2025 Des Moines Symphony Yankee Doodle Pops Vendor Information

We are pleased to invite you to apply as a food vendor for the Des Moines Symphony's 30th Annual Yankee Doodle Pops on Thursday, July 3, 2025. This FREE event, held on the Iowa State Capitol Grounds, attracts an audience of over 100,000 and is Iowa's largest single-day concert event. We accept a limited number of vendors and all accepted vendors will be publicized in advance of the Yankee Doodle Pops event on our website, Facebook and in press releases.

Attendees typically begin arriving around 5:00 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. July 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:

  • 1:00 p.m. — 3:00 p.m.: Vendors may set up in assigned spot on Finkbine Street.
  • 5:00 p.m.: Vendors are ready to start serving products
  • 6:30 p.m.: Concert Prelude
  • 8:30 p.m.: The Des Moines Symphony Orchestra's concert begins
  • 10:00 p.m.: Fireworks (approximately 12 minutes long)

Fees, Deadlines & Requirements

  • Vendor fee - $900. This fee is for one 30'x20' vending space and includes all electrical fees (please list on contract). If additional space is needed, please contact Angela Schwartz angela@dmsymphony.org or (515) 280-4000 to discuss options.
  • A link for online payment will be supplied if your application is accepted. Payment must be received by Friday, June 13, 2025, to ensure your space is reserved.
  • 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 Angela Schwartz angela@dmsymphony.org or (515) 280-4000 if you change your food offerings listed on the contract.
  • Map of vendor locations on Finkbine and information regarding all day-of specifics (parking, set-up, etc.) will be communicated no later than Monday, June 23.
  • While the Symphony does provide generators, vendors are responsible for their own extension cords. Cords should be a minimum of 12 gauge/3 wire and 25' length for your 120 volt requirements.
  • There is access to 1 water line (approximately 50' from center of Finkbine) available upon request ahead of time. Vendors are responsible for supplying their own hose.
  • 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.) 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.

Please do not fill out any electrical requests below. The Symphony is not able to provide any electrical hookups at Water Works Park. Vendors are responsible for their own electrical needs.

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