The 42nd Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally is officially returning to Binghamton from August 7 through August 9, 2026. As part of the weekend's celebrations, home cooks from across the area are invited to step up to the grill and compete in the Backyard Chef Spiedie Cooking Contest. The annual cooking contest honors the iconic dish that sparked the entire celebration over four decades ago. Spiedie Cooking Contest Categories and Youth AwardsCompetitors can enter across four distinct divisions: Chicken, Pork, Lamb, and non-traditional recipes. How to Register for the Spiedie Fest Cooking ContestIf you’re ready to claim bragging rights and showcase your best marinades, don’t wait too long to sign up.