Full Vendor List Announced For 2023 World Food & Music Festival

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (July 19, 2023) – The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union has announced the full vendor list and musical lineup for the 2023 Festival. The 2023 World Food & Music Festival will make its return on Friday, Aug. 25 – Sunday, Aug. 27 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).  

This year’s Festival will feature a total of 55 food vendors from 26 countries, including 18 new vendors. The vendor list includes vendors from the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Spark DSM Business Incubator. Once finalized, menus will be marked to denote items that are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan. To see the full list of vendors, visit The Partnership’s website.  

“We’re excited to welcome such a diverse group of vendors to the 2023 World Food & Music Festival,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events for The Partnership. “Cuisine from 25 different countries will be available for attendees to enjoy right here in the heart of Downtown DSM. We encourage every attendee to try something new and seek out a new favorite vendor.” 

As previously announced, the first headlining musical group for the 2023 Festival is Flor de Toloache, a Latin-Grammy nominated all-women mariachi group, set to perform Friday evening. The second headlining group is Chicago Afrobeat Project, described as an “ever-evolving musical experiment,” set to perform Saturday evening. Additional music acts will include Heath Alan, BYOBrass, Son Peruchos, Royce Johns, Guitarras ATM, Sharane Calister, Mind@Large, S.A.F.E., Sonny Side Up, Suede and EleanorGrace. Musical acts were booked in partnership with the 80/35 Music Festival. Find the full musical lineup here.  

Other programming announced includes: 

• Fruit Adventure sponsored by Voya: Learn about and sample fruits from around the world. 
• Candy Adventure: Explore and sample candy from different areas and cultures. 
• Cultural Stage sponsored by Principal: Featuring performers representing art forms from diverse backgrounds. 
• Cultural Activity Pavilion sponsored by Global Atlantic: Featuring an opportunity to discover games and activities from diverse cultures. 
• Cultural Discovery Pavilion, sponsored by Midwest Living, a Dotdash Meredith brand: Local chefs will demonstrate culinary skills and offer samples. 

The World Food & Music Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and is sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines, MidAmerican Energy Company, Nationwide, Prairie Meadows, Principal, Midwest Living, a Dotdash Meredith brand, Global Atlantic Financial Group, Voya Financial, Bankers Trust, Dave & Busters, Polk County, Renewal By Andersen of Des Moines and Vero, and produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

“The World Food & Music Festival is a celebration of cultures, cuisines and music from around the world,” said Shelly McGill, Veridian’s Central Iowa Regional Manager. “The 2023 Festival will be a fantastic experience for attendees from across the Greater Des Moines region and state.” 

Those interested in volunteering can sign up for a slot on The Festival’s Website. Learn more and keep up to date on the latest Festival information on the World Food & Music Festival’s website. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership 

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. 

About Downtown, DSM, Inc. 

Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes a strong Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking.