Celebrating the smoky, savory goodness of one of the world’s favorite foods.
Every year on August 20, bacon enthusiasts unite for National Bacon Lovers Day. More than just a breakfast side, bacon has become a cultural icon, finding its way into everything from burgers and salads to cocktails and desserts.
🥓 A Brief History
Bacon’s roots go back thousands of years. Ancient Chinese records show pork belly being salted and cured as early as 1500 BC. Later, the Romans and Europeans refined the curing process, making bacon a staple in kitchens across the world. Today, it remains one of the most beloved comfort foods, treasured for its salty, smoky flavor and irresistible aroma.
🍴 Why We Love It
The magic of bacon lies in its versatility. Crispy strips brighten up a simple breakfast, while crumbled bacon adds crunch to salads, baked potatoes, and pasta. Chefs experiment with bacon in bold ways too—think candied bacon, bacon-wrapped scallops, or even bacon-infused bourbon. Its ability to transform both sweet and savory dishes makes it truly unique.
🥓 Bacon Festivals Around the Date
| Festival Name | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indiana Bacon Festival | August 23 | Delphi, Indiana | Tastings, cooking demos, and live music |
| Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival | Annual Event | Des Moines, Iowa | Sampling, competitions, and entertainment |
| Bacon Fest Ohio | Early August | Kettering, Ohio | Food trucks, bacon-themed dishes, live shows |
| Minsky’s Pizza | August 20–21 | Kansas City area | -Large Prime Cut Gourmet Pizza for medium price with code Prime3 -$3 off Garlic Bacon Cheese Rolls with code Bacon3 |
🎉 More Ways to Celebrate
- At Home: Host a mini bacon tasting—compare applewood‑smoked, hickory‑smoked, and peppered bacon. Try quick maple‑glazed bacon or a 15‑minute bacon jam.
- Pair It: Balance salt and smoke with bright sides (tomatoes, pickles) and simple drinks (iced black coffee, a crisp craft lager, or a small pour of bourbon). Or, fold bacon into your favorite meals: breakfast classics like BLT sandwiches, bacon & egg croissants, pancakes with bacon strips, or heartier options like bacon cheeseburgers, carbonara pasta, and loaded baked potatoes.
- Make It Social: Share your favorite bacon combo in the comments or tag a local spot running a bacon special.
✨ Final Bite
Bacon isn’t just food—it’s a passion. On National Bacon Lovers Day, enjoy it your favorite way—crisped in a skillet, wrapped around seafood, layered in a sandwich, or sprinkled over something sweet—and celebrate the simple, smoky pleasure that brings us together.