For World Food& Music Festival Vendors
The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union wouldn’t be possible without its food vendors, merchants and non profits. Each year a variety of vendors selling food, clothing, jewelry and more represent countries from around the world all in the center of Downtown Des Moines (DSM) at The Festival.
Why Sell at The Festival
For over 20 years, The Festival has welcomed vendors, performers and shoppers. Recognized as the No. 8 Best Cultural Festival by USA Today, Downtown DSM staple brings people from around the Midwest to enjoy cultures from around the world.
Vendor applications for the 2026 World Food & Music Festival are now closed. If there are questions regarding vendor eligibility or general event questions, please reach out to Amelia Klatt, Director of Events, at aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com.
Interested in being a vendor at the 2027 World Food & Music Festival. Fill out this interested vendor form.
For 2026 Approved Vendors
The following information outlines key systems and communication requirements for the 2026 Festival.
Marketspread
The Festival uses Marketspread for vendor applications, scheduling and more. Vendors are required to check Marketspread on a regular basis for updates to the schedule and general notifications. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure all contact information is updated and maintained.
If a vendor has changes that need to be made to their Marketspread account, please contact Marketspread directly at support@marketspread.com.
Log in to your Marketspread account here.
The Festival Handbook
The Festival handbook serves as the official guide for all vendors, merchants and nonprofits participating in the World Food & Music Festival. The document outlines policies, procedures, regulations and expectations to ensure a smooth festival. All participants are required to review and sign the handbook prior to The Festival and adhere to its policies, conducting themselves and their businesses in a manner that is respectful to fellow vendors, staff and the community.
The Festival Handbook will be shared at a later date.
Vendor Load In and Out Times
Load In
All vendors will receive one vehicle identification tag, that they will be required to place on their rearview mirror or dashboard. Only vehicles with The Festival approved hang tag will be allowed onsite for load in and out.
- Thursday, Aug. 27 | Preliminary Set-Up: 5-7 p.m.
- Friday, Aug. 28 | Event Set-Up: 8-10 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 29 & Sunday, Aug. 30 | Restocking: 8-10 a.m.
Note: On Saturday and Sunday, all vehicles must be off site by 10 a.m.
Load Out
When ready to bring your car in, please find The Festival Staff to review your space and give you a load out pass. This pass will allow you to bring in one car with the hang tag.
When loading out, Vendors must have all items packed and ready to load before vehicles are allowed onsite. Security will not allow you to bring your vehicle on-site without this pass for teardown.
Time: Vehicles will not be allowed in The Festival site prior to 6 p.m.
Weather Policy
The Festival is a rain or shine event. The Festival staff takes the safety of vendors and patrons seriously. The Festival staff is the only entity with the ability to close or delay The Festival.
If The Festival closes, in the case of severe weather, or another emergency, vendors and patrons are expected to leave The Festival footprint and close booths as soon and safely as possible.
In the event The Festival must close, vendors will be notified by Festival Staff as soon as possible and will receive notifications via email and text from Marketspread.
For more information on inclement weather and emergency procedures, see Festival Handbook.
Contact Information
For questions, contact Amelia Klatt, Director of Events, at aklatt@downtownDSMUSA.com.