Facility Rental Information

RENTAL

What are the rental hours for the park?
Events can operate until 11 p.m. on holidays, Fridays and Saturdays, unless otherwise approved by the Park and Recreation Director. In all other days, events must conclude by 10 p.m., unless otherwise approved by the Park and Recreation Director. Notwithstanding the foregoing, trash collection, teardown and clean up may continue after the end time of the event.

How do I check the availability of Riverview Park?
Events take place from May 1st-October 1st. Please fill out the Event Request Form, with your proposed date(s) and we will confirm with you.

What is the cost to rent the venue?
Rental cost range from $2000-$5000 depending on the size and type of event. Please fill out the Event Request Form to receive a detailed quote.

Are there any other permits required other than a rental permit?

The user is responsible for obtaining all licenses, permits, etc., required in conjunction with the event.

  • Amplified Sound: Required by the City anytime there is amplified sound outdoors. This permit can be obtained from the Building Inspection Department (Zoning Enforcement) in the City Armory Building at 602 Robert D. Ray Drive, after receiving letter from Des Moines Parks and Recreation. The phone number for the Building Inspection Department is 283-4207.

  • Tents: Permits are also required by the City when certain tents are used. A tent requires a certificate of flame proofing and can be obtained from the Fire Prevention Bureau at Ninth and Mulberry. Their phone number is 283-4240.

  • Street Use: Street closures, parade permits, and Timed Athletic Event permits, associated with a function held at the Amphitheater involve action by the City Council.  These forms, obtained from the City Clerk's office in City Hall, must be submitted no later than 90 days prior to the event.  Their phone number is 283-4233.

  • Concessions: A Temporary Concession Agreement is required by the City for vendors interested in selling products such as C.D.'s and novelties. A fee will be collected by the City in exchange for the opportunity to conduct business on public property. These forms obtained from the Parks and Recreation Department must be submitted no later than 45 days prior to the event. The phone number is 237-1386.

Are there restrooms on-site?
Thank you to a collaboration between Polk County & The City of Des Moines our brand new bathrooms were built in 2024. These are operated by the parks staff and are open according to their hours and seasons. Portable restrooms are allowed. These should be placed with respect to sidewalk traffic. Contracting and payment for the placement and removal of these are the responsibility of the users. These must be removed by 10 a.m. the following day.

STAGE SPECIFICATIONS

What are the Stage Specifications?
Please review the Stage Specification Page for details.

Do I have access to behind the stage?
Thompson Parkway (the access road to the back of the stage) is only for official park use only and available with full rental of the stage through the Parks Area Foundation.

Is there a public address system on-site?
No, PAF does not provide a PA system to the venue as is. We do however have preferred vendors that provide sound, lighting and technical services at our venue. They are experts in deploying the proper system for event at the park. If you need these services, please indicate that on your event request form and we will include that as part of your quote.

Due to the location and design of the Riverview Amphitheater Park, it is recommended that special attention be given to the public address system that is used. An underpowered, under-sized system won't amplify sound effectively to a very large audience. You should not overestimate the capability of a public address system.

CONCESSIONS

Who holds the liquor license and can we get our own liquor license for our event?
The City of Des Moines has an agreement with Parks Area Foundation to dispense alcoholic beverages for events at the park. If the renter desires to sell alcoholic beverages, they must obtain a waiver from Parks Area Foundation.

Can I bring in my own food vendors?
The Parks Area Foundation manages all concessions at Riverview Park. If the renter would like to bring in vendors not already approved by the Parks Area Foundation, said vendors must apply to the PAF for approval. Renters/ Vendors are responsible for providing all necessary license and insurance verifications to the Parks Area Foundation before the event to be able to operate on the premises.

Are glass containers allowed at the venue?
Glass Containers in Parks: Per City Code: Sec. 74-96 Glass containers. . . (a) No person shall bring into, use or possess in any park a bottle, jar, drinking cup or other container made of glass, except by approval of the park and recreation director by permit for a special event or when a liquor control license has been obtained. Alcoholic beverages must be consumed within the confines of the Amphitheater. 

Can we fence off our event with temporary fencing? 
Yes, you may fence off Riverview Park with temporary fencing, but it is your responsibility for scheduling and payment of the fencing. Tents are allowed but no staking into the ground is allowed at Riverview Park. Weighted tie-downs are the only option that is permitted. 

PARKING

Where can we park? 
There are various options for parking around the venue including approximately 1100 spots on private/county land with in 1/2 mile of the venue, as well as street parking. Please see this diagram.

Is there shuttle service from the parking lots to the venue?
Yes, the Parks Area Foundation has a shuttle service as needed.

SECURITY

Is security required?

This depends on if your event is ticketed, selling alcoholic beverages, amount of people and such. We will help you walk through the necessary requirements per each event.

GROUNDS OPERATION AND CARETAKING

Is the renter responsible for trash removal or is the City?
The renter is responsible for collecting and bagging of all trash, litter or debris generated during the event. A number of trash barrels, each lined with a bag, will be provided by the Parks Area Foundation. Additional bags needed to contain the trash are the responsibility of the user. All trash is to be collected, bagged and placed in the dumpster that is located on Corning Street. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a $40 per hour charge (minimum charge $80).


Is there anything else the renter is responsible for? 

  • Contractual Responsibilities: Leave the Riverview Amphitheater Park and grounds in an orderly, clean fashion. Failure to do so will result in additional fees.

  • Walkways: Clean off all debris from bridge and walkways (i.e., oil, grease, pop, candle wax). Failure to comply with this policy will result in a $40 per hour charge (minimum charge $80).

  • Equipment: All equipment and decorations used in conjunction with an event at the Amphitheater must be free standing. Anchoring equipment and/or decorations to trees, tree grates, lamp posts, handrails, the arch, etc. is not allowed. Stakes of any type or for any purpose are not allowed in grass.

Can I use ATV’s or other motorized vehicles to move equipment around on-site?
No motorized vehicles are allowed on the Amphitheater, for any reason.

Does the City provide any other equipment for our event?
Any equipment needed for an event at Riverview Park must be provided by the renter and contracted from a private source.

Is there anything else we need to do before we leave?
The site must be returned in the same condition as rented. Failure to comply with this policy will result in a charge for replacement or repair of equipment, turf and facility damage. 

Can we drive in stakes, fences posts or flags into the turf?

Turf: The facility features an underground irrigation/sprinkler system to keep the turf in top condition. The system works on a pre-set timer and is not active the day of an event. However, in most instances, it is in use the day before a scheduled use.

To protect the underground water lines and sprinkler heads, driving stakes, fence posts, flags, etc. is not allowed. When using equipment with legs, such as risers, platforms, tables and chairs, the use of shims or plates under the legs are necessary to keep them from sinking into the turf and damaging the irrigation system.

Failure to comply with this policy will result in a charge for replacement or repair of equipment and turf. Fees will vary depending on the specific damage.

Can we close the playground or trails in the park for our event?
Playground and trail closures are considered on a case by case basis in cooperation with this city.
What if I would like to offer bike valet at my event?
We ask that you work directly with Des Moines Street Collective for that service. They will share availability and rates. Contact Alex Struelens at 515-288-8022 or alex@dsmstreetcollective.org. 

Does the Parks Area Foundation co-sponsor or co-promote events at Riverview with others?
Let’s Talk: parksareafoundation@gmail.com