There is no better place to get a taste of Texas than at the State Fair. Registration for the 2022 cooking contests is now open. Amateur chefs have the opportunity to showcase their best dishes for a chance to win a purple or blue ribbon and bragging rights. 

The 2022 State Fair Cooking Contests will introduce five new contests this year. Blue Ribbon Round-up Game Day Delights, Low-to-NO Sugar Showdown Creative Cookies, Be Creative with Mrs. Wages Contest, Pasta Contest, and Cajun Cookin’ Contest are new categories for cooks to explore. 

The Big Tex BBQ & Chili Challenge returns to the pre-fair cooking contest lineup after a two-year absence. This year’s Big Tex BBQ Challenge, Big Tex Chili Challenge, and CASI Chili Challenge will all take place on the same day, September 24, 2022. The competition is open to grill masters from all over the United States, who will battle to win the Big Tex trophy. 

Even though pre-registration is not required, it is strongly encouraged. Participants can sign up in person or online on the contest day, as long as they do so before submitting their entries. Forms for submitting entries will be available on-site during the competitions. 

All of the fair’s cooking contests will be held in the Creative Arts Building during the fair. The full schedule of the contests is available at BigTex.com. 

Creative Arts at the State Fair of Texas are divided into three sections: Arts & Crafts, Cooking, and the Big Tex BBQ & Chili Challenge. All ages and any skill level can enter the contests. 

The 2022 Texas State Fair theme is “Treats of Texas.” It will start on September 30 and continue for 24 days through October 23.

For 136 years, the State Fair of Texas has celebrated all things Texan. It stands by its mission statement of promoting agriculture, education, and community involvement through quality entertainment in a family-friendly environment.