KDays 2026 is introducing more than 50 new food and beverage items as part of its annual New Foods Competition, with standout creations including the Monster Cheesy Samyang Takoyaki, Cookies N Cream Korean Dog, and the Area 51 Taco Burger. The event runs from July 16 to 26 at Edmonton's Exhibition Grounds.
New Foods Competition Highlights
Explore Edmonton, the organizer, announced the lineup on Tuesday. All new items are automatically entered into the competition, where a panel of local judges will award top honours in savoury, sweet, and beverage categories. Festival-goers can also vote for the People's Choice winner throughout the event.
“The first question everyone asks when KDays is around the corner is, ‘What’s new to eat this year?'” said Jessie Radies, KDays director at Explore Edmonton, in a news release. “The New Foods Competition has become a summer tradition all on its own, and our vendors never disappoint. Whether you’re brave enough to try the craziest creation on the midway or you’re just looking for your next favourite treat, it’s all part of what makes KDays such a fun and uniquely Edmonton experience.”
Notable New Offerings
Among the most adventurous items is the Monster Cheesy Samyang Takoyaki, which combines spicy Korean noodles with cheesy octopus balls. The Cookies N Cream Korean Dog offers a sweet twist on the classic corn dog, coated in cookie crumbs and drizzled with cream. The Area 51 Taco Burger features a burger patty topped with taco ingredients and a mysterious green sauce, wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Other new items include Crispy Ginger Beef Perogies, a Caesar Gelato Shake, and a Cotton Candy Dirty Soda. Sweet treats like Cookie Butter Funnel Cake and Crabby Shrimp Giant Inari Sushi round out the menu.
Voting and Participation
Visitors can cast their vote for the People's Choice winner online or at the festival. The full 2026 KDays food lineup and voting details are available at k-days.com. The competition has become a summer tradition, drawing food enthusiasts eager to sample inventive fair cuisine.
