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World Food & Music Festival Programming

The World Food & Music Festival, presented by Veridian Credit Union, offers three days of live music, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations and interactive experiences in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). From nationally recognized musicians and local performers to hands-on workshops, global cuisine and family-friendly activities, there's something for every age and interest. 

Adventure Tent | Cultural Activity Pavilion | Cultural Stage | Culinary Discovery Pavilion | Festival Front Porch | Festival Passport | Fruit Adventure Tent | Naturalization Ceremony | Spark DSM Business Incubator

Main Stage sponsored by Prairie Meadows

The Main Stage features live entertainment throughout the weekend from local, regional and nationally recognized artists. 

2026 headlining performances include:

  • Friday, Aug. 28, 8 p.m.: The Pork Tornadoes
  • Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 p.m.: Parranderos Latin Combo (PLC)

The Pork Tornadoes are one of the Midwest's most in-demand party bands, known for their high-energy performances and genre-spanning hits. Parranderos Latin Combo blends salsa, cumbia, Afrobeat and other global musical traditions into an energetic live dance experience. 

Explore the Full Main Stage Schedule

 Friday, Aug. 28
  • 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Naturalization Ceremony 
  • 12:30 – 2 p.m.: Day Ashworth   
  • 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.: Nola Jazz Band 
  • 4 – 5:30 p.m.: The Other Brothers   
  • 6 – 7:30 p.m.: Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band 
  • 8 – 10 p.m.: The Pork Tornadoes  
 Saturday, Aug. 29
  • 11 – 11:30 a.m.: Danza Folclórica del Oeste
  • 12 p.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Ishara Dance   
  • 12:45 – 1 p.m.: Iowa Tamil Association Parai Team
  • 2 – 3:30 p.m.: Samuel Nalangira presented by AfriWell Hub
  • 4 – 5:30 p.m.: Guitarras ATM
  • 6 – 7:30 p.m.: The Unique Vibrationz
  • 8 – 10 p.m.: Parranderos Latin Combo 
 Sunday, Aug. 30
  • 11 – Noon: Zachary Freedom
  • 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: The Sheet
  • 1:30 – 1:45 p.m.: People's Choice Winner Announced
  • 2 – 3 p.m.: Brass Blast Brass Band
  • 3:30 – 5 p.m.: Esencia Añeja 

Adventure Tent Sponsored by Global Atlantic, a Business of KKR

A young child at a table, picking up a cup

Travel the world through food and beverages without leaving Downtown Des Moines. Throughout the weekend, the Adventure Tent features snacks, candy, coffee, spices and beverages from different countries, with a new tasting experience introduced at the top of each hour. 

Culinary Activity Pavilion Sponsored by Polk County Board of Supervisors

A woman talking to a young child at a table

Experience cultures from around the world through hands-on workshops and interactive activities led by CultureALL Ambassadors and local cultural organizations. Visitors of all ages can explore traditions, art, music and customs while learning about the diverse cultures that call Greater Des Moines home. 

Explore the Cultural Activity Pavilion Schedule here. 

Cultural Stage Sponsored by Polk County Board of Supervisors

Five women dancing on stage

Celebrate cultures from around the world through live music and dance performances throughout the weekend. The Cultural Stage features traditional and contemporary performances representing communities from across Greater Des Moines and beyond. 

Explore the Cultural Stage schedule here.

Culinary Discovery Pavilion Sponsored by Midwest Living 

A chef behind a table cooking in front of a crowd

Watch local chefs demonstrate recipes inspired by cuisines from around the world while sharing cooking techniques and culinary traditions. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy live demonstrations, sample featured dishes and discover new flavors to recreate at home. 

Additional details about the Culinary Discovery Pavilion programming will be announced soon.

Festival Front Porch

People under lights talking and enjoying drinks

Take a break at The Festival Front Porch, the perfect gathering place to relax, enjoy food and drinks and take in the sights and sounds of the World Food & Music Festival. Like the rest of The Festival, admission to the Front Porch is free. 

Festival Passport Sponsored by Floor & Decor

Make your way around The Festival by collecting stamps at participating vendors, exhibits and activity locations. Once you've collected eight stamps, return your completed Festival Passport to the Merchandise Tent for a chance to win a prize. 

Festival Passports are available at The Festival Information Tent.

Fruit Adventure Tent Sponsored by Voya

A cutting board with dragon fruit cut and toothpicks

Explore fruits from around the world while learning where they're grown and how they're enjoyed in different cultures. Visitors can sample exotic fruits such as jackfruit, cherimoya and kiwano. Fresh fruit is provided by Melissa's Produce. 

Naturalization Ceremony

People in a line with their right hand up

The World Food & Music Festival begins with a Naturalization Ceremony hosted by the U.S. District Court. The ceremony welcomes individuals from around the world as they become United States citizens, reflecting The Festival's mission of celebrating cultures, traditions and the diverse communities that strengthen Greater Des Moines. 

More information about the 2026 Naturalization Ceremony can be found here. 

Spark DSM Business Incubator Sponsored by Principal® Foundation

Support emerging entrepreneurs by visiting small businesses that are participating in the Spark DSM Business Incubator program. Festival attendees can shop for products from local small businesses and startups while discovering the next generation of entrepreneurs growing in Greater Des Moines. 

Learn More