FAIRS & FESTIVALS | Bacon and bands

Here’s a delectable new festival that we’re excited to see in the streets of downtown Springfield: the first annual Downtown Bacon Throwdown and Music Fest, hosted by Downtown Springfield, Inc. This two-day festival features 20 food vendors offering classic and eccentric menus centered on bacon. Vendors will vie for the title of most delicious bacon dish during the Bacon Battle Royale, with the winner chosen via people’s choice voting plus a panel of judges. The entertainment lineup includes eight live bands, including Jukebox Casanova, The Deep Hollow, Square of the Roots and Pure Prairie League. There will also be a kids’ zone with Touch-A-Truck, a magician, fitness area, bounce house, games, petting zoo and more. Admission and food/beverage tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online at http://downtownspringfield.org.