Bagels are almost synonymous with New York. For breakfast, for a snack, for lunch, for any time of day, especially if you’re a tourist spending a few days in the city. There are favorite places, savory ones, sweet ones, veggie ones, with pastrami, salami, salmon… Well, this November 16th, New York BagelFest 2025 returns to the city that never sleeps, where bagel lovers will gather at Citi Field.
The event aims to host more than 2,000 bagel lovers, industry experts, and media from around the world
This massive festival focused on global bagel culture will bring together 25 of the world’s finest bagel makers from Madrid, Honolulu, Montreal, and several states across the United States. What began as a small gathering of 300 bagel enthusiasts in Bushwick in 2019 has grown into the bagel industry’s largest event, attracting thousands of attendees each year. Sponsored by King Arthur Baking Company, the event aims to host more than 2,000 bagel lovers, industry experts, and media from around the world.
Tickets cost around $50 and include unlimited samples, industry talks, bagel competitions…
It’s a festival, but visitors can also take part in experiences that make it one of the city’s most special events. In addition to tasting bites from the best bagel artisans from around the world, attendees will immerse themselves in the world of bagels with exciting experiences, from hands-on classes to panel discussions, bagel competitions, and even the chance to vote for their favorite bagel. Tickets cost around $50 and include unlimited samples, industry talks, bagel competitions, photo booths, and much more. VIP and Bundle ticket holders will enjoy exclusive benefits, such as a complimentary beverage and a guided tour of Citi Field.
This year: several categories will honor the best bagels
This year, visitors and participants will enjoy Utopia Bagels, winner of last year’s Best Bagel award, and Starship Bagel (Dallas), winner of Best Bagel (2023) and Schmear of the Year (2024). This year, several categories will honor the best bagels: Best Bagel, Best Sandwich, Best Schmear, Most Creative, and Best Newcomer. Additionally, for this year’s edition, the Best Bagel award has been expanded to include several subcategories: Best New York Style, Best Sourdough Bagel, and Best Montreal Style. These additions reflect the diversity and evolution of bagel making across regions and traditions.
This Festival has become a showcase for national and international cuisine
As we mentioned earlier, the variety of bagels is such that this year’s awards have been expanded. And that’s not all; this Festival has become a showcase for national and international cuisine. Starship Bagel (Dallas), winner of the Best Bagel award (2023) and the Schmear of the Year award (2024), made history this year by becoming the first bagel shop to be a James Beard Award finalist for “Outstanding Bakery,” according to a press release from the festival.
Fun: attendees can watch expert bakers compete to break the record for the most hand-rolled bagels in one minute
Some interesting points for those who want to participate as a contestant or attend as a spectator. There’s the World Bagel Rolling Championship, where attendees can watch expert bakers compete to break the record for the most hand-rolled bagels in one minute. Additionally, there will be a raffle, in association with King Arthur, for the possibility of winning a three-day trip to New York for two, valued at $3,200, which includes access to the festival, airfare, and accommodations. The deadline for entries is Friday, October 17; the winner will be announced on October 20. Among the benefits of the All-Access ticket are a BagelFest T-shirt and a guided tour of Citi Field.
