A- A+

Join The Celebration  

Why Should You Attend the World Food and Music Festival?

The World Food and Music Festival attendees will enjoy live music while they grab a bite to eat or watch local chefs show off their skills at the Culinary Discovery Pavilion. Festival merchandise is available for purchase and photo opportunities are plentiful throughout The Festival grounds. All of this (and more!) takes place in the heart of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) each year.   

The World Food and Music Festival welcomes: 

  • Food Vendors: The Festival will feature local food vendors representing 29 countries and culinary regions. Bite-sized samples, full meals and beverages are available to enjoy from each vendor.   
  • Musicians: Each night of The Festival features a headlining musician that brings their own flavor to their set. Past headliners include: Flor de Toloache, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Parranderos Latin Combo, Vertical Horizon and Kat Perkins.   
  • Merchants: Celebrate diverse, locally owned businesses whose products are available to purchase throughout the duration of The Festival.    
  • Nonprofits: Nonprofits are on site each year, offering education and ways to get involved with their mission.   
  • Adventure Tents: Stop by the Adventure Tents to taste and learn about different fruit and snacks from around the world! 
  • Cultural Activity Pavilion: A variety of workshops, interactive presentations, hands-on activities and authentic cultural experiences will be presented throughout the three-day Festival. Adventure Tents will feature different foods and cultures from around the world for a global food experience. 
  • Culinary Discovery Pavilion: Local chefs will demonstrate their culinary prowess.
  • Cultural Stage: The Culture Stage features musicians and dancers showcasing culturally diverse performances. From Polynesian Island Music to Irish Dance, this stages guests on a trip around the world. 

Festival Merchandise

Share the spirit of the World Food & Music Festival with exclusive Festival merchandise! From T-shirts to bags and stickers, there's something for everyone. Festival gear is available for purchase during the event, so you can take home a piece of the celebration.

Merchandise from the 2024 World Food and Music Festival 
 Vendors

This year's lineup of food vendors features a wide variety of global cuisines, including returning favorites and new Festival vendors.

Festival menus will identify items that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan to help attendees plan their visit.

Explore this year's food vendor lineup and menus. 

 A vendor pouring sauce onto a food item

 

Interested in Participating in 2027?

Complete the interested vendor form to receive information about becoming a food vendor at the 2027 World Food & Music Festival. 

Merchants & Nonprofits

The World Food & Music Festival is more than a celebration of global cuisine and entertainment, it's also an opportunity to discover local businesses and organizations making an impact across Greater Des Moines. 

While exploring the Festival, attendees can shop from local merchants and connect with nonprofit organizations serving our region. Whether you're looking for a unique gift or hoping to learn more about a local cause, be sure to visit their booths throughout the weekend. 

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

Interested in Participating?

Interested in becoming a merchant or nonprofit at a future World Food & Music Festival? Contact Amelia Klatt, Director of Events, at aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com for more information. 

Past World Food & Music Festival Highlights