Virtual, Socially Distanced Events to Highlight World Cultures at 2020 Celebration

Greater Des Moines (DSM) will continue to celebrate food and music in 2020 with a virtual, socially distanced World Food & Music Celebration. While the World Food & Music Festival that has long brought together flavors, dance, art and musical traditions from around the globe will look different this year, the 2020 Celebration will allow for new and innovative ways to honor personal heritage and cultures. The World Food & Music Celebration will take place September 12-20 in conjunction with National Welcoming Week — a week focused on the benefits of welcoming all to the U.S., from immigrants to refugees — and we want to see how you can embrace culture in your own communities.

Bye-Bye Summer Brunch Bracket

Leading up to the start of the Celebration, we've urged you to take part in the Bye-Bye Summer Brunch Bracket nominations. Whether you’re a fan of the best hash browns in the galaxy compliments of Waveland Café or you love the Bombshell Mimosa you can pair with brunch at Americana (now offered in kits for curbside pickup!), you've had the opportunity to show your love for the brunch that never fails to get you out of bed on the weekend. Now, take part in the voting process, beginning Wednesday, September 9 on Facebook, as the top restaurants move through a March Madness-type competition, including the Sweet & Savory Sixteen, Egg-citing Eight, the Final Fork and the Championship Brunch.

2020 Community Cookout

The Celebration will officially kick off on Saturday, Sept. 12 with a Community Cookout. Residents in DSM are asked to decorate driveways and balconies to celebrate their favorite sports team or with a global festiveness that reflects their own personal customs. Cook a personal traditional family recipe or discover a new recipe that’s part of your heritage. The possibilities are endless!

By participating, you also have a chance to win a special World Food & Music Festival prize package by sharing your photos to the World Food & Music Festival Facebook page. A winner will be selected on the last day of the Celebration on Sunday, September 20.

Culture Kits, Recipes + More

Want to learn more about culture and heritage? Be sure to pick up a Culture Kit on Sunday, Sept. 13 at the Iowa State Historical Building portico, with access from East Locust Street near East 7th Street. These fun kits will include activities such as Filipino Sipa and Kenyan Beading Bracelet.

There are dozens of recipes and restaurants to enjoy during The Celebration. You can try new foods and find unique places to eat during National Welcoming Week.

Your involvement in the 2020 World & Food Celebration is one more way to experience arts and culture in DSM during the COVID-19 pandemic and keep our community #DSMstrong. Help us celebrate what makes DSM a vibrant place to live, work and play, not just during the good times, but through the challenging ones as well. Celebrate with us and share your own message of inclusivity, hope and community.