The annual Mac and Cheese Fest is returning to Binghamton for its 10th year! The event will take place next Thursday from 6 to 8 PM at the DoubleTree Hotel in downtown Binghamton.

Julia Grella O'Connell, the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Philharmonic, said, "We are here to present our entire community with the best of world class music, symphony music, pop music and chamber music. We have world class musicians living right here in our community, and everything that we do engages the community and also enhances the community. So I think it's really important that we let everybody know about what we do as an arts organization. And beyond that, it's also just a really fun event."

Attendees will have the chance to sample and vote for their favorite mac and cheese dishes from twenty local restaurants, including Mooney’s, Chroma Cafe and Bakery, Kampai, and Farm by Beer Tree, among others.

The event will also feature a panel of celebrity judges, made up of representatives from local orchestras, museums, and theaters, who will award prizes for the best mac and cheese and other culinary categories.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Philharmonic.

O'Connell encourages everyone to come out and enjoy the event next week: "It is just so much fun. It's casual. It's a really great way to enjoy yourself on a Thursday night when there's not a whole lot else going on in the community and also have great food," O'Connell said.

Tickets are $25. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Philharmonic box office at 607-723-3931 or visit www.bingmacfest.com.