1. Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
There’s a good chance that if you’re not holding a ticket to next month’s bacon festival right now, you’re not attending next month’s Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival. What began as a group of dudes in a cabin scarfing down bacon turned into a little get-together at the High Life Lounge, then exploded into a daylong festival of all things pork belly, with sold-out crowds and pounds of bacon consumed both numbering in the thousands. Now the bash, in its fifth year, is one of Des Moines’ signature events, a celebration of gluttony and goodwill (some proceeds go to charity), featuring live music, educational lectures, and of course, the belle of the ball: that sweet fleshy treat itself.
Vegetarian? Skip it. Healthy eater? Wait for Salad Fest. Lover of bacon and beer and good times? See you there.
When: Feb. 18
Where: Varied Industries Building at the Iowa State Fairgrounds
More info: www.blueribbonbaconfestival.com
