The Des Moines Symphony's 31st Annual Yankee Doodle Pops

Join us for the Des Moines Symphony’s 31st annual Yankee Doodle Pops, Iowa’s largest single-day concert event! This family-friendly, patriotic concert concludes with the area’s premier fireworks display over the downtown Des Moines skyline, and best of all, it’s free. Bring your picnic baskets, blankets and lawn chairs, or purchase food from an array of vendors at the concert.

Bike Parking

• Free bicycle valet: Starting at 3pm on the Capitol grounds, a free bicycle valet (provided by Des Moines Street Collective) will be available on the corner of E. 9th and Grand. Please provide your own lock. 

Parking/Street Closures

• Limited parking is available in designated downtown lots around the Capitol. The public is welcome to park in all lots with the exception of 13 and 21 – click here to see map
• The following roads will be closed during the following times:
  • Penn/East 7^thStreet – Locust Street to Grand Avenue (8:30AM Sun Jul 2 –  3:00AM Tues July 4)
  • Grand Avenue Bridge – Robert Ray Drive to 2nd Avenue (12:00PM Mon Jul 3 – 12:00AM Tues July 4)

ADA accessibility

• Capitol lots 9 & 10 (near the intersection of Grand and Finkbine) will be available for handicapped parking. Only those with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) parking tags or plates will be allowed in these lots. Click here to see map
• A drop off for those with physical disabilities is located at the corner of Grand Avenue and East 9th (Finkbine) Street.
• Additional handicapped parking spots may be available in Capitol lots 1, 2, 8, 11, 15, 19, 24, PS1.

Smokefree Air Act

Per the Smokefree Air Act, smoking is prohibited in outdoor areas owned by the state government. This includes the Iowa State Capitol grounds during Yankee Doodle Pops. Troopers patrol the area and do their best to remind guests of the Smokefree Air Act.

In addition, vaping and e-cigarettes are also prohibited on state property.

Plan your evening

Food vendors (on Finkbine)

Each year, in addition to the incredible music provided by the Des Moines Symphony Orchestra, Yankee Doodle Pops attendees can sample food and drinks from some of the best local and national vendors around. You can find all the delicious wares on Finkbine, right in front of the Capitol building. Here's a sneak peek at what you'll find this year!

Hotsy Totsy: Hot and crispy tater tots with a variety of toppings.
Roadside Tacos: Delicious tacos, nachos, burritos, and rice bowls.
Hy-Vee: Hy-Vee is bringing some of your favorite Walburgers bites to Yankee Doodle Pops
Karam's Mediterranean Grill: Fresh, authentic Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine packed with made-from-scratch ingredients.
Kona Ice: Tropical shaved ice s to help you beat the heat!in a wide variety of flavor combinations.
Twisted Asian: Enjoy refreshing fresh squeezed lemonade, Thai tea, and iced coffee.
Pie Mates Australian Bakehouse: Australian savory meat pies and rolls.
Over the Top Ice Cream: Sweet and creamy ice cream cones and cups in delicious flavors.
The Big Red Food Truck: Bold, Midwest comfort food with a creative twist.
Main Street Cafe & Bakery: Fresh and flavorful American café classics & fresh baked goods.
Chik-fil-A: Fan favorite chicken sandwiches, nuggets, fries, and salads.
Zimm's Kettle Corn: Classic kettle corn made fresh.

* Note: All food vendors and offerings are tentative and subject to change.

Medical

• For on-site medical needs, please visit the medical unit on Finkbine or a uniformed on-site police officer.

Safety

• For safety and security needs or concerns, please visit the Iowa State Patrol Command Center on Finkbine or notify a uniformed on-site police officer.
• Members of the Iowa National Guard will set off four howitzer cannons, as designated in the musical score, during Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. The cannons will be located in the west corner of the triangle bounded by the Public Safety Parking lot, Walnut Street and Finkbine.

Broadcast Details

• Yankee Doodle Pops will be broadcast live on Iowa PBS. To learn more about streaming and online viewing options, visit iowapbs.org/watch/stream.