BagelFest West is officially bringing the world’s premier bagel celebration to Los Angeles on April 12, and it is shaping up to be a full weekend of toasted glory. After years of sold-out momentum in New York, the festival is heading to Koreatown to prove that elite bagels are not locked to one zip code, and to crown the best of the West in front of a serious crowd.
New York’s Bagel Phenomenon Finally Goes West
Hosted at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in partnership with the Jewish Food Lab of Wilshire Boulevard Temple, BagelFest West is expected to draw roughly 800 to 1,000 attendees and showcase 30 exhibitors, from top bagel shops to bagel-adjacent brands.
Founder Sam Silverman says the point is bigger than bragging rights, calling it a celebration of artisans “breaking the outdated idea that world-class bagels can only be made with New York water.”
BagelFest is a Whole Weekend of Tastings, Panels, and Competitive Carb Chaos
The weekend kicks off with an Industry Mixer on Saturday, April 11 (6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.) at Wilshire Boulevard Temple, setting the table for networking and community before the main event. On Sunday, April 12, BagelFest West splits into two sessions: an industry-only morning block (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.) for chefs, buyers, and brands, followed by a public session (1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.) packed with culinary panels plus unlimited bagel and schmear sampling.
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And yes, the awards matter. BagelFest West will spotlight categories like Best of the West, Best Bagel, Best Sandwich, Most Creative, Rising Star, and Schmear of the Year, with attendees voting alongside a judges panel that includes major culinary names. Previous BagelFest winners have used the momentum to explode nationally, including PopUp Bagels and Starship Bagel, the latter later landing major acclaim and appearing on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with Guy Fieri.
A Bagel Party Built for Families Too
This is not a show up, bite, leave situation. BagelFest West is leaning into an all-ages vibe with a dedicated kids’ section featuring hands-on activities like make-your-own aprons, bagel-themed coloring stations, and chef hat decorating. Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Toby L. Neiman frames it as food as culture, connection, and a multigenerational conversation, which fits the festival’s mission perfectly.
Your Plan for the Most Delicious Sunday in LA with BagelFest
BagelFest West takes place Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Audrey Irmas Pavilion in Los Angeles, with the Industry Mixer happening Saturday, April 11. Tickets start at $65, with an All-Access option at $199 that includes on-site parking, and early buyers can use code EARLYBAGEL for 18% off while supplies last. If you have even a little love for bagels, this is the weekend to show up hungry and leave with strong opinions.
Which shop do you think should win Best of the West? What is your ride-or-die schmear choice, classic or wild? Are you going for the industry session, the public session, or both? Drop your picks in the comments or tag @me.
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