

The Lowville Cream Cheese Festival returns to historic downtown Lowville, just west of the Adirondack Blue Line in Lewis County, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11 am – 6 pm. The free street festival celebrates the community’s connection to Kraft Heinz, whose Lowville plant produces Philadelphia cream cheese — and whose cheesemakers know something about making cheesecake on a rather unreasonable scale.

The annual festival fills North State Street, Parkway Drive and surrounding downtown spaces with food, live music, vendors, family activities and, naturally, plenty of cream cheese.

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The giant cheesecake returns to Lowville.

Following the opening ceremonies at noon, Kraft Heinz will unveil the festival’s giant cheesecake and hand out free slices. It is more than a photo opportunity: the oversized cheesecake has become part of Lowville lore.

In 2013, the community earned a Guinness World Record with a 6,900-pound cheesecake. After Russia later claimed the title, Lowville reclaimed it in 2024 with a staggering 15,008-pound cheesecake.

Watch the world's largest cheesecake take shape.

To see how seriously Lowville takes cheesecake, the video below looks back at the record-setting creation and offers a glimpse of the Cream Cheese Festival itself.

The Lowville Cream Cheese Festival celebrates the Lewis County community that is home to Kraft Heinz’s cream cheese plant — and the record-setting cheesecake it produced.

The footage also captures the decidedly small-town festival surrounding Lowville’s very large claim to cream cheese fame.

A western Adirondack gateway food festival with personality.

Beyond cheesecake, visitors can expect food, vendors and live entertainment on two stages: the Main Stage on North State Street and the Veterans Stage near American Legion Post 162 on Parkway Drive.

Families can head to the Children’s Discovery Park in Veterans Memorial Park. Admission is $10 per child and includes an accompanying adult, all-day access to attractions and the child’s choice of popcorn, cotton candy or a snow cone. General festival admission is free.

ADK Taste pick.

The annual recipe contest may be the festival’s best expression of local creativity. Competitors put Philadelphia cream cheese to work in dessert and non-dessert categories, with entries judged on taste, creativity and presentation. Cash prizes are awarded.

Participants must register in advance at creamcheesefestival@gmail.com or 315-748-6361. Free cream cheese for entries will be available at the Lowville Kraft Heinz facility September 16–17 from 12 – 4 pm; participants must provide a copy of their recipe when picking it up.

Philadelphia cream cheese made in Lowville, NY.

Lowville is home to the largest cream cheese manufacturing plant in the United States.

ADK Taste insight.

The Cream Cheese Festival began in 2005 and has grown well beyond North State Street. American Legion Post 162 now plays a significant role, and soldiers from the nearby 10th Mountain Division traditionally volunteer during the festival.

Lowville sits outside the Adirondack Park’s official Blue Line, but it makes a natural stop for travelers exploring Lewis County and the western approaches to the Adirondacks — particularly anyone who believes a fall road trip is improved by cheesecake.

ADK Taste recommendation.

Skip the hunt for downtown parking. Festival parking is available at the Lewis County Fairgrounds, with shuttles serving the north and south ends of the festival. Parking is free, with donations appreciated; shuttle rides cost $1 each way, and exact change is requested.

North State Street and Parkway Drive within the festival area will be closed from 7:30 am – 7:30 pm, so visitors should allow extra time.

For the latest festival schedules and updates, check the official Cream Cheese Festival website or Facebook page before heading out.

Looking for more reasons to explore the Adirondack region? Join In Good Taste (it’s free!) for ADK Taste’s weekly collection of standout food, events, places and stories.

2022’s giant cheesecake.

Lowville Cream Cheese Festival FAQ.

When is the 2026 Lowville Cream Cheese Festival?‍ ‍

Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 11 am – 6 pm.

Where is the Cream Cheese Festival held?‍ ‍

The festival takes place in historic downtown Lowville, New York, primarily along North State Street and Parkway Drive.

Is the Lowville Cream Cheese Festival free?‍ ‍

General admission is free. The Children’s Discovery Park costs $10 per child and includes admission for an accompanying adult.

Will there be a giant cheesecake in 2026?‍ ‍

Yes. A giant cheesecake created by the local Kraft Heinz facility is scheduled to be unveiled after the noon opening ceremonies, followed by free slices.

Where should visitors park?‍ ‍

Festival parking is available at the Lewis County Fairgrounds. Parking is free, with donations appreciated, and shuttle service costs $1 each way.

Is Lowville inside the Adirondack Park?‍ ‍

No. Lowville is in Lewis County, west of the Adirondack Park’s official Blue Line, and serves as a gateway community for travelers headed toward the western Adirondacks.


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