Des Moines Whiskey Festival Announces $25,000 Community Giveback
Des Moines Whiskey Festival Announces $25,000 Community Giveback
2026 Festival to support five charitable organizations while bringing together whiskey, music, community and purpose
DES MOINES, Iowa September 14, 2026 The Fareway Des Moines Whiskey Festival is about more than what’s in the glass.
As the festival prepares for its biggest experience yet, organizers have announced an ambitious $25,000 community giveback goal, benefiting five charitable organizations making a meaningful difference in Iowa and beyond.
Through the support of presenting sponsor Fareway, corporate sponsors, festival partners, attendees and the broader whiskey community, the 2026 Des Moines Whiskey Festival will use the excitement surrounding the three-day event to create an impact that extends far beyond festival weekend.
“We have an incredible opportunity to bring people together around great whiskey and unforgettable experiences, but we also believe that experience should have a greater purpose,” said Melissa Merrifield, CEO of the Des Moines Whiskey Festival. “Our goal is to give $25,000 back to organizations doing important work in our communities. Every sponsorship, every partnership and every ticket helps us move closer to that goal.”
Five Organizations. One Greater Purpose.
The Des Moines Whiskey Festival’s 2026 charitable partners are:
Wildwood Hills Ranch — Empowering at-risk youth through transformative experiences, mentorship and opportunities to build confidence and brighter futures.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa — Providing a home away from home and critical support for families while their children receive medical care.
Beacon of Life — Supporting women in crisis as they rebuild their lives, develop stability and move toward independence.
Cornerstone of Hope Orphanage — Providing care, opportunity and hope to children who need it most.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa — Improving the lives of children throughout Iowa by providing funding and support to organizations serving children and families.
This Is What Partnership Looks Like
Corporate sponsorship of the Fareway Des Moines Whiskey Festival is designed to mean more than signage, tickets or a logo on an event.
Sponsors help create experiences that bring people together and, in turn, help generate meaningful community impact.
The Des Moines Whiskey Festival is especially grateful to Fareway, the festival’s presenting sponsor, for its commitment to supporting the festival’s community giveback initiative.
“Fareway’s partnership allows us to think bigger about what this festival can mean to Central Iowa,” Merrifield said. “When businesses invest in experiences like this, we can turn an incredible weekend into something that continues making a difference long after the last glass is poured.”
“We’re proud to support the Des Moines Whiskey Festival and the five organizations that are working to make a difference in the lives of people across Iowa. At Fareway, supporting the communities we serve is a responsibility we take seriously, so we’re excited to see this festival turn a great experience into meaningful support for these important partners. We’re also pleased to see many of the whiskey brands featured at the festival are brands our customers know and enjoy in our stores." – Reynolds Cramer, CEO of Fareway Stores
Every sponsorship. Every partnership. Every ticket.
Together, they help build toward the festival’s $25,000 charitable giveback goal.
Great Whiskey. Great People. Greater Purpose.
The 2026 Des Moines Whiskey Festival will take place October 1–3, 2026, featuring three days of curated whiskey experiences, live entertainment, education, VIP hospitality, Iowa distillers, national whiskey brands and community partnerships.
The weekend begins October 1 with Women & Whiskey, followed by The Whiskey Reserve VIP experience on October 2 and the signature Des Moines Whiskey Festival on October 3.
Businesses throughout Central Iowa are invited to join the festival as corporate sponsors and partners not only to connect their brands with one of the region’s most distinctive whiskey experiences, but to become part of the impact it creates.
Corporate sponsorships, custom brand activations and corporate VIP experiences are currently available.
Great Whiskey. Great People. Greater Purpose.
About the Des Moines Whiskey Festival
The Des Moines Whiskey Festival brings together whiskey enthusiasts, distillers, brands, businesses and community partners for a celebration of whiskey, education, entertainment and connection. The festival is committed to creating exceptional experiences while using its platform to strengthen partnerships and give back to the communities it serves. Dsmwhiskeyfest@gmail.com
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