About this Event
Carpenter’s 2026 Cook-Off | Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 from 12:00–3:00 PM | The Birchmere
Carpenter’s Cook-Off brings our community of supporters to The Birchmere for an afternoon of exceptional local food and collective generosity. Guests can explore tastings from some of the DMV’s best restaurants, enter exciting raffles, and bid on unique items and experiences in our live and silent auctions.
At the heart of it all is a shared commitment to ensuring families and individuals experiencing homelessness have access to the comprehensive services, resources, and support needed to regain stability. All proceeds raised through the Cook-Off strengthen Carpenter’s Shelter’s ability to meet immediate needs while helping residents work towards sustainable independence.
Join us to celebrate local flavor, invest in lasting housing solutions, and help move our community forward. With food, fun, and family-friendly vibes, this event is a can’t-miss for supporters of all ages.
🎟️ General Admission (Sept 5–Oct 23): Adults: $75 | Children (12 & Under): $25
🎟️ At-The-Door (Oct 25): Adults: $100 | Children (12 & Under): $30
Prefer not to purchase through Eventbrite? No problem—email Meghan Cole, Development Manager, at for alternate ticket purchasing options.
- Aldo's Italian Kitchen
- Buzz Bakeshop
- Carpenter's Cafe
- Common Hearth Bakery
- Dishes of India
- Firebird's Wood Fired Grill
- Hank's Oyster Bar
- Hard Time's Cafe
- Landini Brothers
- Little Birdie
- Misha's Coffee
- Pop-Up Pastries & Treats
- Rockland's Barbeque
- Rustico
- Sundara Indian Restaurant
- Tequila & Taco
- True Food Kitchen
- Union Street Public House
- The Warehouse
Check back regularly for more updates on Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 participants!
Breaking News! The Carpenter's Cook-Off 2026 Silent Auction Is Going Online!
This year, our silent auction will open early, making it easier to browse and bid from anywhere, even if you cannot attend Carpenter's Cook-Off 2026 in person! Bidding will be open from 12:00 am on Sunday, October 11th, through 2:00 pm on Sunday, October 25th. Simply , explore the auction catalog, and bid on your favorite items. You can also enable text notifications to receive an alert if you are outbid. Winning bidders will receive an email with payment instructions.
Items may be picked up at Carpenter’s Cook-Off 2026 on October 25th at The Birchmere or at The Hoffman Center during the week October 26th to October 28th or November 2nd to November 6th from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or at a mutually agreed-upon time. Please note that items will not be mailed.
so you’re ready to bid, and stay tuned for the full auction catalog!
Event venue & nearby stays
The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, United States