On Thursday, May 21, 2026, more than 650 bacon enthusiasts gathered under the canopy of the Virginia Living Museum in Newport News for the 12th annual Bacon Bash: A Bacon, Beer & Bourbon Affair. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors, guests, and community partners, the evening raised a record $46,796 to fund charitable service projects and community grants across the Virginia Peninsula.
Since its launch in 2014, Bacon Bash has now generated more than $310,000 ($310,682) for high-impact local organizations, including the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank, Scouting America, Girl Scouts of America, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula, THRIVE Peninsula, and environmental education programs at the Virginia Living Museum.
$46,796
Raised for Local Charities
650+
Community Attendees
12
Competing Restaurants
$310k+
Total Raised Since 2014
A Spectacular Evening at the Museum
The evening was filled with vibrant energy as guests explored the museum’s living exhibits, strolled the outdoor boardwalks, and enjoyed live music from local favorite Brother Lucy, who kept the dance floor buzzing throughout the night.
In addition to the culinary tastings and craft beer selections, 2026 marked the debut of the Gift Certificate Tree (“Pig Pull”). Attendees sponsored numbered pigs for a chance to win one of nearly 30 mystery gift cards donated by generous Peninsula businesses—ranging from local diners and bakeries to salons and entertainment venues—adding an exciting new dimension of community support to the festival.
2026 Culinary & Cocktail Champions
Twelve of the region’s finest chefs and restaurants pushed the boundaries of bacon creativity, crafting everything from savory barbecue masterpieces to inventive bacon-infused desserts and handcrafted bourbon cocktails.
After enthusiastic voting by attendees and our panel of guest judges, the 2026 honors were awarded to:
DD214 Smokehouse
Dish: BBQ Smoked Pork Belly Burnt Ends with Sweet and Savory BBQ Sauce
The Baker's Wife Bistro
Cocktail: Front Porch Fizz Bourbon Cocktail
Papi’s Creamery
Creation: “Slizzin' in the Barrel” — Vanilla bean bourbon ice cream, maple caramel swirl, toffee & candied bacon bits
Smoke BBQ
Dish: Bacon Wrapped Chicken Lollipop
Sate’ – A New American Experience
Dish: Candy Apple Pork Belly with Carrot Ginger Puree, Pickled Vegetables, and Charred Pineapple
Bisou Bar & Bistro
Dish: Bourbon Onion Jam Porchetta with Gruyere Espuma
Indulge Bakery & Bistro
Dish: Bacon Bourbon Cinnamon Buns
The Grey Goose
Dish: Moonshine BBQ Pork Belly with Bread and Butter Slaw
People’s Choice Winners
Congratulations to our top fan-voted champions for 2026!
Looking Ahead · Save the Date
Join Us for 2027 Bacon Bash!
Mark your calendars for next year’s celebration on Thursday, May 27, 2027 (6:00–8:30 PM) at the Virginia Living Museum. Expect even more culinary innovations, craft beverages, and community camaraderie.