Cheers to the holiday season!
If you’re a whiskey enthusiast, Southeast Iowa’s Green Frog Distillery has the drink for you! Try it for yourself at the 15th Annual Wine & Beer Walk on November 21, 2026. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this local distillery a true gem in our region.
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There are certain traditions in Fort Madison that just feel like home, and the Wine & Beer Walk is one of them. For 15 years, this casual, festive Friday night has invited friends, families, and visitors to stroll our historic downtown, try something new, and discover local shops in a whole new way. It’s the kind of event that captures what we love most about this community—warm smiles, creative businesses, great drinks, and that unmistakable small-town charm that keeps people coming back.
If you read our March 2025 blog, you know we’ve been leaning into truly local experiences that bring people to enjoy our flavors and events. Events that pair social fun with local flavor are exactly the kind of thing that make Fort Madison stand out, and the Wine & Beer Walk is a perfect example of that in action.
What Makes This Night Special
There’s an easy magic to wandering from store to store under the glow of downtown lights, sipping seasonal drinks and picking up a few early holiday gifts. Some people make it a tradition with friends; others use it as a reason to explore shops they haven’t visited in a while. Either way, it’s one of those “only in Fort Madison” moments where our downtown really shines.
This year, I’ll be part of the fun in a new way: I’ll be behind the table at Boozy Rae’s, helping Green Frog Distillery serve samples of their delicious whiskeys. We’ll be pouring Caramel, Cranberry, Coffee, and Barrel-Aged varieties—perfect for warming up between stops or inspiring your next holiday cocktail. If you’ve ever been curious about their flavors, this is your chance to try them all in one place.
Make a Night (or a weekend!) of it
If you’re coming from out of town, or if you’ve been looking for an excuse to enjoy a little staycation, this is a great weekend to spend the night in Fort Madison. Our hotels offer comfortable, budget-friendly options close to downtown, and staying over means you can relax, explore more shops and restaurants, and enjoy the riverfront the next morning without rushing home. LODGING OPTIONS
Want to Mix Your Own Drinks?
Love what you try on Friday night? We’ve got you covered. Cocktail recipes featuring Green Frog Distillery’s seasonal whiskeys—along with other Fort Madison favorites—are available here. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just want something new to enjoy at home, you’ll find plenty of ideas to sip your way through the season.
See You Downtown!
Bundle up, bring your friends, and join us for one of Fort Madison’s most-loved traditions. Let’s fill the sidewalks, support our local businesses, and make this the best Wine & Beer Walk yet. Cheers to good company, good drinks, and a great night in Fort Madison.
