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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 professional 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 over 25 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.   
  • 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. Plus, a Cooking Challenge will bring spectators to cheer on their favorite team while vying for a taste of their creations. 
  • 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 around town by wearing Festival gear! From T-shirts to bags and stickers, there's something for everyone. 2024 merchandise will be available for purchase during The Festival from Aug. 23 – Aug. 25.

Vendors

Vendor applications for the 2024 festival are closed. Please visit the Vendor Application page to find more information.  

Merchants

Celebrate diverse, locally owned businesses whose products will be available to purchase throughout the duration of The Festival.

Merchants include: 

  • Christian’s Maple Syrup 
  • Ethnic Fusion 
  • Inti 
  • Iowahenna and face painting 
  • Josina Supplies LLC 
  • Nectar of the Vine 
  • Ori Ase 
  • Piedras Haseya LLC 
  • Tranzitions Wellness & Beauty Bar 
  • Wayfaring Kat

Nonprofits

Learn more about the work that local nonprofits are providing to the region and our community and how you can get involved with their missions.

Nonprofits include:

  • AFS Intercultrual Programs USA 
  • Blank Park Zoo 
  • Council for Educational Travel, USA 
  • Evelyn K. Davis Center 
  • Iowa European Cultural Connection 

Past World Food & Music Festival Highlights