Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew will return to the Alerus Center on Thursday, Feb. 1, featuring bacon-themed dishes, local breweries, and a celebration of community and regional flavors. The annual event attracts hundreds of attendees and highlights partnerships between local businesses.
Several years ago, the Alerus Center began hosting the event under its current name, evolving from a smaller beer-and-bacon tasting into a popular event in Grand Forks. According to Matthew Ternus, Director of Marketing at the Alerus Center, “the success of the event relies on a collaborative effort between Happy Harry’s and the Alerus Center with both teams working together to promote and manage the event.”
The event has become a popular attraction for visitors across the region and Canada. Ternus noted that the reigning champion of the Bacon Eating Contest has traveled from Canada to compete for the past two years, highlighting the event’s broad appeal. In addition to its entertainment value, the event provides an economic boost by driving tourism and supporting local businesses. Attendees often embrace the festive spirit, dressing in bacon-themed costumes, such as pig ears or custom bacon suits.
This year’s event will feature non-alcoholic beer options for the first time, aiming to broaden its appeal to non-drinkers. “This addition reflects a growing trend toward inclusivity and provides more options for attendees,” Ternus said. In addition to a variety of beer options, attendees can enjoy live music and social activities.
VIP access begins at 3:30 p.m. and includes perks such as a BLT bar, a Bloody Mary bar, and a commemorative bottle opener. General admission opens at 5 p.m. with the event concluding at 8 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase, and attendees must be 21 or older.
In addition to entertaining guests, Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew provides a platform for local vendors to showcase their work to thousands of attendees. Since its early days, Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew has partnered with area restaurants to offer a broader variety of creative dishes. Area restaurants, breweries, and distributors use the event to gain product exposure and connect with the Greater Grand Forks community. Vendors are carefully selected through partnerships with breweries, distributors, and restaurants to represent the region.
Beyond the food and drinks, the Alerus Center maintains a strong connection with the University of North Dakota, hosting graduation ceremonies, concerts, and student-led initiatives, such as drive-in movies. “We’re proud to partner with UND to create opportunities for students and the broader community,” Ternus said. Students can also volunteer at events like Pork & Brew, helping with concessions or other support roles.
The Alerus Center is also planning for the future with a $6 million renovation project designed to enhance its ability to host events like Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew and other large gatherings. The planned upgrades to ballrooms, meeting spaces, and public areas reflect the center’s commitment to serving the Grand Forks community and beyond.
Tickets for Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew are available now. For more information, visit the Alerus Center’s website at https://www.aleruscenter.com/events/detail/porkandbrew25.
For ways to get involved or to have general questions answered about Happy Harry’s Pork & Brew, the Alerus Center, or other events, visit https://www.aleruscenter.com/about/contact-us.
Davíd Moreno is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at daví[email protected].