The Ultimate Guide To River Falls Bacon Bash 2024: Dates, Dishes, And Don't-Miss Attractions
Get ready to squeal with delight! The River Falls Bacon Bash is returning for its annual "porktacular" celebration, cementing its status as one of Wisconsin's must-attend fall food festivals. As of the current date in December 2025, the most recent confirmed event details point to a massive success, with the next iteration eagerly anticipated. This deep-dive guide uses the most recent information available to ensure you don't miss a single savory detail of this beloved community event.
The Bacon Bash, sponsored by the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau, transforms the scenic Heritage Park into a two-day haven for bacon enthusiasts. More than just a food festival, it is a comprehensive community gathering that features everything from unique culinary creations to family-friendly entertainment and a massive vendor market, all while supporting local charitable causes.
River Falls Bacon Bash 2024: Essential Event Profile
To help you plan your visit, here is a complete breakdown of the most recent and relevant details for the River Falls Bacon Bash, which typically takes place in late September.
- Event Name: River Falls Bacon Bash
- Location: Heritage Park, River Falls, Wisconsin (WI)
- Sponsor: River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau
- Typical Dates (2024 Reference): Friday, September 27, and Saturday, September 28
- Festival Hours (2024 Reference):
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Admission: The event is often advertised as a free, two-day festival, though specific activities or food items will have associated costs.
- Founding History Marker: The event has a strong history dating back to at least 2013, establishing it as a long-running regional tradition.
- Community Impact: Historically, all profits from the event have been donated to local charities, underscoring its role as a major community fundraiser.
The Ultimate Bacon Experience: Dishes, Drinks, and Competitions
The heart of the Bacon Bash is, of course, the food. The festival goes far beyond simple strips of crispy bacon, offering a true culinary spectacle of bacon-inspired dishes that push the boundaries of flavor. This focus on unique, high-quality offerings is what draws food lovers from across the St. Croix Valley and beyond.
The 'Porktacular' Menu Highlights
Attendees are invited to indulge in a wide variety of inventive and savory creations from a multitude of food vendors and trucks. The goal is to taste bacon in every imaginable form, from sweet desserts to savory main courses.
- Savory Indulgences: Look for classic festival favorites with a bacon twist, such as bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers and rich, creamy bacon-infused mac & cheese.
- Sweet Treats: Past events have featured experimental desserts where bacon is caramelized, candied, or incorporated into chocolate, ice cream, and pastries.
- Food Truck Diversity: A large selection of food trucks ensures that there is a bacon dish to satisfy every craving, from traditional BBQ to global cuisine.
Craft Beer, Wine, and Eating Contests
To complement the rich flavors of the food, the Bacon Bash features a selection of local craft beer and wine. The pairing of a cold local brew with a savory bacon dish is a highlight for many adult attendees. Furthermore, the competitive spirit is high with various eating contests, providing entertainment and a chance for attendees to test their own bacon-eating prowess.
Beyond the Plate: Family Fun and Unique Attractions
The River Falls Bacon Bash is designed as a destination for the entire family, offering a wide array of activities that extend well past the food tents. The festival successfully blends a classic outdoor fair atmosphere with its unique pork-themed identity.
Bacon Central and The Vendor Fair
The festival’s shopping areas are a major draw. The "Bacon Bash Vendor Fair" and "Bacon Central" are marketplaces featuring local artists, crafters, and service providers. This is the perfect place to find unique, pig-themed merchandise, handmade arts, and other local Wisconsin goods. This area is also often home to the "Sip, Stroll & Shop" experience, encouraging attendees to enjoy the local craft beverages while browsing.
Family and Kids’ Activities
The event is particularly welcoming to families, with a focus on activities for all ages. Pig-themed games and entertainment are scattered throughout Heritage Park. A standout attraction is the giant corn box, which is often provided by the River Falls FFA (Future Farmers of America) and FFA Alumni. This massive sandbox, filled with corn kernels instead of sand, is a huge hit for children. The festival is also known for being pet-friendly, allowing furry friends to join in the fun.
Music and Motor Vehicles
Live music is a continuous feature of the two-day event, with a fantastic lineup of bands and performers keeping the atmosphere festive and energetic throughout the day and into the evening. Additionally, the "Downtown Car Cruze" is a popular component, attracting car enthusiasts and adding another layer of visual interest to the downtown area surrounding the park.
Planning Your Trip to River Falls
Attending the Bacon Bash is an excellent opportunity to experience the charming community of River Falls, Wisconsin. Located near the St. Croix River, River Falls is a vibrant college town, home to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF), which adds a lively energy to the area.
To make the most of your visit, consider these tips:
- Arrive Early: The festival can draw large crowds, especially on Saturday. Arriving early ensures you get to sample the most popular dishes before lines grow long.
- Explore Downtown: The festival often integrates with the downtown area, encouraging visitors to explore local businesses and shops outside of Heritage Park.
- Bring Cash: While many vendors accept cards, having cash on hand can speed up transactions, especially at smaller food trucks and the vendor fair.
- Check for Updates: Always check the official River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau website closer to the event date for the final entertainment schedule, vendor list, and any parking information.
The River Falls Bacon Bash is more than just a celebration of cured pork; it is a testament to the community spirit of River Falls. By attending, you are not only enjoying a weekend of delicious food and entertainment but also contributing directly to local charitable causes, making it a feel-good, can't-miss event on the Wisconsin fall calendar.
Detail Author:
- Name : Delta Howe
- Username : treinger
- Email : treva.kirlin@becker.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-05
- Address : 666 Reichel Viaduct Harmonfort, CT 20491
- Phone : 1-425-519-7007
- Company : Mertz, Renner and Halvorson
- Job : Financial Examiner
- Bio : Dolores iste sed repudiandae dolorem. Tempora non odio accusantium laudantium maiores sint enim itaque. Et et eius quo. Ducimus et quod est qui deleniti id.
Socials
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/eboehm
- username : eboehm
- bio : Consequatur nulla tempore et delectus. Dolorum vitae nisi commodi qui numquam.
- followers : 4067
- following : 2424
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@eldridge_boehm
- username : eldridge_boehm
- bio : Quod adipisci natus veritatis dolorem voluptates. Id odio quod voluptates iure.
- followers : 3065
- following : 1977
