Programming At The Festival
Check out the programming lineup for the 2024 World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union.
Culinary Discovery Pavilion | Cultural Activity Pavilion | Cultural Stage | Festival Adventure Tents | Festival Passport | Naturalization Ceremony
Spark DSM Business Incubator | Festival Front Porch
Festival Programming
All weekend long, local chefs will demonstrate their culinary skills, offer samples of their delectable creations and share instructions of how to prepare them. This is a can't -miss opportunity for anyone who enjoys live cooking demonstrations or is interested in expanding their recipe book. See full lineup here.
Featuring a great mix of local ambassadors and fun activities, the Cultural Activity Pavilion offers a virtual trip around the world with workshops, interactive presentations and hands-on activities. Each event is designed to expose visitors to authentic cultural experiences here in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Activities and programming will include: Games of India, Music and Culture of Peru, Blank Park Zoo, Japanese Children’s Games and more. See full lineup here.
The Cultural Stage will feature musical stylings such as the Morningstar Dance Troupe, Brazilian music/acrobatics, Soul Steppas, a Ukranian vocalist, Scottish bagpipes, a Vietnamese vocalist, Japanese drums/dances and more! See full lineup here.
Explore authentic tastes from around the world from exotic fruits like jackfruit, cherimoya and kiwano, to savory beverages from their countries across the map and learn more about the cultural backgrounds behind each morsel at the Festival’s adventure tents.
Fruit Adventure Tent Sponsored by Voya.
Visit the Fruit Adventure to explore exotic fruits like jackfruit, cherimoya and kiwano. Learn about where the fruits are native around the world and even sample one. Fresh fruit will be provided by Hy-Vee and Melissa’s World Variety.
Sampling is available at the top of each hour from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Candy Adventure Tent
Visit the Candy Adventure for an exploration of flavors from around the world. This family-friendly experience will give festival attendees the opportunity to sample candy from different areas and cultures.
Sampling is available at the top of each hour from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday.
The Festival is one of the events participating in the Spark DSM Business Incubator to support small businesses. The program will host businesses and approved startups businesses at two special incubator-themed booths. The Spark DSM Business Incubator is sponsored by Principal and EMC Insurance.
Learn More
Spark DSM Vendors
Friday
- Reyes Tamales
- Lucky Birdee Asian Waffles
Saturday
- Churros Artesanales
- Reyes Tamales
Sunday
- AJ’s Catering
- Baan Vaan Ice Cream
The Festival Front Porch is the premier gathering space to relax and take in the sights and sounds of The Festival. Just like the rest of The Festival, admission to the Front Porch is FREE.
Travel around the world during your visit to the World Food & Music Festival. Taste different food, watch a dance, listen to a new musician, learn about a culture or immerse yourself in a demo with a chef. Get your passport stamped to be entered into a drawing to win a prize. Pick up your passport at The Festival’s information booth and return it at the Merchandise Tent.
- Try a new fruit from the Fruit Adventure Tent sponsored by Voya.
- Try a new candy from the Candy Adventure Tent.
- Enjoy a performance at the Cultural Stage sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines.
- Explore a new culture at the Cultural Activity Pavilion sponsored by the John Ruan Foundation.
- Learn a new recipe at the Midwest Living, a Dotdash Meredith brand, Culinary Discovery Pavilion.
- Check out the countries that are represented at the World Food & Music Festival at the Festival Front Porch. BONUS: Snap a picture and share on social media by tagging World Food and Music Festival and using #globalDSM.
- Try something new at one of the Spark DSM Incubator vendors sponsored by EMC Insurance and Principal Financial Group.
- Visit the Capital Vacations tent to take a photo or play a game.
- Stop by the information booth to learn more about all The Festival has to offer.
Winners will be drawn and notified by Wednesday, Sept. 4. Visit the rules page to learn all the Festival Passport rules to participate.
The Naturalization Ceremony will take place on Friday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m. to kick off The Festival.