All aboard! The 2025 Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is cruising into the Iowa State Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 3, and this year’s theme is making waves: The Bacon Boat. Think yacht rock vibes, nautical fun, and as always — more bacon than you can dream of. From pork belly fried rice to bacon-wrapped corndogs and bacon-topped desserts, this is the one day where it’s socially acceptable to eat bacon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and then go back for more. Here are the top five things you won’t want to miss.
1. Sail into Smooth Sounds with Yachty by Nature
Our headlining band is cruising in all the way from California! Yachty by Nature brings the best of yacht rock to the Bacon Boat with groovy ’70s and ’80s soft rock classics that will have you singing along and sipping something smooth.
2. Claim the Bacon-Eating Throne
Think you’ve got what it takes to take down a plate of bacon faster than the rest? Sign up for the Bacon Eating Contest brought to you by Berkwood Farms! First to eat 10 strips wins $100 cash, a trophy, VIP tickets for 2026, and eternal bacon glory. Free to enter — only 12 spots available! Register at blueribbonbaconfestival.com.
3. Dress Like You're Ready to Cruise
Dust off the captain’s hat or go full-on Love Boat chic — we’re bringing big yacht energy to this year’s costume contest. Whether you show up as a bacon-loving sailor or a decked-out disco dancer, it’s your time to shine on deck.
4. Hit the Promenade Deck for Games + Good Vibes
The Promenade Deck upstairs is packed with fun: skee ball, multicade games, shuffleboard, and even a silent disco! And don’t miss a visit to the Iowa Lottery Piano Lounge for laid-back tunes all day long.
5. Win a 7-day Cruise
This year, one lucky Bacon Boat guest will walk away with a 7-day Caribbean Virgin Voyage — including airfare — sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union! This epic 21+ cruise experience could be yours! All attendees are eligible to enter!
Tickets are on sale now at BlueRibbonBaconFestival.com. VIP tables for groups of 10 are still available — reserve yours before they’re gone!
