The granddaddy of all cheese festivals, Cheese Days is a Wisconsin tradition dating back to 1914. On the third weekend in September in even-numbered years, thousands gather on the historic Courthouse Square in Monroe to celebrate the award-winning cheeses of America’s Dairyland. This picturesque town is in the heart of Wisconsin’s cheesemaking mecca in Green County, which is home to more than 20 dairy plants—many still owned by farmer cooperatives with third- and fourth-generation cheesemakers. http://cheesedays.com

As if you need another excuse to visit Maine at the height of fall foliage season, the Maine Cheese Guild presents Open Creamery Day on October 10. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., explore dozens of cheese factories during a statewide open house. Learn the stories behind more than 150 artisan cheeses and stop at farmers’ markets and orchards along the way. View a map of participating cheesemakers at www.mainecheeseguild.org.

Though slightly different in scope, these two biennial events have become inseparable in recent years. Salone del Gusto showcases artisan food and wine in an educational setting, while Terra Madre gathers farmers and food artisans from 150 countries, all of whom are committed to promoting sustainable production models. Both events highlight the diversity of spaces, cultures, knowledge, and practices. salonedelgusto.it, www.terramadre.org