New York BagelFest Returns with International Participants and Expert Judges

New York BagelFest, the annual celebration of bagel culture, is set to return to Citi Field on November 15, 2026. The event, presented by King Arthur Baking Company, will feature more than 25 renowned bagel makers, culinary personalities, and industry leaders, along with thousands of enthusiastic attendees.

This year, the festival is expanding its scope, welcoming bagel shops from ten states and five countries. Among the international participants are bakeries from Ireland, Spain, Canada, and India, competing alongside legendary New York institutions and leading bagel makers from across the United States. The highly competitive selection process, which evaluates bakeries on quality, originality, reputation, and community engagement, resulted in fewer than 9% of applicants being chosen.

The judging panel, tasked with selecting the best bagels, is a star-studded lineup of food industry experts. Notable judges include Joan Nathan, the James Beard Award-winning author of twelve cookbooks; Jake Cohen, the New York Times bestselling author of Jew-ish and host of "Jake Makes it Easy"; Ethan Zohn, a former professional soccer player and author; Chef Einat Admony, a three-time James Beard Award-nominated chef; and Darra Goldstein, the founding editor of Gastronomica and editor in chief of the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Food Studies. The judges will evaluate bagels based on flavor, texture, appearance, and aroma, with the highest average score determining the winners.

In addition to the judging, the festival will host an Industry Talks series, bringing together influential voices in the bagel industry. Topics will range from bagel making and business operations to brand marketing and growth. Speakers include Jeff Yankellow, Director of Bakery and Food Services Sales at King Arthur Baking Company, and panelists from various leading bagel businesses.

Entertainment will also be a highlight of the event. New York-based magician and mentalist Daniel Nicholas will perform magic that engages both the mind and the hand, while artist Melissa Mae Kors will create a gallery-ready masterpiece from scratch, transforming the bagel into a work of art. A dedicated Kids' Zone will offer activities for children, including chef hat and apron decorating.

The BagelFest Awards Ceremony will crown the winners of various categories, including Best Bagel, Best Bagel, New York Style, Best Bagel, Sourdough, Best Bagel, Montreal Style, and Schmear of the Year. The festival will also present its Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing significant contributions to the bagel industry.

New York BagelFest is a testament to the enduring popularity and cultural significance of the bagel. The event not only showcases the best bagels but also provides a platform for industry professionals to share knowledge and ideas. As the festival continues to grow, it remains a must-attend event for bagel lovers and industry professionals alike.