Get Involved with the Festival

Applications to participate in the 2023 Festival are now open. Applications for merchants, nonprofits, entertainers and food vendors close on Friday, March 31. 

Follow the instructions below to apply as a vendor: 

Step One: Create a profile. You must create a profile prior to applying. 

Click here to create a profile on Marketspread.  

Follow along here for additional instructions.  

Step Two: Fill out application.  

Click here to apply to be a vendor at The 2023 World Food and Music Festival.  

Have questions regarding the application? Review this video. 

All applications are subject to review by our committee. We reserve the right to accept or reject any application. By submitting its application, the applicant acknowledges and affirms its acceptance of these terms. 

Do you know your vendor type? Check on the key below.

Entertainment – Entertainment/Musicians  
Food Truck – Food Truck 
Organization – Nonprofit 
Served/To-go Foods – Food Vendors Cooking Onsite 
Specialty Food Artisan – Prepackaged Food  
Material Goods/Craft/Flea/Art - Merchant  

If you have questions about your vendor type, please contact Lacey Westberg at lwestberg@downtownDSMUSA.com.  

Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in getting involved as a volunteer or joining the Event Team for the 2023 Festival? Visit the volunteer page for more information.

Chef Demo Applications

Be a Featured Chef

Interested in showing off your culinary skills to Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents and visitors?  Applications for future Featured Chefs are now open.  

Apply Now

The World Food & Music Festival is looking for local, regional and national chefs to present 30-minute demonstrations in the Discovery Pavilion during The Festival. Featured chefs are responsible for describing their recipe and cooking techniques to the visitors, as well as providing food supplies to complete the recipe(s). Basic cooking supplies, electricity, burners, some spices and a gift card to purchase ingredients are provided.

In return for your participation, The Festival will promote your appearance (with name and business included) in the printed program and website. Featured chefs can distribute printed materials (business cards, pamphlets, etc.) during the demonstration.