Cook-off cover imageWhat is the Culinary Arts Cook-Off?

It's a friendly competition of professional chefs and amateur "chefs" from local kitchens and businesses doing what they do best – create amazing food! Competitors are given a theme
the Cookie-off Edition
and the challenge is to create a culinary creation that outshines all others. Cookie creations are sold for a twoonie-a-taste — while quantities last!
4 Award Categories: Kids' Choice, Judges' Choice, People's Choice, & Most Creative.

FREE activities include balloon twisting, face painting, and photo booth.
Come early to avoid disappointment - cookies run out fast!

We did it! Stay tuned for the 2026 event date!

Highlands School
6015 118 Ave, Edmonton, AB
April 12, 2025
11am to 2pm

The Culinary Artists

We welcome professional chefs and home bakers who want to share their passion, food, and time to support an amazing cause. Check out the competitors and sign up now to test your culinary skills against some of Edmonton's best! The downloadable registration form is available on our Competitors & Judges page.

The Culinary Creations

Daring chefs compete to prove their cookie-making skills. Their cookie creations are sold for $2 a-taste. Judging criteria include: taste & flavour, presentation, texture & consistency, and most creative & unique. Learn about the chefs and what they're baking in our 2025 Chefs Gallery.

The Judges

Guest judges paired with student judges will award Judges' Choice, Kids' Choice, and Most Unique. The general public will cast votes for the People's Choice award. Check out who's participating by viewing our Competitors & Judges page.

There's a Live & Online Auction!

The live auction featuring collaborative artwork created by Highlands students and staff took place during the Highlands School Culinary Arts Cookie-Off competition, April 12, 2025. Every Highlands student participated in the creation of the collaborative art pieces. Bidding was run by professional auctioneer and long-time supporter, Larry Romaniuk. The 2025 live auction raised $7,165! View the artwork & their value on the 2025 Art Gallery

The online auction from April 4-13, 2025 featured donations generously gifted by our community and supporters. The 2025 donations raised an astonishing $15,000!

Our donors and bidders are truly AMAZING!
View 2025 donors

Thank You For Your Support!

The 2025 event raised a grand total of $31,000!

This event is our main fundraiser and all proceeds fund activities and events integral to our Arts Core Programming. Without the incredible support of people like you, our community, and the generosity of local businesses, our event wouldn’t be one of the most successful school fundraisers in the city. We are humbled and ever grateful for your enormous show of support.

Many, many thanks & appreciation from the bottom of our hearts!
Celebrate Art

Celebrate Art

Discover the amazing talents and exceptional art by Highlands students and staff. Browse the 2025 Art Gallery.

Support Local Businesses

Support Local Businesses

Bringing exposure to the culinary talents of Edmonton while showcasing the generosity of local businesses. View our donors list on the 2025 Donors page.

Build Community

Build Community

Our event brings together families, food, friends and fun with the goal of strengthening our community. Browse event day photos on the Art & Food Gallery page.