Setup #1 · Mobile Event Circuit
A Different Show Every Weekend.
A Self-Check
You'll know this is you if…
You like the variety. Different town every weekend doesn't tire you out — it's the part you'd brag about. You already know the route most years and you like that.
Setup and teardown don't scare you. You're fine packing the truck Friday, working Saturday and Sunday, and being on the road by Sunday night. Or you've done it before and you want a real machine this time.
You want flexible income. Work the calendar you pick — 15 events a year on the side, or 40 a year as your main thing. Snow birds work the summer up north and chase the sun with the same setup.
You don't want to market. The aroma is your advertising. Event traffic is already there — your job is to show up with a clean cart, hot oil, and enough mix.
(tent + cart + machine in action)
What the setup actually looks like.
A 10×10 pop-up canopy, a wheeled cart with your Lil' Orbits machine bolted in, a small folding table for your cash box and toppings, and a sign with your name on it. Plug into event power if it's there. Run from your propane setup if it's not.
You arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the gates open, fire up the oil, drop your first batch as a quality check, and you're selling by the time the first customers walk in. Most operators run two people during peaks (one frying, one bagging and charging) and one person during slow stretches.
The Kit
What we recommend for the event circuit.
The right machine is the one that matches your crowds and your power situation. These three are the ones our event operators reach for most.
The Machine
SS1200 Electric
~1,200 donuts an hour. The workhorse for events with electric power on site. Plugs into a standard event outlet.
See machine specs →The Cart
FSC-Series Vendor Cart
Wheels under everything. Pops up at a fair, breaks down for the truck, locks up overnight. Stainless top, room for toppings and cash.
See all carts →If No Electric Power
SS1200g-II Gas-Fired
Same output, runs on propane. For remote events, farmers markets without power, and snow-bird operators who can't predict every venue.
See gas-fired specs →Ready-Made Packages
Three packages built for this setup.
Don't want to build it piece-by-piece? Pick the package that fits your power situation and crowd size. Every package includes initial mix, hopper, sneeze guard, and the basics to start selling on day one.
Package #2 · Crowd Pleaser
$11,469 Outdoor mobile setup with electric power
- SS1200 Electric machine
- FSC vendor cart
- Hopper, sneeze guard, starter mix
- Sugar shaker, bagging supplies
Package #3 · Gas-Fired
$13,268 For events without electric power
- SS1200g-II Gas-Fired machine
- FSC vendor cart
- Propane setup, hopper, sneeze guard
- Starter mix and bagging supplies
Package #5 · Super Producer
$13,950 For high-volume events & state fairs
- SS2400 Electric (2x output)
- FSC vendor cart, upgraded hopper
- Larger sneeze guard, bulk mix
- Two-person workflow accessories
Prices are from the 2026 Pick-A-Package brochure and may shift with material costs. We'll confirm the current number when you request a quote.
Real Numbers
What the math looks like at one event.
These are averages from what our event operators actually report. Your numbers will vary — with crowd size, price point, and how long the event runs — but they're a real starting point.
$0.15
Cost per donut
$0.65
Typical sale price (6-pack)
$0.50
Margin per donut
500–2,000
Donuts in a 4–8 hr event
$250–$1,000
Net per event (after mix & supplies)
15–30
Events a season for weekend warriors
These ranges assume basic mini donuts at typical event prices. Premium toppings, branded packaging, and a strong location can push the high end higher. Slow events or high event fees can push the low end lower. Talk to an advisor and we'll model your specific situation.
Real Operator
One operator's story.
*** PLACEHOLDER QUOTE *** — this is where a real operator quote will go. Two or three sentences, plainspoken, about why they picked Lil' Orbits and what their season looks like.
*** Operator name · City, ST · Years operating ***
Similar Setups
If this isn't quite right, look at these.
Some operators land on the event circuit and then realize their real fit is one of these — same portable kit, slightly different motivation.
Ready to Run the Event Circuit?
Tell us which package looks closest and we'll get you a quote with current pricing, shipping to your state, and lead time. Or call us and we'll talk through your specific events.
Or just call us: (763) 559-7505