Cooking Contests

Cooking Contests At-A-Glance

Cooking contests take place every day during the Fair in the Competition Kitchen. There are two types of competitions to participate in: Cooking Contests and Cook-offs.

Cooking Contests

The State Fair of Texas is known for its culinary creations, and there’s no better place to see Texans serving up creative concoctions than the State Fair of Texas Cooking Contests. Held during the Fair each year, amateur cooks compete in contests to bring home the coveted blue (or purple) ribbon and bragging rights.

Cooking contests take place on specific days of the Fair in the Competition Kitchen. Though you may register on the day of each contest in the Creative Arts building, it is requested you register online beforehand. Cooking contests are “day-of entry,” which means you bring your prepared dish ready to go for judging.

2026 Cooking Schedule Available Soon

Cook-offs
The other type of cooking competition available in the Competition Kitchen are listed as ‘Cook-Offs’ and require pre-selected cooking spots. If selected for a Cook-off spot, contestants will cook their dish on site, from start to finish, at the Creative Arts building and then all entries are judged.

2026 Cooking Guide Available Soon

Check back soon when the registration portal opens!

A Way to Battle Test Your Cooking Skills

The State Fair of Texas welcomes back The Battle for the Blue Ribbons and will host three of the Fair’s most popular Creative Arts Cooking Contests over a weekend in late May. All blue-ribbon winners from the three contests will be invited to “Best of Show-Down” in the Competition Kitchen during the Fair.

All cooking contests are open to ALL AGES. Contestants may enter each of the three (3) contests as part of this program. Contestants are limited to six (6) entries per contest, with one (1) per category. Ribbons will be awarded for First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention.

Contest and registration dates will be announced soon. Check back frequently for any updated information.