GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 5, 2026) – The World Food & Music Festival, presented by Veridian Credit Union, has announced the entertainment and cultural programming lineup for the free 2026 Festival taking place Friday, Aug. 28 – Sunday, Aug. 30 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). 

Recognized as the No. 8 Best Cultural Festival in the Nation by the 2026 USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, the No. 3 Best Midwest Food Festival by Parade and the Best Food Festival in Iowa by Midwest Living, the free three-day Festival brings together over 55 local food vendors representing 29 countries, live music, cultural performances, interactive activities and cooking demonstrations celebrating the diversity of Greater Des Moines.

"One of the things that makes the World Food & Music Festival so unique is that every experience invites people to connect with a different culture," said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Whether you're listening to live music, trying a new dance, exploring a hands-on activity or tasting global flavors, The Festival creates opportunities to support small businesses and celebrate what makes Greater Des Moines so vibrant. We hope every visitor leaves having discovered something new."

Main Stage 

The Festival opens with a Naturalization Ceremony supported by the U.S. District Court. The ceremony will take place at the Main Stage at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, during which individuals from around the world will become U.S. citizens. Members of the Naturalization Ceremony and their families are invited to a Resource Fair from 8 – 11 a.m. at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center, featuring 16 community organizations. More information about the Naturalization ceremony and participating organizations at the Resource Fair is available here.

The Main Stage, sponsored by Prairie Meadows, will feature live music from local and regional artists throughout the weekend. Headliners include The Pork Tornadoes and Parranderos Latin Combo, alongside performances by Day Ashworth, Nola Jazz Band, Sharane Calister & The Feel Right Band, Samuel Nalangira presented by AfriWell Hub, Zachary Freedom, Blast Brass Band and Esencia Añeja.

Cultural Stage

The Cultural Stage, sponsored by the Polk County Board of Supervisors, will showcase performances highlighting traditions from around the world, including Bosnian folk dance, West African drumming, Japanese taiko drumming, Thai music and dance, Mexican folklórico, Peruvian pan flute music, Irish dance, salsa instruction, Indian music, clogging, breakdancing and much more. 

Cultural Activity Pavilion

The Cultural Activity Pavilion, sponsored by the Polk County Board of Supervisors, offers visitors hands-on workshops and demonstrations led by CultureALL Ambassadors and local cultural practitioners. Activities throughout the weekend include learning Urdu phrases and exploring Pakistani culture, playing traditional Indian board games, creating Chicano-inspired printmaking, experiencing Chinese calligraphy, discovering West African customs and drumming traditions, learning about Mehndi (henna) art and exploring Peruvian music.

"One of the greatest strengths of Polk County is the diversity of those who call our community home," said Matt McCoy, Chair, Polk County Board of Supervisors. "The World Food & Music Festival creates opportunities to experience cultures from around the world and we're proud to support programming that celebrates our community and encourages learning and connection."

Culinary Discovery Pavilion

Visitors can also enjoy the Culinary Discovery Pavilion, sponsored by Midwest Living, featuring cooking demonstrations by local chefs and food-focused educational programming throughout the weekend. Additional details about Culinary Discovery Pavilion programming will be announced closer to The Festival.

"Food has a unique way of bringing people together," said Kylee Krizmanic, Vice President and Editor in Chief of Midwest Living. "The Culinary Discovery Pavilion gives Festival attendees the opportunity to learn from talented local chefs, experience new flavors and celebrate the creativity that makes Iowa's food scene so strong. Showcasing the Midwest's vibrant cultures and stories is in our DNA at Midwest Living, and we're thrilled to help bring those experiences to The Festival."

Returning Favorites

Fan-favorite experiences also return, including The Festival Passport, sponsored by Floor & Decor, where attendees can collect stamps while exploring The Festival for a chance to win prizes, the Fruit Adventure Tent, sponsored by Voya, where visitors can sample exotic fruits like jackfruit, cherimoya and kiwano and the Snack Adventure Tent, sponsored by Global Atlantic A Business of KKR, to sample unique food from around the world.

“The World Food & Music Festival brings people together to celebrate the cultures and traditions that strengthen our community,” said Shelly McGill, Central Iowa Regional Manager at Veridian Credit Union. “We're proud to support an event that builds connections and highlights what makes Greater Des Moines such a vibrant place to live and work.”

The Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines, KIOA, Midwest Living, Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows. It is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. Additional community partners supporting the event include the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and CultureALL.

Complete schedules, vendor information, maps and volunteer registration are available at the World Food & Music Festival’s website.