Cookery

Presented by The Advertiser and Sunday Mail

100 Years of Cookery at the Royal Adelaide Show

Cookery was first included in the Royal Adelaide Show in 1926. In this first year, only female competitors were permitted to enter and there were only 18 competition classes: preserved and canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, candied fruits, jams, jellies, bread, damper, pastry, biscuits, scones, pound cake (with and without fruit), iced fruit cake, plum pudding (steamed and boiled), and small cakes (plain and fancy).

Over the course of its existence, Cookery has remained one of the most beloved events at the Royal Adelaide Show, popular with competitors and visitors alike. Make sure to visit the Cookery section at this year’s show, and to stop by the Show Museum to view a special display celebrating the Centenary of Cookery!

Purchase a cookery centenary apron

To celebrate the centenary of the Cookery competition at the 2026 Royal Adelaide Show, we are offering for purchase a limited edition apron and scone cutter.  Orders can be placed at the checkout area when entering the Show and will be available for collection during drop off and collection of exhibits.

Flex a new recipe or dig out an old family favourite 

The Show’s cookery competition is the perfect way to get involved in a community that loves to perfect their craft. There’s around 20 categories and more than 190 different classes to compete in, with something on offer for everyone: young or old, city or country.  

Take on the scone challenge across generations, or bring along your best bread. From fruit cake and muffins to pastries, marmalade, jam or lemon curd — take your pick.