16th Annual Gingerbread Build-Off

Architecture Center Houston hosts the annual, delicious competition at Levy Park. Spectators can cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, enjoy lawn games, a scavenger hunt, and more.

Architecture Center Houston hosts the annual, delicious competition at Levy Park. Competing teams will create 100 percent edible, architectural masterpieces using gingerbread, candy, and other sweet treats. Spectators can cheer on the teams, play in the kids’ construction zone, enjoy lawn games, and more.

Event Schedule:

8-9 a.m.:  Gingerbread Team Check-in
9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Gingerbread Team Competition Building
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Kids’ Construction Zone, Scavenger Hunt, and Lawn Games
3:30-4:30 p.m.: Gingerbread Team Award Winners Announced

Competition:

This year’s special category celebrates iconic movie moments reaching milestone anniversaries in 2025—reimagined as edible cinematic masterpieces. Teams are encouraged to bring their favorite films to life one gumdrop at a time—whether it’s sending a gingerbread DeLorean “Back to the Future,” stacking candy boulders in The Goonies’ treasure caves, or filling Andy’s room from Toy Story with frosted toys and marzipan details.

Teams may also compete in one of the following categories:

Architectural Icons
Tallest Standing Structure
Best Holiday Themed
Best Non-Holiday Themed
Best Houston-Centric