That beautiful, fatty slab of meat that hipsters call “artisan” and your arteries will call “blocking” has a lot of avid fans. Now in its 13th year after having expanded from what was originally a farmers market, the two-day PA Bacon Fest draws over 150 vendors to Easton, Pa., all somehow dealing in bacon. With hog calling, costume contests, mascot dashes, family-friendly comedic performances, bacon-eating contests, bacon treats of every variety — including chocolate-covered bacon, bacon cannoli, bacon mac, bacon sticky buns, bacon Bloody Marys and bacon cupcakes — and the Racin’ Bacon 5K run, Bacon Fest celebrates everything bacon. The festival will also have live music performances from more than 35 artists.
The Specs
- It’s one of the most popular events in the mid-atlantic region and 74,000 people attend.
- PA Bacon Fest requests a $5 donation to attend and collected funds go to benefit the Greater Easton Development Partnership. proceeds from the event support free concerts and programming in Easton such as the Easton Public Market, Easton Farmers Market, Easton Main Street Initiative, Live at the Falls, and many other popular events.
- All ages are welcome to attend.
- Festival hours are 10 am – 5 pm on both days.
- 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, Penn. by car, is also an option.
Where does the event take place?
Easton’s Bacon Festival takes place in downtown Easton, mainly in Centre Square. The fest will also stretch from Northampton St and Fourth to the Free Bridge, from Spring Garden and North Third Streets to Ferry and South Third Streets, and from Ferry and South Third to South Second and back to Northampton Street.
Easton is the easternmost city in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and borders New Jersey.
Which groups benefit from the proceeds?
Proceeds benefit the GEDP and the Easton Farmers’ Market, Easton Public Market, Easton Ambassadors, and Easton Main Street Initiative.
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 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.
Who is performing at Bacon Fest 2024?
The musical acts have not been announced at the time of this writing but you can see last year’s music lineup here.
What happens at the Bacon & Brew Tent?
That’s where you’ll get to try six craft beers from Two Rivers Brewing. paired with six different varieties of bacon from Breakaway Farms. It’s schedule for noon-4 p.m. Saturday or Sunday, as long as supplies last. VIPs get in early at 11 a.m. and you need to make a reservation for this.
When is Bacon Battle?
The Bacon Battle at the PA Bacon Fest is on Sunday at 2 PM. Bacon Battle presented by Easton Farmers’ Market.
Where can I find the family-friendly stuff?
Piglets Stage will have family-friendly programming including a comedy show.
Who are the festival’s organizers?
The Greater Easton Development Partnership (GEDP) organizes the PA Bacon Fest. The GEDP is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
If I can only eat one thing at the fest, what should it be?
At last year’s fest one of the most popular dishes was the 50/50 burger from Three Oak Steakhouse. Hundreds waited in line to taste the half-ground bacon, half-ground prime beef patty.