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Experience the award-winning world food & music festival in downtown des moines

Celebrate global cuisine, live music and cultural experiences at one of the nation's best cultural festivals.

The World Food & Music Festival returns to Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) Friday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, 30, 2026. The Festival was recently recognized as the No. 8 Best Cultural Festival in the Nation in the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the No. 3 Best Midwest Food Festival by Parade 2026 and named the Best Food Festival in Iowa by Midwest Living in 2026. The free three-day Festival brings together over 55 local food vendors representing dozens of countries and culinary regions, live music, cultural performances, interactive activities and cooking demonstrations that celebrate the diversity of Greater Des Moines.

Whether you're discovering a new favorite dish, enjoying live entertainment, participating in hands-on cultural activities or spending the weekend with family and friends, the World Food & Music Festival offers something for every age and interest.

Experience the World Food & Music Festival

Adventure Tents: Discover fruits, snacks and beverages from around the world through fun, interactive educational experiences designed for all ages.
Cultural Activity Pavilion: Participate in hands-on cultural workshops led by CultureALL Ambassadors, including Chinese calligraphy, Mehndi (henna) art, Chicano printmaking, Indian games and other interactive cultural experiences.
Culinary Discovery Pavilion: Engage with local chefs as they prepare global dishes during live cooking demonstrations and enjoy tasting the unique flavor combinations.
Cultural Stage: Experience traditional music and dance performances celebrating cultures from around the world, including Japanese taiko drumming, West African drumming, Bosnian folk dance, Thai music and dance, Mexican folklórico, Irish dance, salsa and more.
Food Vendors: Explore over 55 local food vendors representing 29 countries and culinary regions. Enjoy $2 Taste Items, full meals and beverages while discovering flavors from around the world.
Main Stage Entertainment: Enjoy live music throughout the World Food & Music Festival featuring local and regional artists, including The Pork Tornadoes, Parranderos Latin Combo and more.
Merchants: Shop locally owned businesses offering artwork, handmade goods, apparel and gifts inspired by cultures from around the world.
Nonprofit Organizations: Meet nonprofit organizations serving Greater Des Moines and learn how they're strengthening the community through education, advocacy and cultural programming.

Festival Merchandise

Take home a souvenir from the World Food & Music Festival with official Festival merchandise, including T-shirts, bags, stickers and more, available for purchase throughout the weekend.

Food Vendors

Explore Global Cuisine at the World Food & Music Festival

The 2026 World Food & Music Festival features over 55 local food vendors representing 29 countries and culinary regions, offering everything from $2 Taste Items to full meals and beverages. Discover returning Festival favorites alongside new vendors bringing fresh flavors from around the world.

To help attendees plan their visit, Festival menus identify items that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian and vegan.

Explore the complete list of food vendors and menus.

Interested in Participating in 2027?

Interested in showcasing your business or organization at the 2027 World Food & Music Festival? Complete the interested vendor form to receive information about food vendor opportunities for next year's Festival.

Merchants & Nonprofits

Shop Local Businesses and Connect with Community Organizations

The World Food & Music Festival is more than a celebration of international food and live entertainment; it's also an opportunity to discover local businesses and nonprofit organizations from across Greater Des Moines.

As you explore The Festival, shop unique products from locally owned merchants and connect with nonprofit organizations working to strengthen our community. Whether you're looking for handmade goods, artwork and gifts or want to learn more about local causes and community resources, you'll find something to discover throughout The Festival.

2026 Merchants

Alohana Creations
Edara Wellness
Ethnic Fusion
Exotic World Gift Shop
Fuzed Jewelry
Inti
Iowahenna and Face Painting

2026 Nonprofits

AFS Midland Central Iowa (AFS-USA)
Annie's Foundation
CultureALL
Iowa Office of Civil RIghts
Lutheran Services of Iowa

Merchant & Nonprofit Opportunities for the 2027 World Food & Music Festival

The World Food & Music Festival welcomes local merchants and nonprofit organizations to help create a vibrant Festival experience. To learn more about participating in the 2027 Festival, contact Amelia Klatt, Director of Events, at aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com.