Name: Beers in the Barnyard
Start: 2026-10-08
Location: Lion Bridge Brewing Co.

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. sits in Cedar Rapids’ lively Czech Village, a 12‑barrel operation that treats beer like a conversation starter rather than a status symbol. The brewers throw spices, herbs and fruit into the mix with the casual confidence of a chef who’s just discovered a new pantry, delivering everything from a silk‑smooth English Mild Ale (gold at the Great American Beer Festival) to pop‑culture‑inspired limited drafts that sound more like jokes than beer names.

The taproom’s floor‑to‑ceiling windows turn the brewing process into a live‑action documentary, and the menu proves that good beer deserves equally bold food—think pierogies that could make a Polish aunt weep with joy, fish tacos that surprise the palate, and garlic‑aioli fries that whisper, “you’ve earned this.” IPAs consistently punch above their weight, while a rotating roster of sours keeps even the most adventurous drinkers guessing, and seasonal gems such as the peach‑kissed “Peachy Keen” appear just when the sun’s too hot to handle.

Beyond the pour, Lion Bridge runs clothing swaps and pub crawls, cementing its reputation as the place where strangers become friends over a well‑crafted pint (the founders once joked they’d rather brew than brag). All in all, it’s a testament to what happens when creativity meets craftsmanship, without a hint of pretension.

Upcoming events in Lion Bridge Brewing

Beers in the Barnyard

An annual beer festival held at Old MacDonald’s Farm in Bever Park, sponsored by the Cedar Rapids Parks Foundation, featuring local brews from area breweries and distilleries.

October 8, 2026festivalcraft beer

Why we love this brewery

What visitors love

Lion Bridge Brewing Co. is praised for its excellent beer selection, with reviewers noting tasty IPAs and unique sours. Food options, such as soft pretzels, pierogis, and sandwiches, are also highly regarded for quality and freshness.