The countdown is on! BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is back for its third year, and it’s heating up to be bigger and better than ever. Hosted by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs, and Fareway, the family-friendly event kicks off this Saturday, June 21 at noon at Principal Park in Des Moines.
This celebration of all things pork and craft beer brings together barbecue lovers, families, and community supporters for a fun-filled day packed with flavor.
Here’s what’s sizzling this year:
- A pork barbecue competition with $12,000 in prize money up for grabs.
- Sample delicious Iowa pork from each team and vote for the People’s Choice Champion.
- Tasty barbecue bites from Iowa Machine Shed, the Ames and Beaverdale Fareway Meat Markets, Story County Pork Producers, and local BBQ enthusiast Joe Osbrink.
- BBQ bootcamps hosted by Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown Champion Thyron Mathews and professional competition grillmasters Josh DeWitt and Jeremy Williams, presented by BW Outdoors.
- Cold samples from a dozen Iowa and regional craft breweries and cideries, including Reclaimed Rails, Jefferson County Ciderworks, Court Avenue Brewery, Gezellig, Toppling Goliath, Brightside Aleworks, Full Fledged Brewing Company, River Hops Brewing, 3Floyds, Confluence, Exile Brewing, and Atomic Brands.
- Live music from Iowa musicians Drew Fry and Sierra Griggs.
- Celebrity judges.
- Exciting raffle prizes—including a Camp Chef XT Pellet Grill.
- Family-friendly games, including a miniature golf course.
Best of all? Every bite and brew helps fight food insecurity in Iowa, with proceeds benefiting food banks across the state.
“BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark is a fun, flavorful way to bring people together and support our neighbors,” said IPPA President Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll. “Food insecurity is still impacting families across the state, and this event is a great opportunity to celebrate Iowa pork while helping stock the shelves at local food banks. Last year we raised over $20,000, and we’re aiming even higher in 2025.”
Advance tickets are just $20—or $30 at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free! Visit IowaPork.org to buy your ticket today.
