What is Denver Bake Fest?
Denver Bake Fest is a community baking contest and festival hosted by Rebel Bread. It brings together bakers and bakery-lovers of all kinds to celebrate creativity and diversity in Denver's food community. All proceeds benefit CHOW (Culinary Hospitality Outreach and Wellness).

When and where is the event?
Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 9am–1pm in the parking lot outside Rebel Bread, 675 S Broadway, Denver, CO 80209.

Is this event only for bakers?
Not at all — this event is for everyone. Think county fair baking contest, but open to the whole community to taste and celebrate.

Where does the money go?
Sponsorship income covers production costs like equipment rental and day-of staff. All Tasting Ticket and event purchase proceeds are donated to CHOW. We'll announce the total donation at the end of the event. (Last year’s event raised over $10,000 to support mental health and community support resources in the hospitality industry!

Is Rebel Bread open during the event?
Yes! Loaves, pastries, coffee, and sandwiches will be available at our cafe from 8am–3pm.

What is Rebel Bread?
Rebel Bread is an artisan bakery based in Denver, CO, specializing in loaves and pastries made with regional grains. You can find us at our Cafe + Teaching Kitchen, the South Pearl Farmers Market, Leevers Locavore, Lucky’s Boulder, and coffee shops around town.

Do I need a ticket to attend?
Attendance is free. You'll only need to purchase tasting tickets if you want to sample the baked goods.

How do tasting tickets work?
Each ticket gets you one sample — a few bites, about a quarter of a retail baked good. You can buy as many as you'd like. We recommend starting with 5–10 tickets per person. Tickets are available online and at the event. Note that a ticket doesn't guarantee a specific baked good. Tasting begins as 10am – arrive early for the best selection

What if I have allergies?
Most baked goods are prepared in individual home kitchens. Speak directly with bakers at the event about ingredients and allergens.

How do I get here?
> Bike: Get low-stress biking directions from Bike Streets. There’s plenty of bike racks around the venue.

> RTD: Ride the 0 bus right to our parking lot, or take a short walk from the Alameda or I-25/Broadway light rail stations.

> Car: Find plenty of free parking around the venue.

Is the event accessible?
Yes. The event takes place in a paved parking lot with accessible parking on-site. Indoor venue spaces are wheelchair accessible with accessible restroom. Service animals are welcome. If you’d like to request specific accommodations, please get in touch in advance.

What can I bring?
You're welcome to bring water bottles and non-alcoholic beverages (no glass), blankets and small lawn chairs, and strollers.

Please leave at home: alcohol, ice chests, large bags, pets (except service animals), marijuana, and glass containers.

Can I bring my dog?
We ask that you leave dogs at home — this is a food event and we want to keep it safe and comfortable for everyone.

Who are the bakers?
Community members with home and professional baking experience. We typically host 80–100 bakers.

Who are the judges?
Judges will be announced closer to the event. They include industry professionals, community leaders, and friends of our bakery.

What are the contest categories?
All bakers are encouraged to use Colorado-grown grains. Each entry is judged on creativity and technique.

Can kids enter?
Yes! Kids are welcome to enter any category and will receive separate prizes. Kids 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at their tasting table.

Can professionals enter?
Yes. We define a professional as anyone who has completed a culinary program and/or been paid to bake. Professionals can enter any category and are judged separately. We also encourage pros to enter the Professionals' Spotlight category — a showcase for professional bakers only.

Is there a deadline to apply?
Contest entries close September 27 at 11:59pm, or when we reach capacity. Last year's contest filled up well before the deadline — sign up early.

Can I enter multiple baked goods?
No — one entry per person due to high demand.

Are there prizes?
Yes — Judges' Winner in each category, People's Choice Awards, Best in Show, and separate awards for Kids' and Professionals' entries. More details coming soon.

Do I need to submit a recipe?
No, but you'll be asked to report common allergens on your entry form and be ready to answer ingredient questions at the event.

What should I bring?

• 120–130 samples of your baked good (e.g. three dozen items cut into quarters)

• Your own serving platter and utensils

• Small cooler if your baked good has perishable components

• Optional: marketing materials or table decorations

• Sun protection and water

Rebel Bread provides a tent, 4' table space, hand sanitizer, gloves, napkins, plates, and utensils for guests.

What can I expect after I register?
You may not receive an immediate confirmation, but we'll email all contestants with full instructions the week of the event. Plan to arrive between 8:00–9:00am to check in, set up, and drop off judging samples. You must be at your station for the full duration of the tasting from 10:00am- 12:00pm.

Do I need to bring a cooler?
If your baked good contains perishable components — fresh whipped cream, soft cheeses, etc. — yes. Label it with your name and cell number. Not sure? Get in touch.

I entered but can't attend. What should I do?
Send someone to check in and serve in your place. We don't have staff available to cover for contestants. If you need to withdraw from the contest entirely please email us so we can make your spot available to another baker.

Can my friend and I both serve?
We'd recommend no more than two people per table to keep things from getting crowded. Exceptions for kids contestants with a required adult, or anyone who needs assistance.