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Join The Celebration  

Why Should You Attend the World Food and Music Festival?

The World Food and Music Festival attendees will enjoy live music while they grab a bite to eat or watch local chefs show off their skills at the Culinary Discovery Pavilion. Festival merchandise is available for purchase and photo opportunities are plentiful throughout The Festival grounds. All of this (and more!) takes place in the heart of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) each year.   

The World Food and Music Festival welcomes: 

  • Food Vendors: The Festival will feature local food vendors representing over 23 countries and culinary regions. Bite-sized samples, full meals and beverages are available to enjoy from each vendor.   
  • Musicians: Each night of The Festival features a headlining musician that brings their own flavor to their set. Past headliners include: Flor de Toloache, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Parranderos Latin Combo, Vertical Horizon and Kat Perkins.   
  • Merchants: Celebrate diverse, locally owned businesses whose products are available to purchase throughout the duration of The Festival.    
  • Nonprofits: Nonprofits are on site each year, offering education and ways to get involved with their mission.   
  • Cultural Activity Pavilion: A variety of workshops, interactive presentations, hands-on activities and authentic cultural experiences will be presented throughout the three-day Festival. Adventure Tents will feature different foods and cultures from around the world for a global food experience. 
  • Culinary Discovery Pavilion: Local chefs will demonstrate their culinary prowess.
  • Cultural Stage: The Culture Stage features musicians and dancers showcasing culturally diverse performances. From Polynesian Island Music to Irish Dance, this stages guests on a trip around the world. 

Festival Merchandise

Share the spirit of the World Food & Music Festival with exclusive Festival merchandise! From T-shirts to bags and stickers, there's something for everyone. Festival gear is available for purchase during the event, so you can take home a piece of the celebration.

Merchandise from the 2024 World Food and Music Festival 
 Vendors

The 2025 Festival will feature 56 vendors that represent 23 countries and culinary regions, all of which are considered small businesses. Explore the vendor lineup now at the vendor page.

 A vendor pouring sauce onto a food item

 

Interested in being a vendor at the 2025 Festival? Stay up to date by subscribing to the Downtown Newsletter or check in to the vendor applications page here.

Merchants & Nonprofits

Each year The Festival features merchants and nonprofits. All merchants are local businesses. At The Festival, attendees are able to learn more about the work local nonprofits are providing to the region and our community and how you can get involved with their missions. 

2025 Merchants:

  • Alohana Creations
  • Ethnic Fusion
  • Iowahenna & Facepainting
  • Inti Fair Trade
  • Nectar of the Vine

2025 Nonprofits:

  • Annie's Foundation
  • AFS Interculture Programs USA

    Interested in being a merchant or nonprofit at The Festival? Reach out to Anna Regole, Events & Project Specialist at the Greater Des Moines Partnership at aregole@downtownDSMUSA.com.

Past World Food & Music Festival Highlights