beer&bacon 2026
A NEW 2-DAY EXPERIENCE!
March 13–14, 2026
Centennial Plaza, Gulfport MS
This isn't just a festival, it's a movement wrapped in bacon and served with a cold brew.
More Beer. More Bacon. Two Full Days of Sizzling Fun.
Expect a bacon lover's dream lineup of food vendors, craft beer tastings from local and regional breweries, Kids Jr. Food Championship with Golden Tickets to World Food Championships, People's Choice Awards, and live entertainment, plus VIP experiences you'll talk about for months. From family-friendly competitions to premium tastings, there's something delicious for everyone while supporting caregivers across Mississippi.
Friday Night (21+)
7:00–10:00 PM (6PM VIP)
BBQ, Bourbon & Beer with STARZ Band Live on the Island View Casino Stage
Saturday Morning
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Root Beer Kids Fest, Jr. Food Championship & 1st Responders Chili Cook-Off
Saturday Night (21+)
7:00–10:00 PM (6PM VIP)
Beer, Bacon & Burger with GHOSTS OF GAMBLERS Live
Get In On The Action!
Don't just taste and watch - jump into the fun! From kids cooking competitions to first responder showdowns, there's a way for everyone to compete, win prizes, and be part of the festival excitement.
GOLDEN TICKET OPPORTUNITIES
Kids Jr. Food Championship winners receive Golden Tickets to compete in the World Food Championships!
PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Festival attendees vote for their favorites across multiple categories - bacon creations, best booth, crowd favorite, and more.
1ST RESPONDERS CHILI COOK-OFF (New for 2026!)
Exclusive competition for our heroes in uniform - firefighters, police, EMTs compete for bragging rights and prizes.
TALENT COMPETITION
Show off your skills on the main stage! Music, comedy, unique talents welcome with cash prizes for winners.
BACON, BBQ & COCKTAIL COMPETITIONS (Restaurants AND OTHER VENDORS)
Professional and amateur divisions for the best bacon creations on the Gulf Coast with People's Choice Awards and opportunity to walk away with a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championships in Indianapolis with opportunity to win Grand Prize of over $100,000.
Not Just a Festival—A Mission
Every sip and every bite goes toward building wheelchair ramps, celebrating unsung caregiving heroes, and keeping our Gulf Coast community lifted.
Beer & Bacon Fest is the largest fundraiser for Mississippi Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting family caregivers across Mississippi. In 2025, we raised $45,000 with this event and built 50+ ramps. This year, we're aiming even bigger.
Run, Walk, or Roll for a Cause!
Start your festival weekend right with the Gulf Coast Beer & Bacon 5K! Come in costume (bacon, pig, or your favorite beer outfit), support caregivers across Mississippi, and kick off the most delicious weekend of the year.
RACE DETAILS:
- When: Friday evening (part of festival weekend)
- Where: Starts and ends at Centennial Plaza
- Cost: $35 (includes medal + t-shirt) | $25 (group discount) | $10 (just run, no swag)
- Awards: Trophies for top finishers, best costume prizes
- Timing: Professional timing by DIVATIMING
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Honor a caregiver in your life
- Costume contest with prizes (best bacon, pig, beer costumes!)
- All proceeds support Mississippi Heroes wheelchair ramp program
- Water and snacks for all participants
- Free to show up and cheer on participants
AGE DIVISIONS & AWARDS:
- Top winners in 12 & Under,
- 13-19,
- 20-29,
- 30-39,
- 40-49,
- 50-59,
- 60-69,
- 70-79,
- 80+ plus
- overall male/female champions
Stay Where the Party Happens
Special Room Rates Apply:
- Single King: $132.00 per night + taxes/fees
- Double Queen: $142.00 per night + taxes/fees
- Group Code: BEER&BACON2026
- Book by February 13, 2025 - rooms held until this date
How to Book: Visit Centennial Plaza online or call 228.206.7880 (Extension 1 or 2)
Online Booking Steps:
- Visit Oasis Resort/Grand Centennial Hotel booking site
- Click Promo Code and press down arrow to choose Group Code
- Enter Group Code: BEER&BACON2026
- Enter your dates of stay
- Search for rooms where your code is applied
- Make your reservation!
