Beatrix Montes
The Iowa State Fair offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and liquor. While it is not explicitly mentioned whether drinking beer is allowed at the Iowa Grandstand, the fair features various designated areas for drinking. These include the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, Grandfather's Barn, The Depot and Back Alley Draft House, the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, The Bird's Nest at the MidAmerican Stage, the Bud Tent, and several concession stands. Each of these locations offers a variety of beer options, including local craft brews, domestic drafts, and canned beers. It is important to note that the Iowa State Fair enforces age restrictions and requires valid identification for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
What You'll Learn
Beer is allowed at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa Craft Beer Tent is a popular destination for beer lovers at the fair. In 2021, the tent moved to a new location three times the size of its previous space, with a massive collection of beers found only in Iowa. Fairgoers can enjoy live musical performances while sipping on a variety of local craft brews, high-end beers, and ciders. To purchase alcohol, individuals must show their ID to buy drink tickets, which can then be exchanged for their desired beverage.
In addition to the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, there are numerous other vendors serving beer and other alcoholic beverages throughout the fairgrounds. These include Grandfather's Barn, The Depot and Back Alley Draft House, the Susan Knapp Amphitheater, The Bird's Nest at the MidAmerican Stage, the Bud Tent, and various concessions stands near the livestock exhibits and the Jacobson Exhibition Center.
While beer is permitted at the Iowa State Fair, there are some restrictions on what types of containers are allowed inside the Grandstand area. Backpacks and large bags are prohibited, as are glass or metal containers. Fairgoers are encouraged to check the prohibited items list before entering the Grandstand to ensure compliance with the rules.
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Alcohol laws in Iowa
Age Requirements for Alcohol Sales and Service:
- Employees and agents must be at least 16 years old to sell liquor, wine, or beer in sealed containers for off-premises consumption, such as in grocery or liquor stores.
- For on-premises consumption in restaurants, bars, or clubs, employees and agents must be at least 18 years old to sell and serve alcoholic beverages. 16 and 17-year-olds can sell and serve in restaurants if certain requirements are met.
- To deliver alcoholic beverages to homes or designated locations, individuals must be 21 years old. This includes licensees, permittees, and their employees or authorised third-party agents.
Licensee Responsibilities:
- Licensees are responsible for ensuring their employees and agents comply with the laws and rules governing the license. Violations can result in civil penalties, suspension, or revocation of the license.
- Alcoholic beverages can only be sold, served, or delivered by licensed individuals or establishments.
- Licensees must display their liquor, wine, or beer licenses prominently in full view of the public.
- On-premises liquor licensees can mix, store, and dispense cocktails, mixed drinks, and alcohol infusions for later consumption. However, they cannot add hallucinogenic substances, caffeine, stimulants, or controlled substances.
- Premixed drinks must be labelled and disposed of within 72 hours. Records of each batch must be maintained for three years.
- Kegs purchased in Iowa must be registered with the retail establishment where they are sold to track alcohol sources and prevent underage drinking.
Local Ordinances:
- Local authorities may have their own ordinances governing licensed establishments within their jurisdiction. These ordinances may be more restrictive than state law but cannot conflict with it.
- Local ordinances may include regulations for selling and serving alcohol, and violations may result in license suspension through a local administrative hearing.
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Where to buy beer at the Iowa State Fair
The Iowa State Fair offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, across the fairgrounds. Here are some of the top places to buy beer during the fair:
Iowa Craft Beer Tent
The Iowa Craft Beer Tent is a popular destination for beer lovers at the Iowa State Fair. The tent offers a massive selection of local craft brews, with beers found only in Iowa. The new location of the tent is on the west side of the fairgrounds, just west of the Jacobson Exhibition Center. Fairgoers can enjoy live musical performances while sipping on a variety of craft beers, high-end beers, and ciders. In 2019, the tent featured 60 Iowa breweries on tap, and fair-inspired beers are often on the menu.
Grandfather's Barn
Located on the east end of the fairgrounds, Grandfather's Barn offers a unique experience. While the Iowa Craft Beer Tent serves a wide range of local craft beers, Grandfather's Barn is the place to go for Iowa wines. The Iowa Wine Grower's Association partners with the Iowa State University Extension to provide educational and fun activities for those interested in the growing Iowa wine industry.
