Big Grove Brewery is raising a glass to celebrate a decade of experiences, fresh craft beer and Iowa hospitality.
To commemorate the past 10 years, brewers at Big Grove are crafting 10 original beers, including fan favorites, Big Grove IPA, Que Será and the beer that started it all: West Main Wheat. These small-batch beers will be released during their anniversary throughout 10 days of celebrations and community events leading up to the brewery’s official anniversary over Labor Day weekend.
The history of Big Grove
Big Grove Brewery was founded in 2013 at 101 W. Main St. in Solon, Iowa, by partners Doug Goettsch, Faye Swift and Matt Swift.
From day one, the owners believed “you have to give people a reason to leave their living room,” recalled Ms. Faye Swift in a release. On her business partners she said, “Matt and I have tremendous trust in each other, and Doug was a constant hospitality guru, that’s who he is in his bones.”
The trio pushed on the original concept of high-quality beer, great food and genuine care for the community.
“The best it can be is what we want it to be. I’m a person who believes in creating opportunity, and if you can see it, you can seize it,” she said.
In 2017, the company opened Big Grove Brewery & Taproom with a full-scale production facility in Iowa City and now maintains a platinum green certification. The original partners continue to operate the company with additional operating partners for Iowa City, Des Moines, and a soon-to-be-open Lagerhaus-style brewery in Cedar Rapids.
Still innovating a decade later, Big Grove Brewery offers beyond beer products, including spirit-based seltzers, and plans to release cannabis-infused sparkling water beverages. Big Grove beverages are available at bars, restaurants and retailers across the state.
The festivities officially kick off on Aug. 26 with music from The Dip. The concert will be hosted in the yard from 5 p.m.-midnight at the Big Grove Brewery taproom at 1225 S. Gilbert St. in Iowa City.
Patrons can use code “backyardbigshow1z” to receive 25% off two tickets. The 10-year milestone party will occur on Sunday, Sept. 3, at the original Solon Big Grove location on Main Street. The day-long Sunday Funday event will offer a street party with kids and family activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., exclusive merchandise, and a closing concert featuring Trophy Dads.
Big Grove’s 10-year festivities
The week’s event lineup includes:
- The Backyard Big Show on Aug. 26 at the Big Grove Brewery & Taproom Iowa City will welcoming The Dip, Alanna Royale, and James Tutson and the Rollback to the main outdoor stage for its first annual backyard live music celebration. All tickets are general admission and are $45 each. Purchase tickets here. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the opening act begins at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will be after the music at 10 p.m. and DJ Douglas keeps the after-party going after fireworks.
- Market After Dark in Cedar Rapids will take place Aug. 26 from 6:30-11 p.m. Big Grove is sponsoring this year’s main stage, located at Fifth Street and Fourth Avenue SE, fans can rock with the premier Twin Cities horn band, High and Mighty.
- 10 Year Fan Trivia & Special Anniversary Beer Tapping in Solon will take place Aug. 29 at 3 p.m. Trivia all-day to celebrate 10 years in Solon, featuring special merchandise prizes for winners. Plus, two exclusive anniversary beer tappings will occur at 3 p.m.
- Teach me how to Dougie in Des Moines will be Aug. 30 from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Special menu item featuring a combination of Mac & Cheese with Tater Tot Casserole, a legendary Solon menu item named after Big Grove co-founder Doug Goettsch.
- Throwback Thursday in Iowa City will take place Aug. 31 from 5-8 p.m. Big Grove is asking patrons to wear their best Big Grove Brewery throwback gear to be entered to win a $100 raffle prize. Customers with no gear can grab some merch from the store and get entered for other Big Grove gift card raffle prizes.
- Fryfest in Coralville will be on Sept. 1 from 1-10 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 outside the Hyatt Exhibit Hall, with easy access to the bags area, food and cold beverages.
- Game Watch Parties at Des Moines and Iowa City Taprooms on Sept. 2, but the time has yet to be announced. Watch Iowa-Utah State and Iowa State-University of Northern Iowa football games at Big Grove Brewery taprooms. Unique game day-themed foods and anniversary beverages are planned at each location.
- 10 Year Celebrations at Solon will be on Sept. 3 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. It’s an all-day Labor Day weekend with Solon Sunday Funday street party with kids and family activities from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., live music, commemorative beer releases and a closing concert hosted by the Trophy Dads, Solon’s premier party band.
