New York BagelFest is bringing together some of the world’s top bagel makers, culinary personalities and food enthusiasts for its seventh annual celebration on Nov. 15 at Citi Field in Queens. Presented by King Arthur Baking Company, the 2026 festival will feature unlimited tastings, friendly competition, industry discussions and live entertainment.
The event will welcome more than 25 acclaimed bagel makers representing 10 states and five countries, including Ireland, Spain, Canada and India. Organizers said fewer than 9% of applicants were selected to compete, with bakeries evaluated on quality, originality, reputation and community following.
“The global bagel industry is growing at a rapidly accelerating rate. The 7th Annual New York BagelFest will be the most magical one yet — quite literally, with a magician and mentalist joining this year’s entertainment lineup — for our foodies, industry professionals, and competitors,” said founder Sam Silverman.
This year’s judging panel brings together prominent voices in food journalism, cooking, Jewish culinary traditions and digital media. Participants include James Beard Award-winning cookbook author Joan Nathan, bestselling author Jake Cohen, chef and restaurateur Einat Admony, food journalist Gabriella Gershenson and cookbook author Leah Koenig.
The panel also includes food and travel creator Jeremy Jacobowitz, Russ & Daughters operations director Tim Von Hollweg and award-winning baker and consultant Reva Castillenti, among other industry experts and bagel reviewers.
Judges will determine the coveted Best Bagel title through blind tastings, scoring plain, unsliced bagels on flavor, texture, appearance and aroma. Additional awards recognize New York-style, sourdough and Montreal-style bagels, as well as creative offerings, schmears, bialys and showmanship. Festivalgoers can cast votes for People’s Choice and regional and international honors.
Beyond the tastings, BagelFest will host Industry Talks exploring bagel-making techniques, business growth, marketing and New York’s culinary heritage. Sessions include “The Key to the Perfect Bagel,” “From Toasted to Thriving” and “Icons of Jewish New York,” featuring representatives from established bakeries and baking-industry organizations.
Entertainment will include performances by magician and mentalist Daniel Nicholas, known for combining sleight of hand with mind-reading demonstrations. New York City artist Melissa Mae Kors will also create a live artwork inspired by bagel culture.
The festival’s Bagel Rolling Championship will return, challenging participants to roll as many bagels as possible in one minute.
Early-bird tickets sold out in three hours, and one-third of available tickets were purchased during the first 24 hours of sales. General tickets are now available through the New York BagelFest website.
With international competitors, expert judges and activities for food lovers and industry professionals, the festival aims to celebrate the bagel’s enduring place in New York’s food culture while showcasing its growing global appeal.