CLIVE, IOWA (May 1, 2025) — Get ready for the third annual BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, a fun-filled, family-friendly celebration of all things pork — brought to you by the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA), the Iowa Cubs, and Fareway. Mark your calendar for Saturday, June 21, 12-4PM, at Principal Park in Des Moines, and come hungry.
- A pork barbecue competition with teams battling for $12,000 in prize money;
- Samples of each team’s pork, where you help pick the People’s Choice Champion;
- Samples of Iowa craft beer and cider;
- Pork samples from local grillers and smokers; and
- Live music Drew Fry and Sierra Griggs, plus raffle prizes and a whole lot of delicious barbecue.
Proceeds from the event support food banks across Iowa, making it a fun way to give back.
“BBQ and Brew at the Ballpark is just a fun way to celebrate pork and help out folks in our communities,” said IPPA President Aaron Juergens, a pig farmer from Carroll. “It’s all about good food, good company, and giving back. Last year, we raised over $20,000 for Iowa food pantries, and we’re hoping to top that this time around.”
Special guests include Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown Champion Thyron Mathews and BW Outdoors, who will host hands-on barbecue bootcamps throughout the day. And don’t miss your chance to win awesome raffle prizes — including a Traeger Grill!
Tickets are $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Kids 10 and under get in free!
“We love it when the ballpark can be a gathering place in the community for fun events that everyone can enjoy," said Randy Wehofer, assistant general manager of the Iowa Cubs. "We appreciate the partnership with the Iowa Pork Producers Association to create something that combines great food, great fun, and great service to our community. The last two years of the festival have been a great success, we look forward to making the Third Annual BBQ and Brew at Principal Park even better!"
A few spots are still open for barbecue teams — so if you’ve got the skills, bring the heat!
Fareway Stores is proud to support this event by providing all the meat and resources needed to help make BBQ and Brew at the Ballpark another smashing success.
“Supporting local events like this aligns perfectly with our commitment to community and quality,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds Cramer. “We’re proud to help bring people together over great food for a great cause.”
Tickets for BBQ and Brew at the Ballpark are available at this link.
About the Iowa Pork Producers Association
The mission of the Iowa Pork Producers Association is promoting, educating, and providing a leading voice for a sustainable, socially-responsible, and globally-competitive pork industry.
