Festival Guest Policies

For the safety and enjoyment of all Des Moines Arts Festival attendees, please observe the following rules.

No outside beverages are allowed within the Des Moines Arts Festival site. For safety reasons, cans and glass bottles are prohibited within the Festival site. Revenue from on-site beverage sales allow the Des Moines Arts Festival to remain an admission-free event. Proceeds also benefit our many non-profit vending partners’ important community programs.

Alcoholic beverages are sold within the Des Moines Arts Festival site to patrons 21-years and older presenting valid identification. Regulations require that alcoholic beverages purchased at the event remain on-site. On-site security will ask you to dispose of any alcoholic beverages before you exit or enter.

Smoking is not permitted inside any structure or in any seating area on the Des Moines Arts Festival grounds.

Bikes, skateboards, roller blades, large signs and placards which may endanger or inconvenience the public attending the Des Moines Arts Festival are prohibited on-site. Bike parking will be available.

The Des Moines Arts Festival reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the reasonable policies established for public safety or to restrict activities such as public address to designated areas.

All packages are subject to search.

Be kind to your pets - leave them at home when you visit the Des Moines Arts Festival. Pets are highly discouraged for the safety of the pet due to the heat and the number of people. City regulations state that seeing-eye dogs are allowed on-site. Pets are not allowed inside artist's tents.