N.C. State Fair Announces 11‑Day Home Chef Challenge With New Amateur and Professional Divisions

July 29, 2026 Coastal Carolina News Staff Entertainment, Food & Drinks, News, Regional News 0

RALEIGH — The N.C. State Fair is turning up the heat this October with an expanded slate of cooking competitions, inviting both amateur home cooks and professional chefs to compete in the 2026 Home Chef Challenge. Fair officials announced Wednesday that registration is now open, with 11 themed contests scheduled across the full run of the fair.

Fair Director Kent Yelverton said interest in the Home Chef Challenge continues to grow. “Last year we had 174 home chefs participate with almost 400 entries. This year we are expanding the competition to include a class for professional chefs as well as amateur chefs,” Yelverton said.

The contests will run daily Oct. 15–25 in the North Lobby of Dorton Arena. Each challenge features two divisions — amateur and professional — and competitors may enter only one dish per contest. All dishes must be prepared at home and delivered to the fair on the day of competition, accompanied by two printed copies of the recipe. Recipes must include a creative title but no personal information. Mailed or emailed recipes will not be accepted.

Competitors must enter through Gate 3 and be present to win.

2026 HOME CHEF CHALLENGE SCHEDULE
Oct. 15 — Blue Ribbon Brunch Board Challenge (4 p.m.)
Oct. 16 — Holy Guacamole! Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 17 — Boo‑zy Sweet Treat Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 18 — Delightful Dips Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 19 — Sweet Potato Showdown Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 20 — Cheez‑y Does It! Cheez‑It Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 21 — Bless Your Tart! Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 22 — East to West Pork BBQ Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 23 — Nutty By Nature Peanut Candy Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 24 — Stew‑pendous Brunswick Stew Challenge (11 a.m.)
Oct. 25 — Layer It Up Lasagna Challenge (11 a.m.)

Pre‑registration is required and must be completed online or by mail. Entry instructions and forms are available at www.ncstatefair.org under General Competitions → Home Chef Challenge. The deadline to enter is Sept. 15. Entrants must also submit digital W‑9 forms to receive prize money.