The Depot and Back Alley Draft House
The Depot is known for having the largest dance floor at the Iowa State Fair, and it also boasts a variety of craft beer options. In the fenced garden space known as the Back Alley Draft House, fairgoers can enjoy their beer in a relaxed outdoor setting. The Depot offers domestic and premium draft beers in three different sizes, as well as canned domestic beers and hard seltzers.
Susan Knapp Amphitheater
The Susan Knapp Amphitheater provides free musical performances throughout the fair, and it also has a variety of beverage options. Drinkers can choose from domestic beers in two sizes, Exile Brewing Ruthie lager, Shandy craft beer, and a selection of hard seltzers.
The Bird's Nest at the MidAmerican Stage
The Bird's Nest is another popular spot to enjoy a beverage while taking in a free show at the MidAmerican Stage. Their drink menu includes the fairgoer-favorite Pickle Beer, as well as a range of premium beers, screwdrivers, and frozen margaritas.
Bud Tent
The Bud Tent is a typical stop for those looking for domestic draws, local IPAs, hard seltzers, and Bud Light Lime-A-Ritas. It also features live bands and fair food staples, making it a lively spot to enjoy a cold one.
These are just a few of the many places to buy beer at the Iowa State Fair. Whether you're looking for a craft beer, a domestic favourite, or something a little stronger, the fair has something for everyone to enjoy responsibly.
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Iowa Grandstand prohibited items
While beer is served at the Iowa Grandstand, there are several prohibited items that fairgoers are not allowed to bring with them. These include:
- Backpacks or large bags
- Professional cameras, audio equipment, and video recording equipment
- Weapons of any type, including fireworks, flares, poles, pipes, and pepper spray
- Radio scanning/jamming equipment
- Chairs, folding chairs, camp chairs, or stools
- Marijuana or other illegal controlled substances
- Glass or metal containers
- Bottles, cans, or coolers
Fairgoers will be required to show ID to purchase drink tickets, which can then be redeemed for alcoholic beverages.
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Iowa Grandstand seating
The Iowa State Fair Grandstand is the place to be for entertainment, with a history of hosting big-name acts such as Eric Church, The Chicks, Chris Stapleton, and Johnny Cash. The Grandstand has a capacity of 17,000-26,000, with rows 1-14 in the lower tier and rows 15-31 on the upper level.
The Grandstand is a licensed premises, meaning alcoholic beverages can be purchased and consumed there. Beer is a popular choice at the Iowa State Fair, with a wide range of options available, including local craft brews and national favourites. The Iowa Craft Beer Tent, which moved to a new, larger location in 2021, offers a massive collection of beers found only in Iowa, alongside musical performances and a few domestic beers and local seltzers. Fairgoers must show ID to purchase drink tickets, which can then be redeemed for a variety of craft beers, high-end beers, and ciders.
In addition to the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, there are several other vendors serving alcoholic beverages across the fairgrounds, including Grandfather's Barn, The Depot and Back Alley Draft House, and The Bird's Nest at the MidAmerican Stage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can drink beer at the Iowa Grandstand. There are several vendors serving alcoholic beverages, including beer, at the Iowa State Fair.
Some of the vendors serving beer at the Iowa State Fair include the Iowa Craft Beer Tent, Grandfather's Barn, The Depot, and Back Alley Draft House.
While drinking is allowed at the Iowa Grandstand, there are rules that must be followed. Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, glass or metal containers, and backpacks or large bags. Drinking age limits and other local ordinances governing the sale and consumption of alcohol must also be adhered to.
There are a variety of beer options available at the Iowa State Fair, including local craft brews, domestic drafts, and high-end beers. Some popular choices include Big Grove Brewery's Deep Fried Apple Pie beer, Court Avenue Brewing Co.'s Corn Dog Ale, and Reclaimed Rails Brewing Co.'s Funnel Cake beer.
Yes, in addition to alcoholic beverages, vendors at the Iowa State Fair also offer non-alcoholic options such as soft drinks, water, and fruit juices.
