The World Food & Music Festival, presented by Veridian Credit Union, has revealed the food vendors, merchants, and nonprofit organizations slated to participate in the 2026 Festival. This event is scheduled for Friday, August 28, through Sunday, August 30, at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM).
Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to experience global flavors, explore local enterprises, purchase goods from artisan vendors, and engage with groups that promote culture and community spirit.
The event will feature 56 food vendors.
These vendors will represent 29 different countries.
Among them are 12 new vendors.
Several businesses from the Spark DSM Business Incubator will also be present.
The festival menus will offer a diverse selection of international cuisines, with clear markings to indicate gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan choices. The full roster of food vendors and their menus can be found on the Festival’s official website.
“One of the best parts of The Festival is that every vendor has a story to tell through food,” stated Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Whether you’re enjoying a favorite dish or trying something new for the first time, The Festival creates opportunities to experience cultures from around the world right here in Greater Des Moines.”
Beyond the food offerings, attendees will also have the chance to browse goods from seven merchants and engage with five nonprofit organizations during the Festival.
AFS Midland Central Iowa (AFS-USA)
“The World Food & Music Festival showcases the people, organizations and cultures that help our communities thrive,” commented Shelly McGill, Veridian Credit Union’s Central Iowa Regional Manager. “We’re proud to support an event that fosters belonging and creates opportunities for local organizations.”
“The World Food & Music Festival is a special event where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy great food and incredible music,” stated Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “Prairie Meadows is proud to sponsor the Main Stage and support an event that celebrates the vibrant spirit of Greater Des Moines.”
Veridian Credit Union presents the Festival, which receives sponsorship from Bravo Greater Des Moines, Midwest Living, and Prairie Meadows. The Greater Des Moines Partnership produces the event, with support from Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. Further community partners contributing to the event include the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and CultureALL.
Individuals interested in volunteering can register, and for the most recent Festival updates, visitors should check the World Food & Music Festival’s website.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership stands as Iowa’s largest regional organization focused on business, economic development, and talent development. It is also recognized as the nation’s second-largest regional chamber of commerce, serving numerous counties across Greater Des Moines. Operating with over 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network exceeding 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership works to foster business growth and enhance the quality of life in Greater Des Moines, uniting as one voice, one mission, and one region to contribute to a thriving regional economy.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc., an entity within the Greater Des Moines Partnership, is committed to ensuring the ongoing expansion of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A robust region necessitates a strong downtown area. Downtown DSM, Inc. spearheads initiatives to encourage development, placemaking, and events within Downtown DSM. It champions the Downtown area by integrating retail, dining establishments, businesses, housing, events, and placemaking efforts. The Downtown Events Group further boosts the vitality of Downtown DSM by initiating, elevating, and activating arts, culture, and humanities events, alongside community placemaking.
