Iowa’s wineries, breweries and distilleries aren’t just pouring drinks – they’re pouring on the creativity. Across the state, you’ll find live tunes drifting through tasting rooms, products with uniquely Iowa names and even craft sodas made in-house for a family-friendly twist, creating scenes where local flavor meets local flair.
Before you head to these locations, sign up for our Beer, Wine and Distillery Passports to start earning your way toward rewards!
Sips With a Soundtrack
Firetrucker Brewery, Ankeny
In Ankeny, grab a craft brew and turn your focus to center stage, where Firetrucker Brewery’s Inferno series ensures a Friday night packed with local bands, cold beer and food trucks. Each week’s fiery lineup is free to enjoy and features everything from 90s throwbacks to acoustic jams and gypsy jazz.
Pivo Brewery, Calmar
From laid-back courtyard shows to open-mic nights, Pivo Brewery always has live music and delicious craft beers on tap in Calmar. The events calendar is packed with a mix of free and ticketed events highlighting rotating artists as well as opportunities for locals to show off their talents.
Carroll Brewing Co., Carroll
With a culture that encourages patrons to connect, Carroll Brewing Co. in Carroll has cultivated a vibrant live music scene. Most Saturday evenings throughout the year, you’ll find the taproom filled with tunes from local and regional talent, offering the perfect accompaniment to the handcrafted beers and intimate venue.
BIT Brewery, Central City
Live music is always in the mix at BIT Brewery in Central City – from scheduled gigs most weekends throughout the year to pop-up showcases and BIT O’ Talent events. There’s a song for every moment alongside wood-fired pizzas and delicious craft brews.
Iowa Distilling Company, Cumming
A tasting experience at Iowa Distilling Company in Cumming involves more than a sample of the handcrafted spirits. Recurring events also introduce visitors to local artists and food trucks. Live music takes over the space most weekends and includes piano bar nights, singer-songwriter showcases and more.
Jasper Winery, Des Moines
Known just as much for its music as its wine, Jasper Winery in Des Moines is a go-to spot for lively summer fun in Des Moines. Its Summer Concert Series transforms Thursday nights into a free, open-air music fest with local and regional bands, food trucks and plenty of wine and cider to go around.
Park Farm Winery, Durango
Transform your summer evenings into musical outings at Park Farm Winery near Durango. Local musicians perform at the vineyard’s stage every weekend, May through August. Each lineup pairs perfectly with a glass of wine, wood-fired pizzas and artisan bites plus stunning views of the area’s rolling hills.
The Cellar Winery, Madrid
The Cellar Winery near Madrid is all about good vibes. The Sunday Music Series and Fire Pit Fridays ensure every weekend (well, May through September) is a good one. Each concert is open-air, cover-free, all-ages and even dog-friendly. Just bring your own chair or blanket to relax on with wine glass in hand.
Fireside Winery, Marengo
Keep the wine and music flowing at Fireside Winery in Marengo. Local musicians bring the patio to life most Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the summer. And when the weather turns cool, intimate acoustic sets keep things cozy in the indoor taproom.
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery, Swisher
Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery near Swisher is all about spirited fun. The taproom and patio cheers are almost constantly accompanied by vibrant music. Pair your wine or craft cocktail with weekend acoustic sets, lively festival-style performances and even full-blown festivals with Cedar Ridge’s year-round event calendar.
Revelton Distillery, Osceola
No matter the weather, Revelton Distillery in Osceola keeps the tunes flowing year-round. The taproom comes alive every Saturday night with a rotating mix of local and regional artists. During the warmer months, food trucks join the entertainment mix.
Taste of Place
“Pseudo Sue” from Toppling Goliath, Decorah:
Named for the Sue the T. Rex fossil, which was discovered in the Midwest, it also symbolizes the pale ale’s unique taste and formidable presence in the craft beer world.
“Ruthie” from Exile Brewing, Des Moines:
Offering a taste of Iowa folklore in pint form, this iconic lager is named after Ruthie Bisignano, the 1950s beer-stein-balancing sensation of Des Moines.
“Loesscato” from Oscar Carl Vineyard, Sioux City:
This cleverly named sweet white wine makes a friendly toast to Iowa’s Loess Hills and offers unique spin on the classic Moscato.
“Tipsy House” from West O Beer, Milford:
Named after the legendary Tipsy House attraction at Arnolds Park Amusement Park and brewed to support its restoration, this tasty West Coast-style IPA features aromas and flavors of pine and citrus.
“Hawkeye Point Pilsner” from Drink Me Brewing Company, Sibley:
This pilsner takes the classic style to new heights—literally—by paying homage to the nearby Hawkeye Point, which marks Iowa’s highest elevation point.
“Slipknot No. 9 Iowa Whiskey” from Cedar Ridge Distillery, Swisher:
Made in collaboration with Iowa’s world-famous metal band Slipknot, this whiskey is a smooth blend of Iowa corn, rye and bourbon that’s mashed, fermented, distilled and aged all at Cedar Ridge.
“Gable” from SingleSpeed Brewing Co., Waterloo:
This clean, crisp and golden lager pays direct homage to Dan Gable, Iowa’s wrestling legend and Olympic gold medalist.
Craft Without the Buzz
Millstream Brewing Co., Amana
Millstream Brewing’s Old-Time Root Beer and house-made sodas are just as famous as its award-winning handcrafted brews, all made in Amana. The soda lineup includes sugar-free root beer, cream soda, orange cream soda, black cherry soda, ginger beer, grape soda and sarsaparilla.
7 Hills South, Clinton
Housed inside a beautifully converted church, 7 Hills South in Clinton offers carefully crafted sodas that complement the beer selection. Pair a root beer, grape soda, apple soda, orange cream soda, ginger beer or mocktail with a wood-fired pizza, sandwich or smash burger for the perfect outing.
South Porch Cider, Grundy Center
In addition to specializing in small-batch, craft-fermented ciders, South Porch Cider in Grundy Center also partners with local organizations to offer handcrafted sodas. Choose a cherry limeade, sparkling spice cider, sarsaparilla or ginger ale, or order a flight to try four-ounce pours of all four.
Ten Wasp Brewing, Sumner
Bringing new life to an old Sumner Main Street building, Ten Wasp Brewing welcomes drinkers and nondrinkers alike to enjoy the inviting space. The menu includes three house-made sodas – Root 93, a traditional creamy root beer; Sassy Frass Root Beer, an old-school sarsaparilla; and Cherry Favorite, a black cherry soda. There is also the option to make each soda a float by adding vanilla ice cream.
