Medflys, Tom Ayres, bacon-flavored everything headline BaconFest in Monterey.

If you were anywhere near the Monterey Peninsula in the mid-1980s, you heard of The Medflys. The band’s explosive New Wave, ska, post-punk sonic assault earned a rabid fan base that survives to this day, as seen in their legendary 2015 benefit appearance at a packed-to-the-gills Planet Gemini.

Last heard at Sand City’s West End Celebration in August, they return this weekend to headline the third annual BaconFest.

Promoter Dan Miller has known them since the band’s beginnings. “They’ve never sounded better than in the past couple years,” Miller says. “They’ve actually gotten better with age. They’re fun, refreshing, different and I always enjoy hearing them.”

Guitarist and co-founding member Robbie Evans has a theory on why that’s the case. “We’re better players now and we get along better than we used to,” he says. “Nobody’s trying to change the world. We’re old guys having some fun and we have a really nice following, which makes it even better. The band is still playing a great show.”

 "Even if you don’t like bacon, there are still a lot of reasons to come to BaconFest.”

Local guitar favorite Tom Ayres – who at one point was a member of Medflys – also returns this weekend. With the 50th anniversary of Monterey Pop still hanging in the air, expect Ayres’ tribute to Jimi Hendrix to be embraced enthusiastically.

Following his own set, the multi-faceted Ayres will rejoin the headliners – but not on guitar. While he’s played guitar, drums, bass and keyboards for The Medflys, this time he’s playing the trumpet.

Standup comedian Chicago Steve Barkley also appears. Carmel country singer Delaney Ann and Square One and local youthful revelation Operation Rock open the day.

And then, of course, there’s the festival’s namesake, bacon – in margaritas and Bloody Marys, ice cream, wrapped around dogs and artichokes, appearing in cupcakes and s’mores – as part of some 35 bacon-centric dishes from 20 vendors, all curated by pig-meister Tony Baker.

On top of all the food and the strong musical lineup, 50 classic cars will gather.

“So even if you don’t like bacon,” Miller adds, “there are still a lot of reasons to come to BaconFest.”

BACONFEST 11am-6pm Saturday, June 24. Monterey Fairgrounds & Event Center, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. $12/advance; $7/military, seniors, children ages 6-17; $30 family pass (two adults and up to four children). 915-8044, montereybaconfestival.com