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DES MOINES METRO OPERA'S WINE, FOOD & BEER SHOWCASE RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN DES MOINES ON FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Indianola, IA—Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is delighted to announce the return of its signature tasting event and fundraiser, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase, on Friday, March 6, from 6–9pm at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The Wine, Food & Beer Showcase is proudly presented by TruBank.
 
Established in 1985, this beloved evening is more than a celebration—it is a vital source of support for music education across Iowa. The Wine, Food & Beer Showcase has grown into DMMO’s largest annual fundraiser, raising critical dollars to sustain the company’s K–12 music education programs, most notably OPERA Iowa, DMMO’s touring troupe that brings live, professional opera directly into schools and communities statewide.
In 2026, OPERA Iowa celebrates its 40th anniversary, touring The Billy Goats Gruff, along with engaging classroom workshops, concerts and a special community performance of Cinderella. Together, these performances will reach more than 25,000 students, with many experiencing professional performing arts for the very first time.  
 
Guests at the Showcase will enjoy an evening of exceptional food and drink samples, world-class entertainment from DMMO’s professional artists and a silent auction featuring exclusive packages and travel experiences. At a time when public funding for the arts has been drastically reduced or eliminated, support from our local community is more essential than ever to ensure arts education remains accessible to students across our state, not as a luxury, but as a core part of a well-rounded education. Attendees are invited to experience the best of Iowa’s culinary and beverage scene for a night of flavor, fun and philanthropy!

Grand Showcase: $55 in advance | $65 at the door

This ticket grants access to the main event from 6–9pm, including tastings from the 35 Grand Showcase vendors. The Grand Showcase is sponsored by Iles Funeral Homes.

Reserve Experience: $150

Includes all Grand Showcase benefits, plus exclusive access to the Reserve Experience, an intimate tasting room featuring elevated culinary creations from Aura Restaurant & Lounge, the Cheese Shop of Des Moines, Chellie's Sugar Shack, Des Moines Embassy Club and Mash + Marrow. Guests will also enjoy curated wine tastings hosted by The Wine Group, Des Moines’ premier private wine club. These expert connoisseurs pour rare, 90-point and above wines from their private collections, sharing stories, insights and tasting notes with each pour. Reserve Experience is sponsored by Faegre Drinker.

Tickets are available online at www.desmoinesmetroopera.org/showcase or by contacting the DMMO Box Office at (515) 209-3257. 

Announcing the 2026 Showcase Vendors

 

 Allora Cafe DSM, Always Baked-Sweets and Treats, Aura Restaurant & Lounge, Batch Balanced, The Cheese Shop of Des Moines, Chellie's Sugar Shack Bakery, Chocolaterie Stam, Des Moines Embassy Club, Food of SIVID, Gateway Market & Cafe, Graze Craze, Johnny's Italian Steakhouse, Lachele's Fine Foods, LaValle Hospitality Group, LeeTy Delights, Mash + Marrow, Palm's DSM, Palmer's Deli and Market,The Purveyor Des Moines, The River Center, Sweet Swirls Rolled Ice Cream, The Tangerine Food Company, Whatcha Smokin' BBQ, Whip It Good Catering

 

 173 Craft Distillery, Big Grove Brewery, Capital Call Vintners, Cedar Ridge Distillery, Confluence Brewing Company, Exile Brewing Co., Field Day Brewing Co., The Happy Can, HiFi Brew Lounge, IA-Native Spirits, Iowa Distilling Company, Johnson Brothers of Iowa, Lonely Oak Distillery, Okoboji Wines, Pesche, Reclaimed Rails Brewing Company, Revelton Distillery, Tassel Ridge Winery, West Hill Brewing Company, Winterset Cidery, The Wine Club

2026 Showcase Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor: TruBank 
Reserve Experience Sponsor: Faegre Drinker 
Grand Showcase Sponsors: Iles Funeral Homes 
Silent Auction Sponsor: Harriett H. Hubbell, Ryan Companies 
Piano Sponsor: West Music