Guest policies​

• Please respect the original work of the artists - ask before snapping a photo.

• No outside beverages are allowed within the Festival site. For safety reasons, glass bottles are prohibited within the Festival site. Revenue from Festival sanctioned on-site beverage sales assists the DMAF in remaining an admission-free event. Proceeds also benefit our many non-profit vending partners’ important community programs. Please purchase your food and beverages from one of the Festival vendors.

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

• State law prohibits smoking inside any structure or in any seating or entertainment area on the Festival grounds. This includes vaping, e-cigarettes, and cannabis.

• Large signs and placards that may endanger or inconvenience the public attending the Festival are prohibited onsite. The Festival is not responsible for any injury resulting from this prohibition.

• Bikes are prohibited from being ridden through the festival site or on surrounding sidewalks included in the Street Closure. Please dismount bikes, skateboards, & roller blades upon entering the Festival site. Free bike valet is available on Locust Street, just west of 10th St.. The Festival is not responsible for injury due to riding through the Festival site.

• The Festival reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the policies established for public safety or to restrict activities within the Festival site.

• All packages are subject to search.

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

• No firearms, weapons, or fireworks are allowed on the Festival site.

• Buskers and/or entertainers who are not contracted with the Festival are not permitted.

• By entering the Festival grounds, guest expressly grants Des Moines Arts Festival and its partners the right to use your image or likeness , or your child's image or likeness, in any promotional or advertising materials, or in any live or recorded transmission of the Festival.

• Assumption of Risk: By entering the Festival grounds, Guest hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Festival and its Directors, Officers, Employees, Volunteers, and all sponsoring organizations from any and all liability for any damage or injury, including death suffered by Guest in connection with attending and/or participating in the festival, including but not limited to damages or injury caused by the negligence of the Festival. 

• We have partnered with Polk County Emergency Management to keep you and your family safe. Text DMAF to 67-283 to received an alert containing important information about what to do if an emergency occurs within the vicinity of the Festival.