New York BagelFest Returns to Citi Field With Global Bakers, Celebrity Judges and Plenty of Carb-Fueled Competition
More than 25 bagel makers from five countries will descend on Citi Field November 15 for tastings, industry conversations, live entertainment and the battle for bagel bragging rights.
New York knows a thing or two about bagels, but this November, Citi Field is about to become the center of the bagel universe.
New York BagelFest, presented by King Arthur Baking Company, returns for its seventh year on Sunday, November 15, 2026, bringing more than 25 acclaimed bagel makers, culinary personalities and industry leaders together for a celebration where carbs are not merely encouraged, they are practically the dress code.
And judging by ticket demand, New Yorkers are hungry for it.
Early Bird tickets disappeared in just three hours, with roughly one-third of available tickets purchased during the first 24 hours. This year’s competitors will represent 10 states and five countries, including bakers traveling from Ireland, Spain, Canada and India. Fewer than 9% of applicants were selected for the 2026 festival.
Who Gets to Judge the Bagels?
Choosing the best bagel in a room filled with some of the world’s top bakers sounds delicious, but BagelFest is taking the assignment seriously.
The 2026 judging panel includes cookbook authors, chefs, restaurateurs, journalists, creators and serious bagel aficionados. Among those announced are James Beard Award-winning author Joan Nathan, bestselling cookbook author Jake Cohen, Survivor: Africa champion and former professional soccer player Ethan Zohn, chef and restaurateur Einat Admony, food scholar Darra Goldstein, journalist Gabriella Gershenson, cookbook author Leah Koenig and food-and-travel creator Jeremy Jacobowitz.
The festival will also welcome returning judges and industry professionals with deep ties to New York food culture, including representatives and personalities connected with Russ & Daughters, Time Out New York and the wider bagel-reviewing world.
The coveted Best Bagel award will be decided by blind taste testing, with plain, unsliced bagels scored for flavor, texture, appearance and aroma. Additional honors include Best New York Style Bagel, Best Sourdough Bagel, Best Montreal Style Bagel, Schmear of the Year, Most Creative, Best Showmanship and Best Bialy.
Festivalgoers get a vote too, with People’s Choice and several regional and international categories.
Bagel School Is in Session
BagelFest isn’t stopping at tasting.
The festival’s Industry Talks will explore everything from creating the perfect bagel to growing a successful bakery business. One particularly New York conversation, “Icons of Jewish New York,” will bring together Jake Dell of Katz’s Delicatessen, Josh Russ Tupper of Russ & Daughters and David Zabar of Zabar’s.
Translation: come hungry, but perhaps bring a notebook.
Magic, Art and a Kids’ Zone
Bagels may command the spotlight, but they’re sharing the stage this year.
Magician and mentalist Daniel Nicholas will perform both close-up magic and stage entertainment, while New York fine artist Melissa Mae Kors will create an original bagel-inspired artwork live during the festival. Families can visit a dedicated Kids’ Zone for chef-hat and apron decorating, entertainment, readings and a book signing with Bagel Finds His Center author Allyson Fisher.
The day concludes with the BagelFest Awards Ceremony, including the festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award honoring lasting contributions to bagel craft and culture.
Know Before You Go
New York BagelFest 2026 takes place Sunday, November 15 at Citi Field in New York City.
General admission tickets start at $69, with sessions scheduled from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission includes unlimited tastings from more than two dozen bagel shops, including bagels, schmears, sandwiches and festival-only creations. All Access ticket holders also receive a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and access to the Infield Suite with additional bites.
In a city where asking who makes the best bagel can start a debate before the cream cheese hits the counter, BagelFest is essentially turning that argument into an entire festival.
And frankly, we’re ready to investigate one bite at a time.