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About the World Food & Music Festival

The World Food & Music Festival, presented by Veridian Credit Union, is a free three-day celebration of food, music and culture in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Held annually in Western Gateway Park, The Festival brings together local food vendors, musicians, artists and cultural organizations to create an experience that celebrates the diversity of Greater Des Moines. 

Recognized as the No. 8 Best Cultural Festival in the Nation in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the No. 3 Best Midwest Food Festival by Parade and named the Best Food Festival in Iowa by Midwest Living, The Festival welcomes nearly 100,000 attendees each year. 

Presented and Produced By

The World Food & Music Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union, produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. 

Festival History

The World Food & Music Festival began in 2005 in the Historic East Village of Downtown Des Moines with approximately two dozen food vendors and thousands of visitors eager to explore cuisines from around the world.  

As The Festival grew, it expanded to the Downtown bridges before moving to its current home in Western Gateway Park in 2017. Today, The Festival has become one of Greater Des Moines' signature annual events, welcoming nearly 100,000 attendees and continuing to grow its food, entertainment and cultural programming. 

The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has supported The Festival since its beginning, helping establish the foundation for what has become one of Iowa's premier cultural celebrations. 

Festival Highlights

The World Food & Music Festival brings together food, music and cultural experiences that celebrate the diversity of Greater Des Moines. Here's what makes The Festival a favorite annual tradition for nearly 100,000 attendees: 

Visitors can enjoy:

  • Free admission and three days of family-friendly entertainment
  • An award-winning Festival recognized nationally, regionally and across Iowa
  • Over 55 local food vendors representing 29 countries and culinary regions
  • Live music and cultural performances throughout the weekend
  • $2 Taste Items
  • Hands-on cultural activities, interactive exhibits and cooking demonstrations from local chefs
  • The annual Naturalization Ceremony, celebrating approximately new United States citizens
  • Iowa craft beer, international beverages and signature cocktails
  • A welcoming atmosphere that celebrates the cultures, traditions and diverse communities that make Greater Des Moines vibrant 

Get Involved

Interested in becoming a food vendor, merchant, nonprofit, volunteer or sponsor?  

Visit the Get Involved page for more information.

Sponsorship

The World Food & Music Festival is made possible through the generous support of sponsors who help keep The Festival free and accessible for everyone. 

For more information, visit the Sponsor page or contact Kathryn Smith, Vice President of Investor Relations and Community Engagement.