Schedules
The schedule at World Food & Music Festival is always a can’t-miss line-up and includes music and performers from across genres and cultures, demonstrations from chefs, interactive presentations and more.
Festival Passport
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.
To learn more about participating in the World Food & Music Festival Passport visit the programming page.
Main Stage presented by Prairie Meadows
Friday
- 11 a.m.: Naturalization Ceremony
- 12:30 p.m.: Royce Johns
- 2:30 p.m.: Sons of Bossa
- 4 p.m.: Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band
- 6 p.m.: Leradee & The Positives
- 8 p.m.: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
Saturday
- 11 a.m.: SAFE
- 12:30 p.m.: Heart of Iowa Cloggers
- 1:40 p.m.: Dances of India
- 3 p.m.: Kick
- 5 p.m.: BYOBrass
- 6:30 p.m.: Guitarras ATM
- 8:00 p.m.: Son Peruchos
Sunday
- 11 a.m.: Danza Folclórica del Oeste
- Noon: Esencia Añeja
- 1:00 p.m.: People's Choice Winner Announced
- 1:30 p.m.: 2Y
- 3:00 p.m.: Pianopalooza
Learn more about the music lineup here.
Cultural Stage presented by Bravo Greater Des Moines
Friday
- 12:30 p.m.: Casey Joe Collins
- 3 p.m.: Frank Strong
- 5:15 p.m.: The Beauty of Social Dance | Zahar
- 6 p.m.: Songs of Siam | Sue Hudson
Saturday
- Noon: KonKultra | Emilia Marroquin
- 1:15 p.m.: KUD Sevdah | Jasmina Domazet
- 3 p.m.: Ishara Dance | Debina Nath
- 4 p.m.: Earth Mother Drummers | Fonziba
- 6 p.m.: DSM Breakerz
Sunday
- Noon: Peruvian Pan Flute | Cucho Madero
- 1 p.m.: Capoeira | Juan & Amy Lourido
- 2:30 p.m.: Soten Taiko Drumming
- 3:30 p.m.: FOY Irish Dancers
Cultural Activity Pavilion presented by the John Ruan Foundation
Friday
11:30 a.m.: Danish Culture | Margery Davis
In this workshop, participants will investigate the elements of happiness while learning about Danish culture. They’ll explore the happiness in the discovery of the beauty of your unique self, in choosing a happy life for a family, and in supporting old beloved traditions through story, song, dance, celebrated tradition, art, invention, and work. Participants will learn traditional Danish dance, hear music sung by Margery’s grandfather, and listen to stories written by Danish writers.
1:30 p.m.: Games of India | Mamta Israni
Every culture has their own unique games and activities. Some games are played mainly by children and others are enjoyed by all ages. Many games and sports stem from history or mythology related to a particular culture. This workshop will introduce some popular Indian games. Participants will play and discover that some games are quite similar to ones they know, and others are a completely new experience.
4 p.m.: Henna | Sonal Mistry
The art form of applying henna (known as mehndi) has been a part of many cultures for thousands of years. This ancient practice spans several cultures and traditions and varies from region to region. Like all symbols, the varying designs often mean different things to different cultures. Henna art is associated with Indian culture and its use as a ceremonial art form for wedding ceremonies. Indian designs are made of a delicate blending of fine lines creating a striking pattern which covers a larger area of the skin such as the hands and feet.
Saturday
11:30 a.m.: Kenya Beading | Josie Shaw
Beading is a symbol of Kenyan national pride. Intricately beaded necklaces and collars have been worn by women for generations. The beads offer clues to their marital status, health, and even the number of children they have. Join CultureALL Ambassador Josie Shaw on a safari to explore the meaning associated with each vibrant color and experience the beauty of this Kenyan tradition.
2:15 p.m.: Traditional Japanese Games & Toys | Miki Takayama
Participants in this session will learn the history and significance of mehndi and create their own intricate designs and patterns (on paper and/or hands). The henna designs last 1-2 weeks, so it is advisable to obtain parental permission in advance of the workshop so that parents won’t be upset when their children come home with a “tattoo” if the workshop is done with kids.
5 p.m.: West African Village Drumming | Fonziba
Drums are a vital component of West African culture and are played at all important life events including marriages, funerals, harvests, celebrations and rites of passage. In this workshop, students will experience the power of drumming together as a group on 30 authentic jembe hand-drums from the Ivory Coast, W. Africa. As they learn African polyrhythms comprised of 3-5 rhythms played simultaneously, they will see how Africans combine self expression with teamwork to create a village drum band. To deepen their exploration of West African culture, classes can watch Fonziba’s documentary about living and drumming in West Africa before she comes to the school.
Sunday
11:30 a.m.: Henna | Shailu Sharma
Henna is a natural dye made from the leaves of the Lawsonia inermis plant. It’s commonly used for temporary body art and hair coloring, especially in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African cultures. When applied as a paste, henna leaves a reddish-brown stain on the skin or hair. It’s popular in celebrations like weddings and festivals, symbolizing beauty, joy, and tradition.
1 p.m.: Peruvian Pan Flute | Cucho Madero
Cucho Madero is a professional musician who performs at festivals around Iowa. In this interactive workshop, Cucho will play the pan flute and discuss its history in the world and in Peru. He will describe ancient civilizations in Peru and explain the role and importance of music in Peruvian culture. He will invite participants to join him in performing music with rattles, drums, rain-sticks, and small Peruvian pan flutes.
2:30 p.m.: West African Culture | Yinka Cole
West African culture, especially in Nigeria, is rich and diverse, shaped by over 250 ethnic groups like the Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa-Fulani. Nigerian food is known for its bold flavors, with popular dishes like jollof rice, pounded yam, and suya. Marriage rites vary by culture but often involve traditional ceremonies, bride price, and family blessings. Cultural artifacts such as masks, sculptures, and beadwork reflect deep-rooted history, spirituality, and artistic expression. Together, these elements celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant identity and heritage.
Learn more about the culture stage lineup here.
Culinary Discovery Pavilion sponsored by Midwest Living
Friday
- Noon: Kimchi Salsa, Ube Halaya and Ube Swirl Cheesecake | Katlyn Moncada (Better Homes & Garden)
- 1:15 p.m.: Dolmades (Stuffed Grape Leaves) | Julie Heathcote (Sunflower Chef Catering)
- 2:30 p.m.: Reverse Seared Beef Picanha with Chimichurri | Calvin Schnucker (The Good Butcher)
- 4 p.m.: Dotdash Meredith Roundtable
- 5:15 p.m.: Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) | Sue Hudson (CulureALL Ambassador)
Saturday
- Noon: Vermicelli Noodle Bowls with Shrimp and Lemongrass Marinade | Emily Nienhause (Allrecipes)
- 1:15 p.m.: Spicy Sausage and Sweet Corn Summer Pasta | Rachel Walker (The Hearty Life)
- 2:30 p.m.: Monster Cookie Cake and German Chocolate Cake | Rae Guillermo (The Dessert Mixologist)
- 4 p.m.: Dotdash Meredith Roundable
- 5:15 p.m.: Mapo Tofu | Chef Cass (DSMCulinary)
- 6:30 p.m.: Andrea Love (Dinner Delights)
Sunday
- 11 a.m.: Dotdash Meredith Roundtable
- 12:15 p.m.: Mediterranean Board with Turkish Carrot Yogurt Dip and Syrian Hummus | Annie Probst (Midwest Living)
- 1:30 p.m.: Laska Noodle Soup | Gurwinder (When the Curry Hits the Fan!)