Share your signature bakes with the Arlington community.
In 2026, Arlington Reads Stirs It Up with a yearlong celebration of the nourishing and community-building power of food. As part of this series, the Library is celebrating Arlington’s baking diversity and creativity with a Great Arlington Bakeoff.
Amateur home bakers from across the DMV can apply to participate in this fun, friendly baking competition, taking place on Saturday, November 14 from 1:30-3 p.m. at Central Library.
Apply by Nov. 6—space is limited!
We are looking for bakes that show off the flavor of Arlington’s varied communities. Whether it’s the showstopper that disappears at every potluck, a nostalgic favorite from your childhood or a wonderfully weird creation you swear is delicious, it's welcome in our Bakeoff. Bring your best recipe to the public and see how you stack up!
Submission Categories
Breads
Any fermented or chemically leavened dough shaped into loaves, rolls or flatbreads, including traditional tiered cottage loaves, enriched sweet doughs and stovetop-cooked flatbreads.
Cakes
A sweet baked sponge. Any variety of cake, type of cake or decoration is welcome. Muffins, donuts, churros, quick-breads or similar would fit into the cakes category.
Pies
A dessert with a pastry crust of some variety and filling that has been baked. This can be fruit based, cheesecake style or anything else that has been cooked. This includes tarts and pastries. No-bake pies, gelatins or uncooked puddings are not permitted.
Tray Bakes
Any sweet baked good that can be baked on a flat tray (cookies, bars, brownies, fudge, caramel, etc.).
Showstopper
Any dessert from the four main categories that is visually stunning, goes above and beyond your basic, everyday bake. We are looking for a showstopper that embraces and expresses a literary theme. This is a dessert that will impress people by its looks. Impressive decorations, unusual flavors and interesting shapes and structures will all help to set your showstopper apart. Our showstopper winner will receive a one-of-a-kind engraved cake plate. ALL entries will be considered for this category.
Submission Guidelines
- There is no fee to submit an entry.
- Applicants must be an Arlington Public Library cardholder, or eligible for a card.
- Applications must be submitted online by Friday, November 6, 2026.
- Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.
- Applicants will only be able to apply to one main category (breads, cakes, pies or tray bakes). Each main category is limited to 15 applications. All entries will be considered for the Showstopper category.
- A copy of the complete recipe must accompany each entry for staff use. It is optional but encouraged to share this recipe with attendees.
- Items that require refrigeration (e.g. cream cheese filling, whipped topping) will not be allowed.
- Applications on behalf of a group are permitted. In such cases, only one person should complete an application.
Participation Notes
- All bakers who participate will receive a copy of Arlington Public Library’s Community Cookbook as a thank you.
- Judging will take place before the public program. You will need to drop off your bake no later than 11:30 a.m. The judging will take place from 12-1:30 p.m. Judges will consider both appearance and flavor.
- The public will be tasting samples of your dish. Library staff will be on hand to help distribute samples. You do not need to stay with your bake for the duration of the event, but you do need to be present for the awards ceremony from 2:30-3:00 p.m.