KCRW PieFest & Contest | Baker Registration
Description
Calling all bakers! Grab your aprons and get ready, set, BAKE! KCRW PieFest & Contest is back on Saturday, Mach 14th (Pi Day)!
Bakers of all stripes are welcome to compete to impress our official judges and win prizes. Attendees will also view your competition pies and vote in visual categories at the Pie Pageant.
*Note: This is not a pie-eating contest!
2026 Pie Categories
Apple
Fruit (excluding apple)
Custard
Christine Moore Junior Baker Award (ages 12 and under)
Submission Details:
Junior Bakers only submit one pie. All other bakers are required to bake two identical pies:
Pie #1 will be tasted and judged by a team of LA food luminaries, including professional chefs, food writers, and Good Food’s Evan Kleiman.
Pie #2 will be on display for the Pie Pageant — think of a county fair-style exhibition tent where the public can admire your creation. No public tasting will happen at this event, but awards will be given out based on public voting on several visual categories.
The best pies will be judged live on stage, and prizes will be awarded to the top three of each category, as well as Best Crust and Best in Show. The top three Junior Bakers will be awarded the Christine Moore Junior Baker Award.
FOR FULL EVENT DETAILS: Please visit https://www.kcrw.com/pie
FAQs
- What should I bring on the day of the pie contest?
TWO PIES: Pies should be roughly 9 inches. Pie pans must be labeled with your name on the bottom.
Pie 1 (Judging): Tasted by our judging panel.
Pie 2 (Pie Pageant): Displayed for public viewing only. No public tasting will happen at this event.
SUN PROTECTION: Sunscreen, a large sun hat, or a personal umbrella.
WATER: Stay hydrated.
- What is the Pie Pageant?
The Pie Pageant is a county fair-style exhibition tent where bakers showcase their pies for event guests. Each baker is given a 24 in × 24 in footprint.
Bakers are encouraged to stand with their pies and chat with attendees. You may include a small tabletop item such as a recipe card, decorative element, or display.
- How will Pageant voting work?
Voting Categories:
Prettiest Pie – Best overall harmony, balance, and visual appeal
The Pie’s Pie – A timeless, instantly recognizable classic
Best Display – A richly layered presentation where the setting enhances the pie
- Will the public taste the Pie Pageant pies?
There is no public tasting at this event. There will be plenty of pie for guests to purchase in the Pie Marketplace. Bakers are welcome to enjoy their pie with friends on the lawn after judging ends at 3:45 PM.
- Can I enter multiple pies?
Bakers may enter multiple pies, but only one per category. Separate entry fees apply for each pie.
- Are hand pies allowed?
Yes. Please submit at least 8 hand pies: 4 for judging and 4 for the Pie Pageant.
- I missed the deadline. Can I still enter my pie?
We will not accept any pies after the deadline. The official deadline to enter your pie(s) is March 7, 2026, at 11:55 PM, OR when we hit our maximum capacity, so don't delay!
- Are there refunds?
There are no refunds, so please be sure you can participate before registering.
Still have questions?
We can answer them!
Please email events@kcrw.org or visit the link in the event description for full event details.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity