Cook-Off
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026!
When:
October 25, 2026
12 noon to 3 pm
Where:
The Birchmere
3701 Mt Vernon Ave
Alexandria, VA 22305
What:
- Restaurant, Caterer, Bakery Tastings
- Live Music
- Live and Silent Auction
- Raffles
- Family Fun
Early Bird ticket sales go live August 10th!
We’re cooking up more details—check back soon to see what’s new!
Please join us on Sunday, October 25th, 2026, from 12 noon to 3 pm at The Birchmere and indulge in an afternoon of food and fun while supporting Carpenter’s Shelter! At the Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026, attendees will enjoy tastings from 20 area restaurants, caterers, and bakeries. There will be a chance to bid on hot ticket items during live and silent auctions.
Restaurants, Caterers and Bakeries:
If you own or manage a restaurant, catering business or bakery and you would like to participate in the Carpenter’s Cook-Off, download the participation form.
Fill out both sides of the form and email it as soon as possible to Michiko Yoon, Communications Specialist at MYoon@CarpentersShelter.org.
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 Participants
Meet our 2026 Celebrity Judges
More information is coming soon!
Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 would not be possible without the generous support of our caring community.
Sponsorship of Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 is essential to reaching our annual fundraising goal for this event. We are so grateful for these outstanding community partnerships, which enable us to continue working towards our mission of ending homelessness in Northern Virginia.
Is your company interested in sponsoring? Contact Monise W. Quidley, at MQuidley@CarpentersShelter.org.
Thank you to our 2026 Cook-Off Sponsors!
Top Chef Sponsor
Sous Chef Sponsor
Sommelier Sponsors
Maitre D’ Sponsors
Foodie Sponsors
Host Committee is a passionate circle of individuals who support the Cook-Off and the shelter by providing financial support and inviting friends to join in. Host Committee members receive tickets to the Cook-Off as well as pre-and-post event recognition. Download the Host Committee Form.
What are the levels and benefits of Host Committee? Read below to learn more!
Feast Membership – $1,000
- 10 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee foamcore sign at event venue
Nosh Membership - $500
- 6 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee foamcore sign at event venue
Nibble Membership - $350
- 4 tickets to Cook-Off
- Name on Cook-Off webpage
- Name in Cook-Off program
- Name on Host Committee foamcore sign at event venue
Ticket Sales Are Not Live Yet
| Ticket Type | Early Bird (August 10- September 4) | Regular (September 5 – October 23) | At the Door (October 25) |
| Adult (ages 13+) | $ 50 | $ 75 | $ 100 |
| Child (ages 12 and under) | $ 20 | $ 25 | $ 30 |
Looking for a fun, easy way to give to Carpenter’s Shelter?
Interested in donating a one-of-a-kind auction item? Email Meghan Cole, Development Manager, at
MCole@CarpentersShelter.org.