Directions & Parking Information
Located in the beautiful Western Gateway Park, the World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union is accessible by car, bus or bicycle.
For navigating purposes, use this address:
Western Gateway Park
1200 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Navigation Information
The streets of Western Gateway Park will slowly transform into a culturally immersive experience in the days leading up to The Festival (Aug. 25 – 27). Please note that the streets where The Festival is taking place will be closed to vehicle traffic (see information below) but navigating around the site is easy and numerous alternate routes are available.
Additionally, surrounding businesses will remain accessible. To learn more, please see Downtown DSM Restaurant and Retail Parking.
The 2023 Festival site development schedule is as follows and notes when streets will be closed and opened:
Festival Site starting on Tuesday, Aug. 22:
- 12th Street from Walnut Street Locust Street and Locust Street to Grand Avenue
- Street Transitions to Festival Site: 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22
- Opens for Vehicles: 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28
Festival Site Starting Wednesday, Aug. 23
- Locust Street from 10th Street to 13th Street
- Street Transitions to Festival Site: 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23
- Opens for Vehicles: 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28
Festival Site Starting Thursday, Aug. 24
- Grand Avenue from 12th Street to 14th Street
- Street Transitions to Festival Site: 9 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23
- Opens for Vehicles: 6 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 28
- 13th Street from Locust Street to Grand Avenue
- Street transitions to Festival site: 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 24
- Opens for Vehicles: 6 a.m. Mon. Aug. 28
Downtown DSM Restaurant and Retail Parking
Stopping by a local restaurant for lunch or want to do a little shopping before heading over to The Festival or after your visit? There will be several metered parking spots available to patrons along 13th Street from Locust to Walnut. Each meter will be marked with Festival signage. Downtown DSM restaurant and retail customers can use the meters from Thursday, Aug. 24 – Sunday, Aug. 27.
Half of the south side of the Locust and 13th Street parking lot will also be reserved for restaurant and retail staff parking from Thursday, Aug. 24 – Sunday, Aug. 27.
Make a day of your Festival visit to Downtown DSM and Western Gateway Park by visiting the great local restaurants like Bubba, Blu Thai & Sushi, Centro, Dough Crazy, Jimmy John's and Ritual Café, and retail stores in the area.
Festival Visitor Parking
FREE parking is provided to Festival attendees in the Nationwide Parking Garage at Walnut and 12th during The Festival.
Visitors have numerous options available adjacent to The Festival. Several free and paid parking meters, lots and garages are available on streets surrounding The Festival. View a list of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking options.
Bike Valet
Free bike valet is hosted by the Friends of Central Iowa Trails. It is available during The Festival on Grand Avenue between 13th St. and 14th St.
Des Moines BCycle
Want a bicycle to ride around Downtown Des Moines (DSM)? Choose BCycle. Des Moines BCycle members can pick up a bike at any B-station and return it to the same or a different station whey they’re finished. An all-day pass is just $15! For more information, visit Des Moines BCycle.
DART
Riding the bus around Greater Des Moines (DSM) is simple with the Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART). DART offers a free Downtown D-Line shuttle with buses stopping every 10 minutes at bus stops on Grand Avenue, Locust Street and Walnut Street Downtown Monday through Saturday. View DART’s route schedules, fares and days.