This year’s BrewNost will feature a wide range of international beers selected by beer expert Doug Alberhasky of John’s Grocery in Iowa City. These selected beers will be specially paired with culinary creations by chefs from some of the Corridor’s finest restaurants.

“So many people have conveyed to me that BrewNost is an evening with a special magical and memorable quality, and I’m eagerly looking forward to meeting and mixing with the hundreds of people who will be there,” said NCSML President and CEO Cecilia Rokusek. “While people come to BrewNost for unique beers, delicious food and festivities, our BrewNost guests and many generous sponsors are helping to advance the vital educational and cultural mission of our museum and library. This museum, recognized as one of the nation’s best ethnically based museums, serves families, students, scholars and partner organizations in Cedar Rapids, across the country and internationally.”

In addition to the international beers, 11 local breweries and distilleries will be offering their distinctive brews and beverage creations. Seventeen area restaurants also will be offering samples from the best of their menus. BrewNost is not just for beer lovers: wine, cider and spirits also will be served.

“We love coming to BrewNost every year because every year is different,” said Katie Ortgies, director of operations at Basepoint Wealth. “Every year there are new vendors, new brews and new attendees. The museum always finds a way to keep the evening interesting; for example, last year they added a live auction with Nicho Lowry.”

Nicholas “Nicho” Lowry, who for the second time will call the Live Auction, is president of Swann Auction Galleries in New York City. Known by many for his frequent appearances on the PBS series “Antiques Roadshow,” Lowry is one of the world’s foremost authorities on vintage posters. Selected Czech travel posters from his family’s extensive collection appeared in exhibition at the NCSML from November 2015 to March 2016.

Bidders in the live auction will be vying for 10 special premium packages, including (among others): a beer caves tour in Iowa City; travel packages to the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Florida; a premium Jacuzzi; a Hawkeye football game and tailgate party for 8; a Fong’s pizza party at Iowa Brewing Company; and a house dinner party for 8 from the owners of First Avenue Wine House.

Once again there will be a traditional paper-bid silent auction. Items in the silent auction include a private tour for 10 at Big Grove Brewery & Taproom in Iowa City, dinner for four in the Vault at Popoli Ristorante & Sullivan’s Bar in Cedar Rapids, Czech jewelry and a Hop Farming experience at Wosoba Farms.

Tickets to BrewNost are $60 per person for general admission and $125 per person for the VIP level. Each ticket level comes with its own set of perks. Designated driver discounts are available at the door for $45; designated driver admission includes food tasting and non-alcoholic beverages.

In addition to Basepoint Wealth, 50 other sponsors are making BrewNost 2018 possible. See the complete list of sponsors on our Brewnost page.

Parking is available around the NCSML and in Czech Village. Follow parking signs to locate available lots. Guests needing disabled access should park in the NCSML garage.

Free Uber rides (up to a 20-mile radius) will be available 8:30 – 10:00 pm. Staff members at the pickup area will assist with booking the Uber rides.

CONTACT: Forrest Meyer, Director of Marketing & Communications
319-362-8500, x224 / fmeyer@ncsml.org / mobile 319-530-1558

National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library

The National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a museum that celebrates life:  Czech life, Slovak life and American life. The Museum seeks to inspire people from every background to connect to Czech and Slovak history and culture. Through extraordinary exhibitions and experiences, the Museum tells stories of freedom and identity, family and community, human rights and dignity connecting yesterday with today and tomorrow. The Museum honors those who immigrated to America and worked hard, contributing their skills and vision to the formation of our nation. For more information, visit www.ncsml.org or call (319) 362-8500.