Martha Bernet Main Stage

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2026
Community Night in partnership with Main Street Monroe
6:30 til 9 PM: Rhythm Kings

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Music starts around noon and continues until midnight - complete schedule to be announced
5 PM - Cheese Days Children’s Parade
6 PM - Opening Ceremony

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Music starts around 11 AM and continues until midnight - complete schedule to be announced
7:30 AM - Cheese Days Chase
6:30 PM - Wheelhouse
8:45 PM til midnight - Boogie and the YoYoz!

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2026
Music starts around 10:30 AM and continues until 6 PM - complete schedule to be announced
11:30 AM - Goodtime Dutchmen Band
12:45 PM - THE SWISS COLONY CHEESE DAYS PARADE arrives downtown on the Square
2:45 PM - Goodtime Dutchmen Band

Colony Brands Hospitality Tent

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 2026
Schedule to be announced…

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 19, 2026
Schedule to be announced…

CHEESE DAYS

Back in 1914, the concept of Cheese Days originated from the notion that if some little town in Illinois could have a festival commemorating sauerkraut, then a celebration based on cheese would be an even better idea.

A group of local businessmen planned the festivities in just nine days, driving a roadster through the city of Monroe to publicize the event. A hand-lettered sign attached to the vehicle proclaimed “FIRST CHEESE DAY COMMITTEE 1914 – WE STARTED SOMETHING!”

And did they ever.

100 years later, we invite you to take part in our centennial Cheese Days 2014 – where old-world tradition has generated an out-of-this-world celebration.

Help us celebrate our Swiss heritage with traditional music, dance, drinks, food, and extraordinary cheese!