Get Involved with Creative Arts!
Do you want to participate in Creative Arts contests at the State Fair of Texas but don’t know where to start? Start by deciding if you want to show your artistry skills in Arts and Crafts or if you want to show off your culinary abilities. You can even do both if you like!
Who can enter Creative arts contests? Anyone can! Whether you’re a professional, an amateur, or even a fair goer under the age 17 there is a contest category for everyone.
Arts & Crafts
To be a part of a State Fair of Texas tradition – The Arts & Crafts Contests. Whether you like to needlepoint or prefer to paint, we have 14 contests with more than 1,100 categories for crafters at every skill level. We have created a guide to help you navigate the entry process.
For more information, the full handbook, and the link to register visit the Arts & Crafts page.
For fairgoers under 17, visit the Youth Contests page.
How do you enter an Arts & Crafts Contest?
1. Choose a Contest:
The Fair has 14 different contests ranging from photography to scale models.
2. Pick a Category:
Each contest has a variety of different categories that target different age groups and crafting skills.
3. Register Online:
Simply go to Bigtex.com/creative and find the registration button to register your creative masterpieces(s).
4. Bring your entries to the Fair
Cooking Contests
To be a part of a State Fair of Texas tradition – the Cooking Contests. Whether you like to bake or prefer something a bit more savory, we have cooking contests throughout the 24 days of the Fair for amateur home cooks of all ages! We have created a guide to help you navigate the process
For more information, the full handbook, and the link to register visit the Cooking Contest page.
For fairgoers under 17, visit the Youth Contests page.
How do you enter a Cooking Contest?
1. Choose a Contest:
The Fair has more than 20 different contests ranging from pies to Tex-Mex.
2. Pick a Category:
Each contest has a variety of categories that showcase the overall theme of the contests.
3. Register Online:
Simply go to Bigtex.com/creative and find the registration button to register your favorite recipe(s).
4. Bring your entries to the Fair
Entries must be brought to the Creative Arts building on the designated contest days. Drop off your entries August 1-3 from 9am-5pm at the Creative Building. Registration opens at 9:00 A.M. and judging begins promptly at 10:30 A.M. unless otherwise noted.
Important Information
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Where can I download the handbooks, find the cooking schedule, and register for the contests?
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Information and resources about specific contests can be found on their respective pages. Click on a category to visit those web pages.
Arts & Crafts Youth Contests Cooking Contests
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When can I register?
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Registration opens on May 7th. For Arts & Crafts contests, registration closes on July 28th. For Cooking contests, you can register up until the day of the contest.
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When do I bring in my entries for Arts & Crafts contests?
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All entries must be dropped off at the Creative Arts building in Fair Park between Friday August 1, 2025 and Sunday August 3, 2025. Once registered, we will email you with more information to drop your entry off.
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Who can enter a Creative Arts Contest?
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Fair fans of all ages and skill levels can enter the Arts & Crafts contests, and only amateur contestants can enter the Cooking contests. We offer a variety of contests and categories that are age-specific or for professionals and teachers. Cooking Contests are open to home cooks of all ages, unless otherwise noted. The Fair does offer a Youth Cooking Contest just for younger cooks.
