The World Food and Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union has revealed the food vendors, merchants and nonprofits taking part in the 2026 Festival. The event runs Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30 at Western Gateway Park in Downtown Des Moines.

Guests can enjoy tastes from across the globe, explore local businesses, browse artisan merchants and engage with groups that celebrate culture and community.

2026 Festival by the Numbers

56 food vendors
29 countries represented
12 new vendors
Spark DSM Business Incubator businesses

Festival menus will feature a range of global cuisines and will be labeled to highlight gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian or vegan choices. A full list of food vendors and menus appears on the Festival website.

"One of the best parts of The Festival is that every vendor has a story to tell through food," said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Whether you are 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."

Besides the food vendors, guests can shop with seven merchants and connect with five nonprofit organizations throughout The Festival.

Merchants:

Alohana Creations
Edara Wellness
Ethnic Fusion
Exotic World Gift Shop
Fuzed Jewelry
Inti
Iowahenna and Face Painting

Nonprofits:

AFS Midland Central Iowa (AFS-USA)
Annie's Foundation
CultureALL
Iowa Office of Civil Rights
Lutheran Services of Iowa

"The World Food and Music Festival showcases the people, organizations and cultures that help our communities thrive," said Shelly McGill, Veridian Credit Union's Central Iowa Regional Manager. "We are proud to support an event that fosters belonging and creates opportunities for local organizations."

"The World Food and Music Festival is a special event where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to enjoy great food and incredible music," said 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."

The Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and sponsored by Bravo Greater Des Moines, Midwest Living 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 include the City of Des Moines Parks and Recreation Department and CultureALL.

Those interested in volunteering can find details on the Festival website along with the latest updates.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. 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. A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more at Downtowndsmusa.com.

Contact:
Metinka Slater
info@DSMpartnership.com
(515) 216-3989
Learn More About DSM USA

SOURCE Greater Des Moines Partnership