EASTON, Pa. — Thousands of bacon enthusiasts packed downtown Easton on Saturday as PA Bacon Fest 2025 kicked off its two-day run, drawing shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and long vendor lines across Center Square and surrounding streets.
The festival, presented by Godshall’s, runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and features more than 150 vendors serving bacon-inspired cuisine, attracting approximately 80,000 visitors annually.
The aroma of smoked meats and fried bacon permeated downtown streets as food vendors offered a range of bacon-themed dishes, from hot bacon cinnamon rolls at Mia & Maddies Bakery to bacon, egg & cheese empanadas from Cubita Truck and maple bacon hot chocolate at Glazed.
Live music across multiple stages, recreation, contests and family-friendly entertainment comprised this year’s programming.
The Oak Steakhouse vendor stand drew particularly long lines throughout the day, stretching down the block. Jonathan Juhasz, a Hellertown resident dressed in a bacon-themed suit complete with a handmade bacon strip hat, was a standout presence at the festival.
Though not affiliated with the event, Juhasz has become an informal mascot, walking around the festival and posing for photos with attendees who eagerly seek him out.
“Definitely the 50-50 burger,” said Juhasz, who has attended Bacon Fest for five years. “Community involvement — everybody’s happy to see you. You walk around like you feel like a superhero.”
A group of four women from Cape Cod, who traveled to Easton specifically for the festival, also praised the burger. The group, wearing distinctive pink crocheted pig hats, has attended the festival for five or six years. “The 50-50 burger is a must,” said Sharon, one of the attendees. “And then I always get a ton of bacon from Breakaway Farm.”
The pig hats are homemade and help the group locate each other in the crowds. “A friend of mine gave one to me for Christmas after the fact and then each year we’ve grown a little bit more and now we have nine hats so depending on who comes each year it helps us find each other in the crowd,” Sarah said.
Sarah also highlighted other favorites. “I would have to say the Peanut Butter Espresso Martini,” she said.
Rachel emphasized the overall experience: “My favorite thing to have at Bacon Fest is a good time and you have to go to the Bullet Bourbon wagons. It’s well worth it.”
At noon on Saturday, a costume contest drew festivalgoers with creative bacon-themed attire. A contestant dressed as a Michelangelo ninja turtle won the competition, taking home bacon-themed gifts and prizes.
Parking remained a persistent challenge for festivalgoers, with deck pricing significantly increased during the event. Street meter spots and roadside parking were difficult to secure.
This year, PA Bacon Fest introduced new premium offerings for attendees. The Piggy Bank VIP Lounge at Bank St. Annex provides VIP pass holders with a complimentary plate from a pig roast with cornbread, a sweet treat, two sides, exclusive raffles, multiple football screens, drink discounts, games and access to private restrooms.
The festival also debuted the Cut-the-Line Pass, which allows pass holders to skip vendor lines. Passes can be earned through volunteering or won through special raffles and competitions. Winners were drawn Oct. 27, with additional passes available through the PA Bacon Fest Prize Wheel located in Centre Square.
“Waiting in line is part of the fun — but skipping the line is even better,” said Jessica Ferrara, marketing and media manager of the Greater Easton Development Partnership, which produces the festival.
What began as a small farmers’ market celebration has grown into one of the Top 10 Food Festivals in the U.S., according to organizers. The festival features live music, a bacon-eating championship, bacon-themed merchandise, craft beer and cocktails, and artisan goods.
Admission to PA Bacon Fest 2025 is free, with food, drinks and premium passes sold separately. The festival continues through Sunday, Nov. 2.
