Businessolver is the official sponsor of the “world’s premier bacon festival,” set for downtown Des Moines this weekend, with many auxiliary events revolving around the central porcine culinary theme.

Slated from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St., the 11th Annual Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival will feature entertainment, after-hours parties and major musical entertainment. 2018’s theme of “International Bacon Games -- Light the Sizzle Within!” even does double duty by commemorating a popular sporting event taking place simultaneously across the globe, the Winter Olympics in South Korea.

“We’ve wanted to use the ‘International Bacon Games’ theme for years … the timing seemed ideal,” said Iowa Bacon Board Chair Brooks Reynolds, explaining the motif. “Bacon lovers will be encouraged to wear costumes representing real or fictional nations and athletes, enjoy bacon-inspired dishes from around the globe, and compete in a variety of bacon-themed games.”

The celebration will continue after the main event lineup in the center’s fourth-floor-based Club Sizzle — including an after-party concert featuring the Grammy-nominated band Smash Mouth.

Festival and after-party concert tickets are attainable via www.hyveetix.com and the Wells Fargo Arena Ticket Office; tickets are also available at the Wells Fargo Arena ticket office, located at 233 Center St. in Des Moines. Notably, tickets purchased in person will be exempt from online fees.

Sponsored by the Iowa Bacon Board, the event is also anticipated to entice younger bacon-lovers into the “bacon fellowship culture” according to the board’s Vice President Seth Hall.

Visit the website, “like” the event via Facebook, and follow the fun on Twitter @BRBaconfest and Instagram @blueribbonbaconfestival.