You can drink free beer at this Des Moines lounge on Groundhog Day

This annual party at Des Moines' "champagne of bars" is one that loyalists anticipate every year.

Known for its 1960s era theme and “corner tap” atmosphere, High Life Lounge is ready to celebrate the 14th anniversary of its grand opening on Groundhog’s Day. All this fun takes place Friday, Feb. 2 with a party featuring free beer starting at 6 a.m.

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Polk County Paula, downtown Des Moines’ beloved resident groundhog, will look for her shadow shortly after daybreak at 7:30 a.m.

And free Miller High Life will be given to thirsty partygoers. Drink specials will also be offered throughout the day.

Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., featuring flapjacks, egg casserole (sausage and veggie options), biscuits and gravy, hash browns, ham steak and bacon.

This year's festivities will feature the first-ever triathlon: six attendees will be selected to try their skills at wood chucking, sack races and puzzling. The winner will receive a trophy and a Miller High Life Prize Pack.

After the triathlon, discover the answer to the age-old question: “How much wood can a woodchuck chuck?” Polk County Paula will be put to task. 

“This celebration is one of our favorites each year, and we enjoy getting to spend it with so many familiar faces who are here every year,” said High Life Lounge co-owner Jeff Bruning. “Des Moines has been so good to us and we love taking a moment to celebrate this bar and our 14 years in business.”

High Life Lounge was featured on Travel Channel’s "Man vs. Food" and is known for “down home” cooking with its authentic '60s menu, offering daily dishes like broasted chicken and goulash. No beer established after 1979 is served.

High Life Lounge Groundhog Day celebration

Location: 200 SW 2nd St., Des Moines

When: 6 to 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2 

Contact: (515) 280-1965; thehighlifelounge.com; Facebook; Twitter; Instagram