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Topanga Today
By the People, for the People
KCRW's PieFest Returns on Pi Day With Will Ferrell as Judge
The 12th annual celebration of baking in Los Angeles will feature a new Pie Pageant contest.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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KCRW's PieFest & Contest, a free, all-ages celebration of baking, creativity, and community, is returning to the Autry Museum of the American West in Los Angeles on March 14, 2026 (Pi Day). The 12th annual event will feature a new Pie Pageant contest in addition to the traditional pie competition judged by a panel including actor Will Ferrell, chef Roy Choi, and over 20 other respected chefs and writers from the LA area.
Why it matters
PieFest has grown from a small event with just over 100 pies entered in 2009 to a major Los Angeles tradition, with more than 3,500 pies competed over the years. The introduction of the Pie Pageant represents a shift in focus, moving beyond solely judging taste and technique to incorporate visual presentation and public engagement, which could broaden the appeal of the festival and encourage more creative expression from bakers.
The details
The pie competition will have four categories: Apple, Fruit (excluding apple), Cooked Custard, and Junior Baker (ages 12 and under). Each participant will submit one pie for judging and a second for public display. The new Pie Pageant will allow contestants to present their pies to attendees, share their baking stories, and engage with the public, with guests voting for their favorites. In addition to the contests, PieFest will feature a pie marketplace, chef-led baking demonstrations, cookbook signings, a beer garden, family-friendly activities, and DJ sets from KCRW DJs.
- PieFest began in 2009 at the Topanga Mall.
- The 12th annual PieFest will take place on March 14, 2026.
The players
KCRW
A public radio station serving the Los Angeles area that has hosted the annual PieFest event since its inception in 2009.
Evan Kleiman
The host of KCRW's Good Food program, who also hosts PieFest.
Will Ferrell
The actor who will serve as a judge for the 2026 PieFest pie competition.
Roy Choi
The chef who will serve as a judge for the 2026 PieFest pie competition.
Autry Museum of the American West
The venue that will host the 2026 PieFest event.
What’s next
Local bakers and vendors are invited to participate in the 2026 PieFest. The deadline for contest entries is March 7, 2026 at 11:55 PM. More information, including registration details, is available at kcrw.org/pie.
The takeaway
PieFest has grown from a small local event to a major Los Angeles tradition, showcasing the city's vibrant baking community and love of pie. The addition of the Pie Pageant contest could help further expand the festival's reach and encourage more creative and engaging pie presentations from participants.
