Bakken Rocks CookFest

PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES

EVENTS

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CookFest brings industry and communities together for food and fun.

The Bakken Rocks CookFest offers residents the opportunity to get out and learn more about the oil and gas industry, hear from industry experts, meet the employees of companies working in their area, and best of all, eat some of the best BBQ available in western North Dakota. With games and activities for kids, swag and giveaways, and live music, this free event is fun for the whole family.

2025 BAKKEN ROCKS COOKFEST

2:30-4 PM

CITY HALL

BAKKEN INFORMATION SESSION

FEATURING:

Kathy Neset, NESET
Ron Ness, North Dakota Petroleum Council
Justin Kringstad, North Dakota Pipeline Authority

4-7 PM

CITY PARK

BBQ, MUSIC & MORE

FEATURING:

From 4-7 p.m.,enjoy live music, visit the education booths, check out the kids’ games and activities, and, of course, enjoy FREE food.

The Details

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WHEN

Thursday, July 17, 2025

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WHERE

Alexander City Park, Alexander, ND

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WHO'S COOKING

Oil and Gas Companies will be competing for your vote for People’s Choice Cook Team. You can expect everything from street tacos to brisket to burgers and so much more! And best of all, it’s all free!

Is your company interested in cooking? Contact Micaela Rud at 701-223-6380 or info@ndpetroleumfoundation.org.

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2024 PREMIER PARTNERS

Our events and efforts aren't possible without the support of our members. Thanks to all our Premier Partners for their sponsorship! Learn more about becoming a Premier Partner here.

Our History

27 Communities in 15 Years

The Bakken Rocks CookFest was started in 2009 when Bakken activity was just ramping up. The event has since grown to become one of the Foundation’s most popular among both community residents and industry employees and representatives. To date, the CookFest has been held in:

2009: Belden and Killdeer
2010: New Town and Tioga
2011: Crosby and Watford City
2012: Belfield and Ray
2013: Parshall and Powers Lake
2014: Dunn Center and Kenmare
2015: Alexander and South Heart
2016: Mandaree and Stanley
2017: Medora and Westhope
2018: Grenora and Twin Buttes
2019: Bowman and Van Hook
2020: Canceled due to COVID-19
2021: Arnegard and Mohall
2022: Trenton and White Shield
2023: Killdeer
2024: Tioga

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

2025 BAKKEN

ROCKS COOKFEST

july 17 | ALEXANDER, ND

Our Programs and Initiatives

The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation operates several programs, events and initiatives aimed at providing and supporting education and outreach opportunities related to the oil and gas industry; developing and advancing quality of life initiatives; and, promoting and enhancing the conservation heritage of North Dakota.

BAKKEN ROCKS COOKFEST

Held in a Bakken community each summer, this free festival offers food, music, games and activities for kids, and the opportunity to meet and learn from oil and gas companies and their employees operating in our state.

Learn More

PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE

Planting for the Future is a habitat and conservation program that provides trees and shrubs for large-scale planting projects to private landowners, city and county parks, and others interested in building habitat for the future.

Learn More

TEACHER EDUCATION SEMINAR

This seminar offers educators the opportunity to earn continuing education credits while learning about the oil industry, touring a rig and other oilfield facilities, ideas to take back to the classroom.

Learn More

NORTH DAKOTA ENERGY EDUCATION

The ND Energy Education program offers free educational tools, resources and seminars to both students and teachers to help them learn more about North Dakota's oil and natural gas industry and explore energy in STEM.

Learn More

AL GOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP

Named after North Dakota oil pioneer, the Al Golden Scholarship awards a $2,000 scholarship each year to up to nine students pursuing post-secondary education or training in an energy-related field.

Learn More

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