Raise Your Glass and Discover the Des Moines Whiskey Festival

Raise your glasses — the Des Moines Whiskey Festival is back for 2024! Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or just beginning your journey into the world of fine spirits, this festival is the ultimate place to sip, savor and celebrate. Held at the Horizon Event Center in Clive, this year's festival will be bigger and better than ever, offering an unforgettable weekend filled with tastings, masterclasses, live music, culinary delights and much more. Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 and join us for a spirited celebration of the finest whiskeys from around the world!

Discover the Ultimate Whiskey Experience The Des Moines Whiskey Festival is not just an event — it's an experience. For one incredible day, whiskey enthusiasts gather under one roof to explore a vast array of whiskeys, learn from experts and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow aficionados. This year’s festival is packed with opportunities to expand your palate, deepen your knowledge and enjoy the rich, warm flavors that only whiskey can provide. Here’s what you can expect at this year’s festival:

A World of Whiskeys to Explore

Whether you’re a fan of smoky Scotch, smooth Irish blends or spicy American rye, the Des Moines Whiskey Festival will have something for every palate. With tasting booths offering a diverse selection of whiskeys from around the Midwest and beyond, this is your chance to sample some of the finest spirits available. Discover new flavors, revisit beloved classics and maybe even find a new favorite. With so many whiskeys to choose from, it’s a taster’s paradise that will leave you wanting more.

Tip: The Whiskey Festival will feature Templeton Distillery as a VIP sponsor! Not only that, the Cedar Ridge Barrel Proof Bourbon pour from Cedar Ridge Distillery, the Des Moines Whiskey Festival's Speakeasy sponsor, was recently voted the best Bourbon in Iowa.

Learn from the Masters: Whiskey Masterclasses

If you’ve ever wanted to dive deeper into the art of whiskey, the festival’s masterclasses are not to be missed. Led by industry experts, these sessions will provide fascinating insights into the craft of distilling, the nuances of flavor profiles and the perfect pairings for your favorite whiskeys. Whether you’re curious about the distillation process, how to properly taste whiskey or want to learn how to craft the perfect cocktail, these classes are an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge and enhance your appreciation of fine spirits.

Live Music and Entertainment featuring Headliners: Not Quite Brothers

What’s a festival without a little live music? Throughout the day, talented musicians will be performing, bringing energy and excitement to the festival atmosphere. Whether you're enjoying a quiet tasting session or dancing to the rhythm of live performances, the entertainment will keep the vibes high and ensure you have a memorable time.

Food Trucks and Pairings to Complement Your Whiskey

Whiskey and food are a match made in heaven, and at the Des Moines Whiskey Festival, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in delicious food pairings that elevate your tasting experience. Local vendors and food trucks will be serving up mouthwatering dishes designed to complement the flavors of the whiskeys available. From savory bites to sweet treats, there will be something for every palate, making sure you’re well-fueled for a day of tasting and exploring.

Exclusive Merchandise and Souvenirs

Take a piece of the festival home with you! Whether you’re looking for unique whiskey accessories, festival-branded souvenirs or limited-edition spirits, the Des Moines Whiskey Festival will have a selection of exclusive merchandise available. These items make for perfect mementos or gifts for the whiskey lovers in your life.

Event Details You Need to Know

When: Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024
Time: Noon (11 a.m. Early Entry) – 6 p.m.
Where: Horizon Event Center, 2100 NW 100th St., Clive, Iowa 50325

The Des Moines Whiskey Festival is a day full of discovery, connection and celebration. As the main event kicks off at Noon, you can expect a steady flow of activities, tastings and entertainment throughout the day. With early entry at 11 a.m. for those who just can’t wait to start their whiskey journey, there’s plenty of time to explore, taste and learn at your leisure.

Parking Information

The Horizon Event Center offers free on-site parking, but space is limited. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot or considering alternative transportation options if you want to make the most of the festival's tasting experiences without worrying about driving afterward.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Experience

• Dress Comfortably: You’ll be on your feet for much of the day as you move from booth to booth, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Pace Yourself: With so many whiskeys to taste, it’s important to sip responsibly. Take breaks between tastings, drink plenty of water and enjoy the food offerings.
• Take Notes: With a variety of whiskeys to explore, it can be easy to lose track of your favorites. Bring a notebook to jot down your thoughts on the different tastings.
• Bring a Friend (or Two!): Whiskey festivals are all about sharing experiences. Invite friends to join you for a fun day of discovery and celebration.

A HUGE shoutout to our sponsors for helping make this possible: Templeton Distillery, Cedar Ridge Distillery, Your Private Bar and Eventfully Yours.

Don’t miss out on the Des Moines Whiskey Festival 2024 — it’s going to be an event to remember! Tickets are limited, so gather your friends, prepare your taste buds and get ready for a day of whiskey-filled fun. Cheers to a memorable weekend of great spirits, good music and even better company!

For ticket information and updates, be sure to follow the Des Moines Whiskey Festival on Facebook and Instagram or visit the DSM Whiskey Fest website. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses, including Chamber luncheons, roundtables and ribbon cuttings. You can also find live music happening each week thanks to the “Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

When dining out in Greater Des Moines (DSM), local restaurants, craft breweries, local wineries, coffee shops and more have this foodie scene covered. Find out more about the region’s most popular restaurants and new additions here.