Home Chef Challenge
Welcome to the Home Chef Challenge Competition Department!
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, July 1st, 2026
- Registration Closes: Tuesday, September 15th, 2026
- Competition Location: Dorton Arena - North Lobby
- Entry Check-In & Judging: Please view the Premium Book for specific Check-In and Judging schedule for each day.
- The N.C. State Fair General Fair Rules & Regulations apply.
- Open to both Amateur and Professional cooks residing in North Carolina.
- Exhibitors are allowed one entry per Class.
- Participants will prepare their entry at home and bring it to the Fair on the day of the challenge to be assessed by a panel of judges.
- A different challenge category will be held each day of the Fair. Please enter the Division(s) that correspond with the day and challenge you intend to enter.
- Check-In windows and Judging times are listed under each Division. Any entry not received during the Check-In window is at risk of refusal for acceptance and judging.
- Exhibitors are required to submit two copies of the recipe for each entry.
- Recipes must be typed and on a 8½” x 11” sheet of paper.
- Mailed or emailed recipes will not be accepted.
- All recipes submitted become the property of the North Carolina State Fair and the sponsor of the contest.
Please review the Premium Book for full competition details, rules, and regulations prior to registering entries.
Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 4 p.m. "Keep Your Eye on the PIEze" - No Bake Pie Challenge
Friday, October 17, 2025 - 11 a.m. Sheetz Street Taco Challenge presented by SHEETZ
Saturday, October 18, 2025 - 11 a.m. Savory with Some Spirit Challenge presented by the Distillers Association of North Carolina
Sunday, October 19, 2025 - 11 a.m. "Smoke Em Up" Smoked Turkey Breast Challenge presented by Kindled Provisions
Monday, October 20, 2025 - 11 a.m. "Sugar Showdown" Candy Challenge presented by the N.C. State Fair
Tuesday, October 21, 2025 - 11 a.m. "EGG-stravagant Quiche" Challenge presented by Wegmans
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 - 11 a.m. "America 250th - Celebrating The Great American State Fair" State Fair Food Challenge presented by Mike and Amanda, Your Q Morning Crew, 94.7 QDR
Thursday, October 23, 2025 - 11 a.m. Pig On A Stick Challenge presented by Smithfield Foods
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 11 a.m. "Soups On" Chicken Soup Challenge presented by the N.C State Fair
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 11 a.m. "Salsa Showdown" Salsa Challenge presented by the North Carolina PTA
Sunday, October 26, 2025 - 11 a.m. "Not Your Classic BLT Sandwich" BLT Challenge presented by the N.C. State Fair
Thank you to our sponsors!
