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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
  • 1:35 p.m.: Dances of India
  • 3 p.m.: Kick
  • 5 p.m.: BYOBrass
  • 6:30 p.m.: Guitarras ATM  
  • 8:30 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
  • 2 p.m.: KLAZIK | Tyrone Thomas
  • 3 p.m.: Freight Train Frank | Frank Strong
  • 4:15 p.m.: Giddha | VIRSA
  • 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 Dukat | Jasmina Domazet
  • 3 p.m.: Ishara Dance
  • 4 p.m.: Traditional Rhythms of West Africa | Earth Mother Drummers Trio
  • 4:40 p.m.: RAM RII PAK | Marie & Amelie
  • 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

At the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL, discover the elements of happiness while learning about Danish culture. Explore the happiness in the discovery of the beauty of the 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. You may 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 

Enjoy a free Henna tattoo at the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL while learning about the art form known as Mehndi. It 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.: The Language of the Caravan | Mona Majeed

Mona will take participants on a tour of Pakistan, introducing you to culture, food, currency and language. She feels language is fascinating and is a meaningful, interesting way to connect with and learn about other cultures. While exploring the Urdu language, this workshop will take you on the road with new characters and letters   

2:15 p.m.: Traditional Japanese Games & Toys | Miki Takayama

Miki will share an introduction to Japan’s culture, fashion, traditions and games. At the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL, learn how Japanese traditional clothing (Kimono) is worn, and try out traditional wooden toys and games and learn the art of Origami (paper folding) to create 3-D paper sculptures. 

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. At the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL, experience the power of drumming together as a group on authentic jembe hand-drums from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Learn how West Africans combine self expression with teamwork to create a village drum band. 

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. At the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL, Cucho will play the pan flute and share its history in the world and in Peru. You will be invited 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

At the Cultural Pavilion by CultureALL, celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant identity and heritage learning about the 250-plus ethnic groups present in Nigeria, its flavorful cuisine, engaging traditions, dynamic stories, and more. Discover the beauty and meaning behind traditional marriage rites, colorful attire and family customs. Explore intricate artifacts that showcase the rich artistry and spiritual traditions of Nigeria’s many ethnic groups. Each element offers a window into the diverse and dynamic identity of West African culture. 

 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 & Gardens)
  • 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.: The World of Food in a Major Media Company | People Inc. Roundtable Discussion
  • 5:15 p.m.: Green Papaya Salad (Som Tum) | Sue Hudson (CultureALL Ambassador)

Saturday

  • Noon: Vermicelli Noodle Bowls with Shrimp and Lemongrass Marinade | Emily Nienhaus (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.: The World of Food in a Major Media Company | People Inc. Roundtable Discussion
  • 5:15 p.m.: Mapo Tofu | Chef Cass (DSMCulinary)
  • 6:30 p.m.: Blueberry Bourbon Barbeque Sauce and Sweet and Tangy Barbeque Sauce | Andrea Love (Dinner Delights)

Sunday

  • 11 a.m.: The World of Food in a Major Media Company | People Inc. Roundtable Discussion
  • 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!)
  • 3 p.m.: Zucchini Soup with Feta Cheese | David Baruthio (Café Madeleine)