PHILADELPHIA, PA – The search for the ultimate comfort food experience in the Keystone State is about to get cheesy! The Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) is thrilling food lovers with the debut of the Manayunk Fall Fest and Mac N Cheese Crawl, a one-of-a-kind event set to take over historic Main Street on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
While Mac N Cheese crawls and festivals have been regional staples in recent years, this event marks a significant culinary moment for the Manayunk district, positioning it as a must-visit destination for enthusiasts of the classic dish.
The Ultimate Comfort Food Challenge
The highlight of the day is the Mac and Cheese Crawl, a dedicated, ticketed tasting tour that challenges Manayunk's best culinary talents to put their own creative spin on the beloved macaroni and cheese.
- When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
- What You Get: Tickets are $20 each and include samples from every participating restaurant, a custom event map, and exclusive offers for crawl participants.
- The Competition: Over a dozen Manayunk restaurants have already confirmed their participation, inviting guests to vote for the best cheesy creation. Confirmed participants include favorites such as Bar Jawn, Lucky's Last Chance, Manayunk Brewery & Restaurant, Taqueria Amor, and The Goat's Beard.
MDC's Branding & Digital Marketing Manager, Janine Gasarowski, commented, "The Mac N Cheese Crawl is the perfect way to bring Manayunk's culinary talent together and offer a fun, indulgent experience for our guests. We're excited to see the creative takes on this classic comfort food."
Fall Fest: More Than Just Mac N Cheese
The Mac' n Cheese Crawl is the centerpiece of the larger, free Manayunk Fall Fest, a full-day celebration running from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm Main Street will be transformed into an autumn wonderland, complete with:
- Live Music: Three dedicated stages will feature local acts like Candice Lee, Ridge Runners, and the Michael James Berg Trio.
- Artisans & Vendors: Shoppers can browse over 25 local vendors and artisan makers selling everything from handmade jewelry and apparel to candles and unique home décor.
- Food Trucks: Over 10 food trucks, including savory stops like Humpty's Dumplings and Los Gallos Mexican Taqueria, will line the street, offering a diverse selection of seasonal fare.
- Family Fun: Activities for all ages include pumpkin decorating, face painting, and a Halloween-themed mini-golf course.
With tickets for the Mac N Cheese Crawl on pace to sell out quickly for this debut year, food lovers are encouraged to purchase early to secure their chance to sample the best of Manayunk's cheesy creations. This event promises to cement Manayunk's reputation as a top culinary and community destination this autumn.
