Bacon & Beer Classic, Chicago

Featured in Forbes and Time Out New York, the Bacon and Beer Classic is one of the fastest-growing food-and-drink festivals. This all-inclusive event, which was voted No. 2 on USA Today's list of Best Specialty Food Festivals, showcases bacon dishes from local restaurants, as well as craft beers from regional breweries. It has drawn sold-out crowds in more than a dozen cities, including New York, Chicago, Seattle, and Denver.

• The setting: Guests dance, drink, and indulge at striking venues and iconic stadiums.
• The food and drinks: Visitors sample over 100 regional craft beers and more than 30 bacon-centric dishes from local chefs.
• The entertainment: Festival-goers compete in a bacon-eating contest and play lawn games accompanied by live music.