.png)
SINCE 1947
A Family Tradition
The Bud Tent is a cherished family-owned and operated food and beverage concession business nestled in the heart of the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, IA.
​
Founded by Grandpa Doc Cunningham in 1947, the Bud Tent began with a simple mission: to bring ice-cold beer to fairgoers. Our humble beginnings trace back to a tent near the Varied Industries Building. Since 1978, we’ve proudly served from our current, iconic location.
​
Spanning three generations, the Bud Tent stands as one of the longest-running family-owned concession businesses at the Iowa State Fair. We’ve become a beloved destination for thousands of annual visitors from across Iowa and the nation.
​
Known for our vibrant atmosphere, we occasionally host renowned musical entertainers and notable state and national politicians. Join us to enjoy great beer, delicious food, and unforgettable live music!
"Don't give an American beer drinker a half-cold beer.
If you can't afford the ice, don't sell beer."
- Grandpa 'Doc' Cunningham
Our Humble Beginnings
Our story begins in the summer of 1947 when Grandpa Doc Cunningham purchased an old 10x40 bingo tent and set up shop between the Varied Industries and Administration buildings. After a fateful rail car ride to the Greenwood Lounge, Doc met Fred Nesbit Sr., who owned a beer distribution business. Fred was looking for someone to sell his new product, Budweiser.
​
Mr. Nesbit agreed to supply the beer, and Doc agreed to name his new operation The Bud Tent. The key to selling “Ice Cold Beer” was using tanks filled with ice and water. After a busy night, the servers’ arms would be blue from reaching into the tanks to retrieve the beer. The first bottles of Budweiser that “Grandpa Doc” Cunningham sold at the Iowa State Fair were just 15 cents. In 1978, our grandfather moved the Bud Tent to its current location at 33rd & Grand, where we’ve proudly served since.
​
In a 1996 story by the Register chronicling his 50th year at the fair, Grandpa shared that he had missed just two days of fair duty in his ice-cold career. He always taught us, “Don’t give an American beer drinker a half-cold beer. If you can’t afford the ice, don’t sell beer.” By many accounts, his way of operating was not only the right way but the only way.
​
Throughout the years, many family members have learned the concession business, and the Iowa State Fair has become a large part of our family. More importantly, we are a part of a family of concessionnaires.