As is now tradition, Astorga will host a new edition of its Cheese Fair over the long weekend of 1 May. Twenty exhibitors will gather in Plaza Eduardo de Castro (between the Cathedral and Gaudí’s Palace) from Thursday 30 April to Sunday 3 May. There will be talks by master cheesemakers, live cooking demonstrations by some of the best local chefs, and other activities designed to ensure cheese lovers enjoy their weekend in Astorga. There will be 20 stalls at the fair, mostly occupied by artisanal cheese producers from León and neighbouring provinces. The talks and live cooking demonstrations will take place at the Hotel Gaudí, located in the same square. The fair’s stalls will be open from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00 throughout the four days. Here is the full programme of activities for the 2026 Astorga Cheese Fair:
Article's index
Thursday 30 April
- 11:30: Opening of the Cheese Fair, with Jonathan Garrote as the keynote speaker. Jonathan Garrote is a cooking and pastry teacher and food writer.
- 12:30: Masterclass led by Jonathan Garrote and Quesería Hircus: ‘Cheese and its culinary techniques’ (by invitation only).
- 18:30: Talk and tasting session led by Quesos Idiazábal (by invitation only).
Friday 1 May
- 12:00: Talk and tasting session hosted by Quesos la Chata (by invitation only).
- 13:00: Parade led by the Sartaina group.
- 18:00: Live cooking demonstration by Jesús Prieto Serrano (Restaurante Serrano): ‘Cheese beyond the cheese board’ (by invitation only).
- 18:30: Cheese fondue tasting in the organisers’ marquee.
Saturday 2 May
- 12:00: Talk and tasting by Quesería Daniberto (invitation only).
- 19:00: Live cooking demonstration by Mónica López (Casa Kika): ‘Artisan cheeses from León as a base for international cuisine’ (invitation).
- 19:30: Tethered hot-air balloon flight: in the courtyard of the González Álvarez School. Flight at a height of 20 to 25 metres lasting 4 minutes. Limited to 100 tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Children may only participate when accompanied by an adult.
Sunday 3 May
- 12:00: Talk and tasting session on ‘Queso Tozudo azul matured in an iron mine’. Free entry until full capacity is reached (40 people).
- 13:00: Parade by the Aires de Perales group.
- 19:30: Closing ceremony of the Astorga Cheese Fair 2026 and prize draw for a hamper of products.