The State Fair is excited to put home chefs who have been honing their skills during the COVID-19 pandemic to the test with the 2021 Cooking Contests. We all spent more time at home in 2020 than we had ever anticipated, which led to a lot of folks picking up a spatula and trying out new recipes. Whether you got your start during the pandemic, or you’ve been participating in the Fair’s cooking contests for years, with 14 contests throughout the Fair’s 24-day run, there is a contest for everyone to compete in with the potential of bringing home a State Fair ribbon – and bragging rights!
Pre-registration is now available online at BigTex.com/CreativeArts, where you can also download the 2021 Cooking Contest handbook. Although pre-registration is not required, it is requested. Contestants may register the day of the contest online or when they turn in their entries. Blank entry forms will be available on-site the day of the competitions. The cooking contests join the other creative arts competition opportunities, including virtual creative arts and arts & crafts contests. Due to health and safety related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Big Tex BBQ & Chili Challenge and the cook-offs will not be held in 2021.
In addition to the cooking contests, the Best of Show Cookbook is now available for purchase online. Featuring the best of the best over the past decade, this year’s cookbook celebrates the recipes that took home the top prize in their category. Whether you’re looking for something sweet or savory, the Best of Show Cookbook will become your go-to place for exciting new recipes. To purchase the cookbook, please visit BigTex.com/Cookbook.
See below for a full schedule of the Fair’s Cooking Contests, which will be held in the Creative Arts Building.
2021 State Fair of Texas Cooking Contests
| Date | Name of Contest |
| Saturday, September 25, 2021 | Cake Contest |
| Monday, September 27, 2021 | Chocolate Contest |
| Speedy Dishes Contest | |
| Sunday, October 3, 2021 | Texas Pecan Challenge |
| Monday, October 4, 2021 | Farm-to-Fork Contest |
| Honey Contest | |
| Black Jar/Polished Jar Honey Contest | |
| Friday, October 8, 2021 | Bread Contest |
| Sunday, October 10, 2021 | Pie Contest |
| Tuesday, October 12, 2021 | Cookie Contest |
| Thursday, October 14, 2021 | Cooking with Cheese |
| Tex-Mex Contest | |
| Saturday, October 16, 2021 | Youth Cooking Contest |
| Sunday, October 17, 2021 | Candy Contest |
The 2021 State Fair of Texas kicks off in 100 days, opening on Friday, September 24, and running through Sunday, October 17. Season passes are on sale now. Visit BigTex.com to purchase your season pass and plan your visit to this year’s State Fair.