Is it just me, or has there been an over-abundance of bizarre, made-up holidays lately? Pancake Day. Left-Handers Day. IPA Day. Columbus Day. Well now we have one more to add to the list, but unlike a few others oddities, this one I’ll gladly partake in celebrating.
You better get your drinking pants on, Des Moines, because it looks like the good folks over at the Iowa Brewers Guild conspired to make September 19th Iowa’s Autumn Beerfest Day. And I’m not just talking Oktoberfest’s…next Saturday shaping up to be one of the most loaded dates on our local beer festival calendar since Des Moines Beer Week.
From time to time we’ll feature current local events on Des Moines Foodster, so here’s what you’ll need to know to help you plan accordingly:
Firetrucktoberfest
Firetrucker Brewing
716 SW 3rd Street
Ankeny, IA
Time: 12:00PM – 11:00PM
Tickets: Free
Swag: Special Event Dopplebock Release
Firetrucker is bringing a true Bavarian beer celebration to Ankeny. Enjoy polka music, good food, conrhole (bags) competition, costume contest, speed eating contest, and of course beer. For you bikers out there, Firetrucktoberfest is also a stop on Jaycee’s Ride. Just make sure you dress appropriately…think Lederhosen and dirndls!
Oktoberfest
Confluence Brewing Company
1235 Thomas Beck Road, Suite A
Des Moines, IA
Time: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Tickets: $20 Advanced/$25 Door
Swag: Commemorative Mug plus your first fill and your meal.
The second Octoberfest…fest…on our list is Confluence Brewery 3rd Annual Oktoberfest. A ticket gets you in door with a glass, a beer, and food. In this case, Gastro Grub’s take on traditional German fare. What’s not to love? Grab one now; prices go up on the day-of.
Little Giant Beer Summit
El Bait Shop
200 SW 2nd Street
Des Moines, IA
Time: 3:00PM – 7:00 PM
Tickets: Free to attend; $2.50 drink tickets (5 oz), $20.00 for ten tickets
Swag: Commemorative Glasses on sale for $7.50 while Supplies Last
Whether you love tap-takeovers or the more traditional beer festival (think tents & taps), this event has them both. Mingle with 30+ Iowa beer makers from across the state outside or beat the heat indoors with over 60 Iowa craft brews on tap.
Brews & Muse
Peace Tree Brewing Company
107 W. Main Street
Knoxville, IA
Time: 4:00PM – 10:00 PM
Tickets: $10 Advanced/$15 Door
Swag: Limited release brews; free pint glass for the first 300 to arrive
If you’re willing to spend a little extra windshield time, this outdoor festival might be the go-to for music lovers. Three bands provide the muse and Peace Tree provides the brews ($4.00 each), while local food trucks Melts without Borders (DSM) and Cap’n BBQ (Knoxville) will be on hand to provide the grub.
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There you have it! One day, four awesome events supporting local craft. Hit one, hit two, or hit all four…you can’t go wrong with any option. The weather looks perfect (for now). The Hawks don’t play until 7:00PM. The Cyclones are away, which means you probably won’t be able to watch them unless you have Mediacom or an online subscription. You have no excuse not to get off your couch to come out, sample some local brews, and catch up with the good folks who make them.
Did I miss any? Let me know ASAP and I’ll add it to the list!
(Shiver me Timbers, September 19th is also the beloved International Talk Like a Pirate Day…in case, you know…you’re into that sort of thing.)
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