Culinary

Do you love baking and cooking for fun or as a hobby?

Enter your best recipes in the Culinary Competitions at the State Fair!

NEW CONTEST ADDED June 2026:

Old Fashioned-Inspired Dessert Contest!

See entry information below for complete details.

Display case featuring assorted cookies and construction props

Culinary Entry Information

Pavlova filled with berries and cream

Old Fashioned-Inspired Decadent Dessert Contest

The Mash, Muddle & Make It Old Fashioned-Inspired Decadent Dessert Contest

Entry Deadline: July 1, 2026 OR Limited to the first 26 entries
Drop Off: August 11, 2026: 7:30-8:30 am
Judging: August 11, 2026: noon-2:00 pm
Must be 21 years or older to enter.

Click the link below for complete entry information and contest rules.

Many jars of different types of canned vegetables

Culinary Day 1

Drop Off: July 29, 2026: 8-10:30 am
Judging: July 29, 2026: 1:30-5:30 pm

Culinary Day 1 features over 60 classes in the following divisions:

  • Yeast Breads
  • Fresh Fruits & Veggies
  • Dressings
  • Cookies & Bars
  • Pies
  • Canning

Click the link below for complete entry information and contest rules.

Judge and 2 assistants showcasing 4 tier decorated cake that won best of division

Culinary Day 2

Drop Off: August 1, 2026: 8-10:30 am
Judging: August 1, 2026: 1:30-5:30 pm

Culinary Day 2 features over 70 classes in the following divisions:

  • Culinary Challenge
  • Cakes
  • Frostings
  • Wisconsin Dairy
  • Soups
  • Quick Breads
  • Decorated Cakes

Click the link below for complete entry information and contest rules.

2 judges smiling

Culinary Days 3, 4 & 5

Culinary Day 3
Drop Off Culinary Day 3: August 7, 2026: 7:30-8:30 am
Judging Culinary Day 3: August 7, 2026: 11 am-4:00 pm
Culinary Day 3 features 8 classes:
Rooted in Tradition

Culinary Day 4
Drop Off Culinary Day 4: August 9, 2026: 7:30-8:30 am
Judging Culinary Day 4: August 9, 2026: 11 am-4:00 pm
Culinary Day 4 features 8 classes:
Rooted in Tradition

Culinary Day 5
Drop Off Culinary Day 5: August 13, 2026: 7:30-8:30 am
Judging Culinary Day 5: August 13, 2026: 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Culinary Day 5 features 8 classes:
Rooted in Tradition

Click the link below for complete entry information and contest rules.

Culinary Entry Form

Entry Deadlines

Entry Deadline:

  • May 6, 2026: Postmark for mailed entries
  • May 6, 2026 at 7 pm (Central Time): Online entries close
  • May 13, 2026 at 7 pm Late entries close (will be charged late fee)

The list of the 2026 Competitive Exhibits judges will be available here in early June.

Wisconsin State Fair Competitive General Rules and Regulations and Protest Form.

Entry Form

Please read the entry information before entering.

Please check all arrival show and release dates carefully! All contests will be held in Grand Champion Hall (formerly known as the Horticulture, Craft & Culinary Pavilion).

To enter these contests, click the button below to enter online (available in early April), or download the Culinary Entry Form (available in early April) and mail it to Wisconsin State Fair at the address listed below.

Questions?

Questions regarding entering can be emailed to: entryoffice@wistatefair.com

Or call:
Junior & Open Shows: 414.266.7052
Dog Sports, Rabbit Hopping: 414.266.7052
Meat & Dairy Products Contests: 414.266.7052
Competitive Exhibits: 414.313.2767

Mailing Address:
Wisconsin State Fair
Entry Department
640 S 84th Street
West Allis WI 53214