Sunday, February 16, 2025

Toledo Beer and Bacon Fest sizzles

The best part of summer for many folks are the different annual outdoor festivals. Whether celebrating food, art, or music, there’s a festival for everyone in Northwest Ohio. Attempting to court every pork and brew fan in the city is the Toledo Beer and Bacon Fest,  with a celebration of that magical epicurean pairing on June 15th

This will be the fifth year for the festival, which boasts many different beers, bacon dishes, and combinations which include both. The Hungarian Club of Toledo and The Glass City Mashers are co-organizers of the festival.

Smorgasbords of Suds

At the Hungarian Club of Toledo, festival preparations are underway. Media coordinator for the Glass City Mashers, Jon Sicotte, discussed how the two organizations are preparing for the event. “The Hungarian Club members make great bacon-related foods, while the Mashers have members that make great beer.” Though the Mashers are unable to sell home-brewed beer, they have been in contact with more than 20 breweries to provide suds for the festival.

Beers from Sylvania, Bowling Green, Toledo, Fostoria, along with other local brewers will demonstrate the beer-making prowess in NW Ohio. “Many of those brewers started as members of the Mashers,” Sicotte declared, “so our club is very proud of our ‘alumni.” In fact, the festival has been a starting point for some of these breweries: “Last year, (Toledo brewery) Patron Saints served its beer before it even had its taproom doors open.”

Platters of Pork

online---beer-and-bacon-2

Though provides it with second billing, bacon is an equally important part of this festival. A new attraction for this year is a bacon eating contest. Ten contestants will attempt to be the first to down an entire pound of crispy bacon, with medals available for top finishers. Plenty of bacon-themed dishes from the Hungarian Club will be available. “I’m pumped to see the crowd’s reaction to the new bacon sliders and ‘bacon pops’”, Sciotte said.

As you’d expect, the festival also has a few crossover delicacies. Festival-only beers have been brewed to be paired specifically with bacon, or have used bacon in the brewing process. “Beer in a sauce is an easy way to utilize the different flavors in beer,” explained Sicotte, so expect dishes that combine the two ingredients. Whether you’re a beer lover or a bacon aficionado, you’ll be pleased with what’s available this year at the Beer and Bacon Fest.

The Toledo Beer and Bacon Fest goes from 4 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019
The Hungarian Club of Toledo, 224 Paine Ave.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The best part of summer for many folks are the different annual outdoor festivals. Whether celebrating food, art, or music, there’s a festival for everyone in Northwest Ohio. Attempting to court every pork and brew fan in the city is the Toledo Beer and Bacon Fest,  with a celebration of that magical epicurean pairing on June 15th

This will be the fifth year for the festival, which boasts many different beers, bacon dishes, and combinations which include both. The Hungarian Club of Toledo and The Glass City Mashers are co-organizers of the festival.

Smorgasbords of Suds

At the Hungarian Club of Toledo, festival preparations are underway. Media coordinator for the Glass City Mashers, Jon Sicotte, discussed how the two organizations are preparing for the event. “The Hungarian Club members make great bacon-related foods, while the Mashers have members that make great beer.” Though the Mashers are unable to sell home-brewed beer, they have been in contact with more than 20 breweries to provide suds for the festival.

Beers from Sylvania, Bowling Green, Toledo, Fostoria, along with other local brewers will demonstrate the beer-making prowess in NW Ohio. “Many of those brewers started as members of the Mashers,” Sicotte declared, “so our club is very proud of our ‘alumni.” In fact, the festival has been a starting point for some of these breweries: “Last year, (Toledo brewery) Patron Saints served its beer before it even had its taproom doors open.”

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Platters of Pork

online---beer-and-bacon-2

Though provides it with second billing, bacon is an equally important part of this festival. A new attraction for this year is a bacon eating contest. Ten contestants will attempt to be the first to down an entire pound of crispy bacon, with medals available for top finishers. Plenty of bacon-themed dishes from the Hungarian Club will be available. “I’m pumped to see the crowd’s reaction to the new bacon sliders and ‘bacon pops’”, Sciotte said.

As you’d expect, the festival also has a few crossover delicacies. Festival-only beers have been brewed to be paired specifically with bacon, or have used bacon in the brewing process. “Beer in a sauce is an easy way to utilize the different flavors in beer,” explained Sicotte, so expect dishes that combine the two ingredients. Whether you’re a beer lover or a bacon aficionado, you’ll be pleased with what’s available this year at the Beer and Bacon Fest.

The Toledo Beer and Bacon Fest goes from 4 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2019
The Hungarian Club of Toledo, 224 Paine Ave.
Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

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