City Council approves updated fees for Dumpling and Beer Festival participation

The San Gabriel City Council convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including updates to the fee schedule for the popular Dumpling and Beer Festival. The meeting began with a motion to approve the consent agenda, which included a correction to a budgeted amount for item 4c, ultimately passing unanimously with a 5-0 vote.

The primary focus of the meeting was the proposed amendments to the festival's fee structure, presented by Economic Development Manager Karen Coe. The Dumpling and Beer Festival, which started in 2015, has grown into a significant local event, attracting thousands of attendees with its offerings of dumplings, craft beer, and entertainment. To address rising operational costs, the council considered increasing vendor fees.

Specifically, the fees for food trucks would rise from $100 to $200, while food booths would see an increase from $200 to $300. These adjustments reflect the additional resources required for food booths, which typically need more setup and support. Additionally, ticket prices for the beer garden would increase, with early bird tickets going from $35 to $40 and general admission from $40 to $45. A new $50 day-of-event ticket and a $20 designated driver ticket were also introduced to enhance accessibility and manage crowd sizes.

Council members engaged in discussions about the proposed changes, with questions regarding the impact of the fee increases on vendor participation and the rationale behind the adjustments. Staff emphasized that the new fees are still competitive compared to similar regional events and are necessary for the festival's sustainability.

The council's decision to amend the fee schedule is expected to support the continued success of the Dumpling and Beer Festival, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of the community's cultural landscape. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further discussions on vendor fees for other city events in the future.