Iowa Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Iowa, the heartland of the US, is surprisingly filled with exciting food and drink festivals all year round. From craft beer to Cajun grub, there's something to satisfy every craving. So gather your friends, loosen your belt, and get ready to eat, drink, and be merry at these fantastic festivals in the Hawkeye State.

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Steins & Vines Festival: February

 

This vibrant celebration of regional beverages brings together craft producers from across the Midwest to delight attendees at the Sioux City Convention Center. The Steins & Vines Festival showcases locally crafted beer, wine, hard cider, and energy drinks, with featured vendors including Sioux City's own Marto Brewing Company, nationally recognized Angry Orchard, Golden Road Brewing, and the acclaimed Soldier Creek Winery. Local breweries, wineries, and beverage artisans serve their finest creations while offering guests samples in complimentary souvenir tasting glasses.

 

The spacious convention center provides an ideal indoor venue for guests to explore the various tasting stations and meet the makers behind their favorite drinks. Industry experts share their knowledge and passion while pouring samples of their craft beverages throughout the event. This gathering celebrates the growing beverage culture of Sioux City and surrounding communities, strengthening connections between producers and consumers while fostering appreciation for both local and national craft beverages.

 

Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival: April

 

The premier culinary gathering in eastern Iowa brings together local and regional food artisans to celebrate the state's diverse flavors at the Waterloo Convention Center. The Iowa Eats Food & Drink Festival showcases the heartland's finest culinary talent with demonstrations from skilled chefs, local breweries, and specialty food producers. Featuring over 50 vendors, including Early Morning Harvest and local Hy-Vee Stores, the event offers everything from traditional Iowa comfort foods to innovative fusion cuisine.

 

The festival draws thousands of visitors who enjoy local craft breweries and wineries providing tastings of their finest beverages, while live entertainment fills the convention center. The spacious venue setting allows guests to move easily between tasting stations, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment areas. Special features include hands-on cooking workshops, a local farmers' market section, and an Iowa cheese showcase.

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Iowa Craft Brew Festival: June

 

The largest beer festival in Iowa brings together craft brewers and beer enthusiasts for a celebration of local brewing culture in Des Moines. The Iowa Craft Brew Festival, hosted at Water Works Park, showcases over 50 Iowa breweries including popular establishments like Confluence Brewing Company, Peace Tree Brewing, and Toppling Goliath Brewing Co. Festival attendees, typically numbering around 5,000, can sample hundreds of different craft beers while enjoying food from local vendors serving everything from artisanal pizzas to gourmet tacos.

 

This event features live music performances from regional bands for entertainment. Special features include a VIP early access hour, commemorative sampling glass, educational seminars about brewing techniques, and opportunities to meet directly with brewers. The festival demonstrates the vibrant craft beer community in Iowa, with many breweries debuting seasonal and limited-edition beers specifically for this event.

 

Cajun Fest: June

 

Downtown Des Moines' Cowles Commons transforms into a vibrant hub of Cajun-inspired festivities during the annual Cajun Fest. Visitors can sample authentic Louisiana cuisine, with fresh crawfish flown in directly from the bayou state alongside traditional gumbo and jambalaya from local vendors. Three bands - NOLA Jazz Band, The Swampland Jewels, and The Comancheros - deliver Southern tunes that keep the celebration lively throughout the day.

 

The festival's Camp Cajun area engages young attendees with interactive activities including face painting, bead making, and crown crafting. Festival highlights include a spicy food competition, traditional Mardi Gras bead throwing ceremonies, and a special coronation of the Cajun Fest Court. The festival successfully blends authentic Cajun traditions with family-friendly entertainment.

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Independence Brew-BQ: August

 

The annual summer celebration unites craft beer enthusiasts and barbecue aficionados at Riverwalk Park in Independence, Iowa, drawing thousands of attendees from across the Midwest. The Independence Brew-BQ features a massive Craft Brew Zone showcasing over 100 craft beers from local and regional breweries including SingleSpeed Brewing, Toppling Goliath, and Lion Bridge Brewing Company. Festival-goers can sample from pit masters and food vendors including renowned spots like Backyard Smokers, Smoke Shack, and The BBQ Joint serving up everything from burnt ends to pulled pork and competition-style ribs.

 

Live music keeps the energy high throughout the day on the main stage with performances by local and regional bands. A dedicated spirits tent showcases Iowa distilleries including Cedar Ridge and Mississippi River Distilling Company, offering craft cocktail demonstrations and tastings. The event includes a people's choice BBQ competition, local artisan marketplace, and lawn games spread across the scenic riverside park grounds.

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So come hungry, come thirsty, and come ready to have a blast at these amazing food and drink festivals in Iowa! You're sure to discover your new favorite flavor and make some unforgettable memories along the way.