Des Moines is primarily known for its importance in U.S. presidential politics as well as being a hub for all kinds of big business. But even in the winter months, the city shines as a town known for its love of all things food and drink.
Cityview’s Winter Brewfest
Every year as the weather cools down and thoughts of lagers and stouts warm our hearts, Cityview Magazine gears up for one of the Des Moines’ all-time favorite events – Winter Brewfest. Hosted each February at The Keg Stand, this event is a Des Moines annual celebration of all things beer.
For this event, The Keg Stand features over 80 beers on tap in addition to two rooms of bottles ready to be sampled. In 2017, the event’s third year, Cityview Magazine included live entertainment, a large heated tent, a wide variety of beers and food trucks galore. Attendees of the event see it as an opportunity to taste a series of unique and rare beers from all over the world.
Bring a growler to the event and receive a free 32-ounce fill as part of your ticket price or you can purchase a growler at the event to fill for free.
Merry Market Last Minute Gift Mart
If you’re running behind on purchasing gifts for friends, and family members, count on the Merry Market to help you get your shopping done. This event is put on by Market Day, central Iowa’s biggest indie craft show, and hosted at the new beer hall in West Des Moines, The Hall. It’s a great event to buy local, handmade goods from amazing artists, and makers.
What you’ll find at the Merry Market Last Minute Gift Mart:
- 18 unique, local, makers
- Art
- Apparel
- Accessories
- Local beer, and craft cocktails from The Hall.
Date: December 17, 2017
Winter Downtown Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines’ Winter Market is your one-stop shop for all things festive. Over 130 vendors will gather downtown providing attendees the opportunity to purchase gifts, stock up for meals and prepare for parties.
Meet up with local farmers to collect eggs, cheese, meats to ensure that your holiday celebration is socially responsible or gather a variety of handmade honeys, jams, salsa, pies and more.
Some notable vendors include…
- Iowa Coffee Company serving fresh brewed coffee and espresso beverages.
- Picket Fence Creamery selling cheese curds, cheese ball and flavored milks.
- L&L European Delight serving fresh breads, pierogi, borscht and cabbage rolls.
- Cricket’s Gardens selling eggs, chicken, noodles, butternut squash and more.
Add it to your calendar right away – this event only occurs two weekends of the holiday season and you won’t want to miss out.
Date: December 15-16, 2017
12 Bars of Charity
12 Bars of Charity is an event designed to help local charities raise awareness and money for their cause. For every $30 ticket purchased, $10 will go to the charity of your choosing. Every participant in the event will receive a team sweatshirt, shuttle pass and the ability to enjoy drink specials at select bars.
Tipsy Crow Tavern, Johnny’s Hall of Fame, Up Down Arcade Bar and The Copper Cup are just a few of the sixteen participating bars.
This year’s beneficiaries include Autism Speaks, The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, MS Moments, One Iowa, The Special Olympics, Food Bank of Iowa, Make a Wish and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You may have heard of many of these charities before. Take a look at the full list as well as their missions and sign up to support them today.
Date: December 16th, 2017
Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival
The Blue Ribbon Bacon Festival is an annual Des Moines event that attracts 14,000 people annually from all over the world. The Iowa Bacon Board works to encourage people to drink, be silly and enjoy bacon together.
This event is going into its 11th year as a signature Des Moines gathering. It usually takes place in February and in 2018 it is expected to be held at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
The Events Center has four levels. Level 1 will be the Bacon Education Center where attendees can enjoy bacon-inspired lectures, cooking demos and kid-friendly activities. Level 2 will be the Bacon Fellowship Hall where everyone can come together to enjoy 100 bacon-inspired recipes and several beverages.
Levels 3 and 4 are only accessible to those over the age of 21. This is where The Bacon Strip and Club Sizzle can be found here with interactive bars, cocktails, dancing and more.
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As you can see, Des Moines is your one-stop shop for winter celebrations.
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