World Food & Music Festival Returns to Des Moines in 2026

Annual celebration of international cuisine and culture draws over 100,000 attendees each year.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 6:15am

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The World Food & Music Festival, a popular annual event in Des Moines, Iowa, is set to return in 2026 from August 28-30. The free festival features over 60 international food vendors representing more than 30 countries, as well as live music, dance performances, cooking demonstrations, and other cultural activities.

Why it matters

The World Food & Music Festival is a beloved tradition that showcases Iowa's diversity and celebrates the state's vibrant food culture. As one of the largest multicultural festivals in the Midwest, the event draws tens of thousands of visitors to Des Moines each year, boosting the local economy and promoting cultural exchange.

The details

First launched in 2005, the World Food & Music Festival has grown significantly over the past two decades. In addition to the international food vendors, the festival also includes interactive cooking demos, chef challenges, and a full schedule of live music and dance performances spanning genres like Irish dancing and taiko drumming. Attendees can also enjoy beer, wine, cocktails, and hands-on cultural activities, as well as children's programming.

  • The 2026 World Food & Music Festival will take place August 28-30.
  • The festival first launched in 2005 and has continued to grow over the past 20 years.

The players

World Food & Music Festival

An annual multicultural festival held in Des Moines, Iowa that celebrates international cuisine, music, and culture.

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The takeaway

The World Food & Music Festival is a beloved tradition that showcases Iowa's diversity and commitment to celebrating different cultures through food, music, and shared experiences. As one of the largest multicultural festivals in the Midwest, the event continues to draw tens of thousands of visitors to Des Moines each year, bolstering the local economy and fostering greater cultural understanding.