Louisville, January 29, 2026
The Kentucky Derby Festival is inviting culinary enthusiasts to submit their best burger recipes for the 2026 ‘Derby Burger’ Challenge. Open to both home cooks and professional chefs, participants must use 100% Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and Dan-O’s Seasoning. With a deadline of February 7, 2026, the competition will judge entries on taste, appearance, creativity, and preparation ease. The winning burger will be honored during the Derby Festival and may appear in Kroger stores. This challenge celebrates Kentucky’s culinary creativity and agricultural products.
Louisville, Kentucky – Kentucky Derby Festival Seeks 2026 ‘Derby Burger’ Champion
The Kentucky Derby Festival is calling on culinary enthusiasts to submit their best burger recipes for the 2026 ‘Derby Burger’ Challenge. This annual competition, now in its 14th year, aims to discover the most innovative and flavorful burger creations that embody the spirit of Kentucky’s rich culinary heritage.
Submission Details
Home cooks and professional chefs alike are invited to participate. Recipes must feature 100% Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and include Dan-O’s Seasoning, the official seasoning of the Kentucky Derby Festival. Participants are encouraged to provide a creative burger name, a detailed description, and a photo of their creation. The submission deadline has been extended to Saturday, February 7, 2026, to accommodate recent winter weather disruptions. Entries can be submitted online at KDF.org/Beef.
Judging and Prizes
Entries will be evaluated based on taste, appearance, creativity, and ease of preparation. The top eight submissions will be announced in February, followed by online voting to select the final four finalists. These finalists will compete in a live cook-off in March, where the winning burger will be chosen. The champion will receive a prize package that includes:
- A 2026 Official Derby Festival Poster
- Two tickets to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party
- Two VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille
- A $100 gift certificate to Kroger
- A grilling prize package courtesy of the Kentucky Beef Council, which includes a grill
- A prize package from Dan-O’s Seasoning
The winning burger will also be featured at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville during the Derby Festival and available in Kroger stores. For more information and official rules, visit KDF.org/Beef.
About the Derby Burger Challenge
The Derby Burger Challenge is a longstanding tradition of the Kentucky Derby Festival, celebrating Kentucky’s agricultural products and culinary creativity. Previous winners have showcased a variety of unique and flavorful burgers, highlighting the diversity and richness of local ingredients. This competition not only honors the state’s beef industry but also brings together the community to share in the excitement of the Derby season.
Contact Information
For questions or additional information, please contact the Kentucky Derby Festival at info@kdf.org or visit their official website at KDF.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Derby Burger Challenge?
The Derby Burger Challenge is an annual competition organized by the Kentucky Derby Festival to discover the most innovative and flavorful burger recipes that embody Kentucky’s culinary heritage. Participants submit their original burger creations, which are judged based on taste, appearance, creativity, and ease of preparation.
How can I participate in the 2026 Derby Burger Challenge?
To participate, submit your burger recipe online at KDF.org/Beef by Saturday, February 7, 2026. Your recipe must include 100% Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and Dan-O’s Seasoning. Provide a creative burger name, a detailed description, and a photo of your creation.
What are the judging criteria for the competition?
Entries are judged based on taste, appearance, creativity, and ease of preparation. The top eight submissions will be announced in February, followed by online voting to select the final four finalists. These finalists will compete in a live cook-off in March, where the winning burger will be chosen.
What prizes will the winner receive?
The winner will receive a 2026 Official Derby Festival Poster, two tickets to the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Thunder Over Louisville VIP Rooftop Party, two VIP tickets to Republic Bank BourbonVille, a $100 gift certificate to Kroger, a grilling prize package courtesy of the Kentucky Beef Council (including a grill), and a prize package from Dan-O’s Seasoning. The winning burger will also be featured at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville during the Derby Festival and available in Kroger stores.
Where can I find more information about the competition?
For more information and official rules, visit KDF.org/Beef or contact the Kentucky Derby Festival at info@kdf.org.
Key Features of the 2026 Derby Burger Challenge
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Submission Deadline | Saturday, February 7, 2026 |
| Eligibility | Open to home cooks and professional chefs |
| Recipe Requirements | Must include 100% Kentucky Cattlemen’s Ground Beef and Dan-O’s Seasoning |
| Judging Criteria | Taste, appearance, creativity, and ease of preparation |
| Prizes | Official Derby Festival Poster, VIP tickets, gift certificates, grilling prize package, and more |
| Winning Burger Feature | Featured at Kroger’s Fest-a-Ville during the Derby Festival and available in Kroger stores |
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