That beautiful, fatty slab of meat that your dad calls “artisan” and your arteries will call “blocking” has a lot of avid fans. Now in the 12th year after having expanded from what was originally a farmers market, PA Bacon Fest draws over 150 vendors to Easton, Pa., all somehow dealing in bacon.
From hog calling and costume contests, to bacon treats of every variety — including chocolate-covered bacon and bacon cupcakes — and bacon-eating competitions, to family-friendly comedic performances and a 5k run, Bacon Fest celebrates everything bacon.
The festival also expects live music performances from more than 35 artists. Hosted across four stages with pig-pun names — the Hog Wild stage, Piglets stage, Swing stage and Farm to Fest stage — are rock, folk and country artists, though the 2023 lineup has not been released at the time of this writing.
Grab a Porky costume and practice your hog calls if you want to win a prize, but mostly be prepared for an onslaught of delicious smells and puns at this weekend of pork-praising mania.
The Specs
- Attendance numbers are unavailable.
- PA Bacon Fest has a required $2 donation fee to attend, collected funds go to benefit the Greater Easton Development Partnership as well as free events that take place throughout the year.
- All ages are welcome to attend.
- Check out Fifty Grande’s guide to Pennsylvania here.
FAQs
Where is the nearest airport?
The nearest commercial airport is Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), an hour’s drive from the festival. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), which is ninety minutes from Easton, PA by car, is also an option.
Are other transportation options available?
There are shuttles—referred to as the ‘Bacon Shuttle’—that make stops in three locations around Easton. The Bacon Shuttle runs every 15 to 45 minutes throughout the festival days and is cash only ($20 per car, $50 per small shuttle bus, or $100 per large shuttle bus).
Can I camp?
Camping is not available on festival grounds.
When does the festival start and end?
The festival runs from 10 am to 5 pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
Who is performing at Bacon Fest 2023?
Musical acts have yet to be announced for this year’s festival.
Videos
The lines, the rituals, the sizzling pork fat: PA Bacon Fest a huge draw in Easton (PHOTOS) https://t.co/LNyS1oEfiE
— Kittie Pain (@kittpain) November 7, 2022
@PABaconFest Johnathon Juhasz of Hellertown gives the thumbs-up during the annual PA Bacon Fest Saturday. #bacon #pabaconfest #eastonpa #bacontime pic.twitter.com/zzNFGxPN9I
— Richard Kintzel (@RKintzel) November 3, 2019