About This Festival
Event Summary
The Indiana Bacon Festival is an annual, day-long celebration held in downtown Delphi, Indiana, on August 23, 2025, from 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Sponsored by the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Packers Corporation, this 12th edition promises a lively atmosphere centered around bacon, music, and drinks, with a strong emphasis on community and family-friendly fun.
Surrounding Area
Delphi is a charming small city in Carroll County, in the western part of Indiana. The festival takes place on the Downtown Square and in the Central Plaza, which are walkable and accessible locations in the heart of the city. Carroll County is known for its historic downtown, local shops, and welcoming community, all of which contribute to the festival’s festive yet relaxed Midwestern vibe. Delphi is easily accessible by car and offers a quintessential small-town experience, with historic architecture and a friendly, community-oriented environment.
Festival Vibe
The Indiana Bacon Festival is designed to be a lively, inclusive event for all ages. Expect a blend of music, food, and local culture, with a strong focus on bacon-inspired dishes. The festival is handicapped accessible, ensuring that everyone can participate. The atmosphere is energetic but relaxed, with live bands, food booths, craft beer and wine selections, a family fun zone, and a variety of bacon-themed competitions. It’s a true celebration of local flavor and community pride.
Event History & Founding
The festival was founded in 2014, making 2025 its 12th year. Its origins are tied to the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to boost local tourism and showcase the region’s culinary roots, especially its connection to the pork industry through sponsors like Indiana Packers Corporation. Over the years, the event has grown in scope and popularity, now drawing visitors from across the region to downtown Delphi for a day of feasting, music, and merriment.
Activities & Rough Schedule
Below is a list of featured activities, along with a rough schedule and their general locations. Note that exact timings may vary; the festival runs from 2:30 PM to 11:00 PM.
| Time Slot | Activity/Event | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Food Booths | Entire Festival Area | Multiple local vendors serving bacon-infused dishes. All food booths feature bacon items. |
| 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Brew Garden | Central Plaza | Craft beer and wine selections for adults. |
| 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Family Fun Zone | Central Plaza | Kid-friendly activities, games, and entertainment. |
| 2:30 PM – 11:00 PM | Vendor Market | Downtown Square | Local artisans, crafts, and specialty goods for sale. |
| Afternoon/Evening | Live Music | Main Stage, Central Plaza | Multiple live bands performing throughout the day. |
| Late Afternoon | Backyard BBQ Competition | Designated Area | Local BBQ teams compete for best bacon-centric dishes. |
| Evening | Bacon Eating Contest | Central Plaza Stage | Competitive event for bacon lovers to eat as much bacon as possible in a set time. |
| Evening | Hog Calling Contest | Central Plaza Stage | Traditional rural competition where participants attempt to call hogs. |
Additional Details
- Admission: There is a charge for entry, with tickets available on the festival’s website.
- Accessibility: The event is handicapped accessible.
- Contact: For more information, visit the festival’s official website or Facebook page, or call the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce at (765) 564-6757.
Conclusion
The Indiana Bacon Festival is a hallmark event for Delphi and Carroll County, offering a unique blend of local food, music, and community spirit. Its expansion in 2025 reflects its growing popularity, drawing bacon enthusiasts and families for a day of indulgence and fun in a charming Midwestern setting. Whether you’re there for the food, the music, or the quirky competitions, the festival delivers a memorable experience celebrating the region’s pork-producing heritage and small-town hospitality.