Cheers to 10 years! Big Grove Brewery celebrates a decade of tapping top-notch craft beer throughout Iowa with a jam-packed agenda of community events, Aug. 26 to Sept. 3.
Big Grove Brewery was founded in 2013 in Solon by partners Doug Goettsch, Faye Swift and Matt Swift. Ten years later, Big Grove Brewery is among Iowa’s top craft beer producers, ranking in the top three percent for barrel production nationally. It has expanded beyond Solon and now has successful outposts in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.
To commemorate its 10-year anniversary, the brewers are crafting its 10 original beers, including Big Grove IPA, Que Será and the beer that started it all, West Main Wheat. These small-batch beers will be released during 10 days of celebrations and community events leading up to the brewery’s official anniversary over Labor Day weekend.
Backyard Big Show, Iowa City (Saturday, Aug. 26, 5 p.m. to midnight): Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Iowa City is welcoming The Dip, Alanna Royale and James Tutson and the Rollback to the main outdoor stage for the Backyard Big Show, a first-ever backyard live music celebration. All tickets are general admission and are $45 each. Promo code: backyardbigshow1z for two tickets for $70. Purchase tickets here.
Market After Dark, Cedar Rapids (Saturday, Aug. 26, 6:30 to 11 p.m.): Find Big Grove Brewery at the Market After Dark event in Downtown Cedar Rapids. Sponsoring this year’s main stage, located at 5th Street and 4th Avenue SE, fans can rock with the premier Twin Cities horn band, High and Mighty.
10 Year Fan Trivia & Special Anniversary Beer Tapping, Solon (Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m.): Enjoy trivia all-day to celebrate 10 years in Solon, featuring special merchandise prizes for winners. Plus, two exclusive anniversary beer tappings at 3 p.m.
Teach Me How to Dougie, Des Moines (Wednesday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.): Savor a special menu item featuring a combination of mac and cheese with tater tot casserole, a legendary Solon menu item named after Big Grove co-founder Doug Goettsch. Top it off with special beers exclusive to Des Moines.
Throwback Thursday, Iowa City (Thursday, Aug. 31, 5 to 8 p.m.): Wear your best Big Grove Brewery throwback gear and get entered to win a $100 raffle prize. No gear? Grab some merch from the store and get entered for other Big Grove gift card raffle prizes.
Fryfest, Coralville (Friday, Sept. 1, 1 to 10 p.m.): Find Big Grove at the FRYfest High Porch Block Party in the Beverage Garden and with custom merch and samples at the expo. The Block Party is just outside the Hyatt Exhibit Hall, with easy access to the bags area, food, and cold beverages.
Game Watch Parties, Des Moines and Iowa City Taprooms (Saturday, Sept. 2, time TDB): Watch Iowa vs. Utah State and Iowa State vs. UNI Panthers at Big Grove Brewery taprooms, with unique game day-themed foods and anniversary beverages are planned at each location.
10 Year Celebrations!, Solon (Sunday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.) It’s an all-day Labor Day weekend Solon Sunday Funday street party with kids and family activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., live music, commemorative beer releases and a closing concert hosted by the Trophy Dads, Solon’s premier party band.
For more information, visit biggrove.com.