An Afternoon of Fun for a Good Cause with BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark

The second Annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark comes to Principal Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) on Saturday, June 22. It is guaranteed to be an afternoon of fun for the whole family. Brought to you by the Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa Cubs, there is something for everyone at this event!

BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark will be a great celebration of pork, Iowa craft breweries, barbecuing, Iowa musicians, and it is a great way to give back to the community. Food banks and food pantries all over Iowa will benefit from the event. Last year, BBQ & Brew raised more than $20,000 to help fight food insecurity.

Iowa is the number one pork producing state in the nation, with more than 147,000 jobs connected to the industry. Pork is an integral part of our state’s fabric, and attendees at BBQ & Brew will be able to get more than their fill of delicious Iowa pork.

What to Expect at BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark

Thirty of the best backyard barbecue experts in the state will be competing for more than $10,000 in cash prizes. This is a serious challenge, where entire families spend hours preparing their best offerings. They’ll be competing in three different categories: pork butt, ribs and pork loin. You get to sample some of their delicious offerings and cast a vote for your favorite Backyard BBQer in the Peoples’ Choice competition.

Additionally, learn the best barbecue tricks and tips from Netflix BBQ Showdown champion Thyron Mathews from Oelwein, Iowa. Thyron will conduct a BBQ Bootcamp. Even if you don’t want to learn how to cook the best barbecue, just come listen to this grillmaster talk. He loves grilling, loves Iowa pork and loves to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with people.

Mathews recently said he’s cracked the secret to the best, tender, juicy pork loin in America during an interview with Heather & Wickett on LAZER 103.3, saying it’s all about the temperature and resting your meat and the way you slice it. At the event, he’ll be teaching people how to slice and advising on internal temperature and layer flavors.

Mathews is also anxious to visit with the backyard barbecue competitors, looking forward to the brotherhood and sisterhood of the competition and coming together for a great cause. He is looking for the next great pit master to share their secrets and tips.

That’s not all! Smokey D’s BBQ and Berkwood Farms will be providing grilled pork loin sandwiches, and more than a dozen Iowa craft breweries and cideries will share samples. You get all this food, plus 15 drink samples with the purchase of a ticket (just $20 if you buy in advance at IowaPork.org).

There’s more: hear local music by Jordan Beem, Neva Alden and the Midlanders. WHO-TV Chief Meteorologist Ed Wilson will emcee the event. Several local celebrities will serve as judges, and there will be games available as well as the ballpark’s playground area for young people.

Attendees who prefer not to partake in the “brew” portion of BBQ & Brew can get in for just $15. Kids 5 and under get in free. Proceeds benefit Iowa food banks and food pantries across the state. Many of them are struggling right now to keep up with demand.

According to Linda Gorkow, Executive Director of the Iowa Food Bank Association, the state of Iowa has an increase in food insecurity. Pork, while a very valuable protein, is something we don’t get donated as often as other foods. Every ounce makes a difference. Ten percent of Iowans are food insecure, and the Iowa Food Bank Association works with 1,200 pantries across the state of Iowa and six food banks, utilizing donations from Iowa Pork Producers and others who help serve.

 

One of the pillars of the Iowa Pork Producers Association’s We Care principles is caring for the community. Events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark are a fun way to celebrate pork, while also showing pork producers care about their fellow Iowans.

Iowa Pork Producers Association President Matt Gent, a pig farmer from Wellman, Iowa, said that food insecurity is a major issue in Iowa and this event is one way we can give back to the community and show pork producers care about Iowa.

Fareway Stores is also serving as a sponsor of BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark and will provide resources and support for the donations to local food pantries. This event is a months-long undertaking from the Iowa Pork Producers and the Iowa Cubs, and we’re thrilled to see it come to fruition on Saturday, June 22, from 2 – 7 p.m.

Iowa Cubs Assistant General Manager Randy Wehofer said they are excited to host the second annual BBQ & Brew at Principal Park this summer. The event allows the ballpark to be a gathering place in the community and the partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association combines great food, great fun and great service to our community. 

Visit IowaPork.org to purchase your ticket today, download the BBQ & Brew poster or find out more about the event by watching the video below:

 

There are so many fun events specific to Downtown DSM. Attend annual events like the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Holiday Promenade or find live music happening each week through the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.