For nearly five decades, bakers of all ages have wowed the crowds with recipes that turn the humble oat into masterpieces of flavor and creativity. From melt-in-your-mouth cookies to hearty oat breads, the Bake-Off has become a tradition as iconic as the Grande Parade and the Run for Your Oats.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen newbie with a love for oats, the 2026 Bake-Off is your year to join in the fun — and there’s nothing to sign up for ahead of time. Just show up with your entry on Festival morning.

Here’s How It Works

Drop-off itself is your registration — there’s no form to fill out in advance. Bring your entry, covered and unlabeled (no names on the recipe, please — judging is blind), to the Bertram Volunteer Fire Department between 9:30 and 11:30 AM. Judging begins at noon and isn’t open to the public, and winners are announced from the Festival Stage that afternoon.

What to Know Before You Bake

Pick Your Category (or a Few)

Every entry must feature oatmeal or bran as a key ingredient. Each category is divided into Junior (under 17) and Senior (18+) divisions, and you may enter more than one category — just one entry per category.

Entry Guidelines

• Entry is free — no pre-registration required, drop-off is your entry.
• All entries must be homemade and include oatmeal or bran as a key ingredient.
• Each entry must include a recipe card, be covered, and have no names visible — judging is blind.
• One entry per category, but you’re welcome to enter multiple categories.
• Judged on flavor, presentation, texture, and use of oats or bran.
• Ribbons awarded to category winners, plus bragging rights that last all year.

Questions about the Bake-Off? Reach us anytime at info@oatmealfestival.org.