Vendor Information

2024 Des Moines Symphony Water Works Pops Vendor Information

We are pleased to invite you to apply as a food vendor for the Des Moines Symphony’s Water Works Pops on Saturday, August 31, and Sunday, September 1, 2024. This FREE event, held at the Lauridson Amphitheater at Water Works Park and attracts an audience of around 5,000 people per day.

Attendees typically begin arriving around 6:30 p.m. Vendors are welcome to begin selling as soon as they are ready and may continue throughout the concert and afterwards, if the demand is there. Late summer weather can be very warm, but even on cooler days water is the highest demand item. We strongly encourage all vendors to bring more than they feel is necessary.

A short schedule of events is as follows:

• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Vendors may set up in assigned spot on amphitheater grounds.
• 6:00 p.m.: Vendors are ready to start serving products
• 7:30 p.m.: The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra’s concert begins

Fees, Deadlines & Requirements:

• Vendor fee - $500. This fee is for one 30’x20’ vending space at BOTH the Saturday and Sunday concerts. If additional space is needed or you are unable to attend both concerts, please contact Olivia Guns olivia@dmsymphony.org or (515) 280-4004 to discuss options. A reduced vendor fee of $300 is available for vendors who can only attend one night.
• Payment may accompany the enclosed contract (make checks payable to Des Moines Symphony). Otherwise, an invoice will be sent once you complete and return the enclosed contract.
• Vendor spaces will be assigned by Symphony staff. Should you need a specific location, please make that request on your contract. Requests will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis and confirmed via email.
• We make every effort to ensure a diverse food selection for our patrons to choose from, so please notify Olivia Guns olivia@dmsymphony.org or (515) 280-4004 if you change your food offerings listed on the contract.
• Map of vendor locations and information regarding all day-of specifics (parking, set-up, etc.) will be e-mailed no later than Wednesday, August 28.
• Vendors are responsible for all of their electrical needs. The Symphony will not provide electrical hookups.
• Vendors are responsible for all of their own set-up, tear-down, and clean-up.
• Vendors are responsible for required state food permit fees.
• Vendors may only sell food and non-alcoholic beverages. Non-food items (sparklers, glow sticks, etc.) and alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• A sheet of plywood or other protective material must be placed under any outdoor cookers/grills coming in direct contact with stone or concrete.  Outdoor cookers/grills may be placed directly on grass.
• No dumping of waste down storm drains.