Activity is beginning to brew in West Des Moines. Heartland Brew Fest III, a three-day event featuring hot food, cool entertainment and cold beer, will kick off this Friday and run through the weekend.

The festival, formerly held near Adel on the grounds of the Dallas County Brewing Company, will be held at Valley Junction in West Des Moines. In its third year, the festival is a showcase of the Midwest’s finest hand-crafted brews.

For those not familiar with microbrews, brewmasters will be in attendance to describe the brewing process and history. These experts say that microbrewed beers are not at all like mass-produced commercial beers.

Entertainment highlights of the weekend include local favorite Taz Band on Friday evening and The Blue Band on Sunday afternoon. The festival will run Friday, from 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, from noon to midnight; and Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m.

One-day admission for Heartland Brew Fest III is $10, which includes free entertainment and three tokens for samples of more than 28 available brews. Additional samples may be purchased for $1. Two-day passes are also available for $15. Tickets are available in advance at the Kirkwood Civic Center Hotel at 4th and Walnut, or at the gate. Free non-alcoholic beverages will be available for designated drivers with paid admission. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Easter Seal Society of Iowa.