18th Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is heading back to where it all began. Join us on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at the iconic High Life Lounge & El Bait Shop for the 18th Annual celebration of all things bacon.

From 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, enjoy all-you-can-eat bacon from some of Iowa’s finest producers, seven bacon-inspired food creations, live music, and the legendary Bacon Eating Contest. Your ticket also includes an official festival T-shirt, commemorative koozie, and special drink perks throughout the event.

This intimate, throwback edition of BaconFest is limited to just 250 tickets. If you love bacon, bold flavors, and a one-of-a-kind Des Moines tradition, this is the event for you.

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Bacon-Inspired Food Lineup

A mix of returning favorites and new creations will be served festival-style throughout the venue, including:

• Berkwood Farms Pork Burger

• Fong’s Bacon Pizza Slice

• Bacon Cotton Candy

• Maple Bacon Donut

• Pork Taco from BW Outdoors Pulled

• Speciality Item from Chef Dom Ianarelli of Prime & Providence

• Party Balls from JR’s Southpork Ranch

• Unlimited Bacon

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Schedule of Events

11:00 AM – Doors Open

All bacon samples and food stations available to ticket holders.

12:00 PM – Live Acoustic Set by Owen Justice

A festival favorite returns for a special midday performance.

1:30 PM – Bacon Eating Contest

A high-stakes spectacle for true warriors of the hog.

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Ticket Information

$60 Admission Includes:

• Official Festival T-Shirt

• All-You-Can-Eat Bacon

• 7 Bacon-Inspired Food Items

• Koozie

• Barn Town Free Beer as part of ticket perks

• High Noon Specials throughout the event

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About the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival

Founded in Des Moines, Iowa, the Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival has become one of America’s most celebrated and flavorful events dedicated to all things bacon. Known for its over-the-top atmosphere, quirky traditions, and fierce loyalty to Iowa pork, the festival has expanded globally with editions in Japan, Iceland, and beyond — all while keeping its heart firmly rooted in the Midwest.

The 18th Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival marks a return to home turf, honoring the original spirit of community, creativity, and bacon-loving joy.

Info: All bacon samples and food stations available to ticket holders.

Info: A festival favorite returns for a special midday performance.

Info: A high-stakes spectacle for true warriors of the hog.

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Host or Publisher JR's SouthPork Ranch