World Food & Music Festival Returns to Downtown DSM Aug. 28-30
Three-day festival celebrates global cultures with international cuisine, live music and headlining performances.
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (June 10, 2026) – The World Food & Music Festival, presented by Veridian Credit Union, will return to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) Aug. 28-30, bringing international cuisine, live entertainment and cultural experiences to Western Gateway Park.
The free three-day Festival will feature food from local vendors representing countries from around the world. Headlining Main Stage performances include The Pork Tornadoes on Friday, Aug. 28, and Parranderos Latin Combo (PLC) on Saturday, Aug. 29.
The Pork Tornadoes are one of the Midwest’s most in-demand party bands known for high-energy performances and genre-spanning hits. Parranderos Latin Combo (PLC) brings internationally influenced sounds blending Salsa, Cumbia, Afrobeat and other global musical traditions into an energetic live dance experience.
A highlight of this year’s Festival will be a Naturalization Ceremony supported by the U.S. District Court and an accompanying Resource Fair, where approximately 50-60 individuals will become United States citizens.
More than 90,000 people attended The Festival in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as one of the nation’s premier celebrations of culture and cuisine. The Festival was recently recognized as the No. 8 Best Cultural Festival in the Nation in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and named the Best Food Festival in Iowa by Midwest Living in 2026.
“The World Food & Music Festival is nationally recognized as one of the best in the country, and we are excited to build on that success this year,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Attendees will enjoy live music and have the opportunity to experience a wide variety of food.”
In addition to food and music, festivalgoers can enjoy live entertainment on the Cultural Stage, cooking demonstrations in the Culinary Discovery Pavilion and cultural activities in the Cultural Activity Pavilion, along with a Fruit Adventure, the Veridian Activity Zone, Spark DSM Vendors, global beverages and interactive experiences throughout The Festival grounds.
“The World Food & Music Festival is one of the most unique and vibrant events in our region, bringing people together through culture, food and music,” said Shelly McGill, Central Iowa Regional Manager at Veridian Credit Union. “Veridian is proud to continue supporting an event that celebrates our global community here in Greater Des Moines.”
The Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines, Elevator, Floor & Decor, People Inc., the Ruan Foundation, Vero Health Center and Voya. It is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. Additional community partners supporting the event include the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and CultureALL.
Festival hours are:
- Friday, Aug. 28 | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 29 | 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Aug. 30 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Volunteer applications are available now. For Festival details, volunteer information and updates, visit DSMpartnership.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more downtowndsmusa.com.