56 food vendors, 23 countries, and one unforgettable weekend in Downtown DSM
Get ready, culture lovers and flavor seekers—World Food & Music Festival Des Moines 2025 is set to make its delicious return August 22–24 at Western Gateway Park, and the lineup is more vibrant than ever. With 56 food vendors representing 23 countries, plus merchants, nonprofits, and nonstop entertainment, this nationally celebrated event is fast becoming one of the most anticipated multicultural festivals in the U.S.
Presented by Veridian Credit Union and produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the 2025 Festival promises to immerse attendees in a global journey through cuisine, music, and artisan culture—all in the heart of Downtown DSM. Whether you’re a local, flying in from Aspen, or road-tripping from Chicago, here’s why this event should top your late-summer bucket list.
Savor the World: 56 Food Vendors from 23 Nations
At the core of the World Food & Music Festival Des Moines 2025 is what brings us all together—food. This year’s curated selection includes 56 vendors representing cultures from nearly every continent, with 13 new additions sure to excite repeat festivalgoers.
As menus are finalized, each vendor will clearly mark gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, ensuring inclusivity for every diet and palate.
Among the exciting newcomers are six vendors participating through the Spark DSM Business Incubator, a program supporting up-and-coming culinary entrepreneurs from Greater Des Moines. It’s a chance to taste not just world traditions, but the future of Iowa’s food scene.
️ Find the full vendor list on the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s website.
Artisan Merchants and Mission-Driven Nonprofits
The cultural journey doesn’t end at the plate. The 2025 Festival includes a handpicked selection of six merchants offering handcrafted goods and experiences:
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Alohana Creations
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Ethnic Fusion
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Iowahenna & Facepainting
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Inti Fair Trade
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Josina Supplies LLC
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Nectar of the Vine
Visitors can also connect with the heart of global exchange through two mission-driven nonprofits:
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Annie’s Foundation
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AFS Intercultural Programs USA
Their booths will offer ways to engage in causes that align with the festival’s values of community, education, and cultural appreciation.
A Festival with National Recognition and Local Soul
“We’re thrilled to bring back the World Food & Music Festival — now nationally recognized as one of the top cultural festivals in the country,” said Amelia Klatt, Director of Events for The Partnership. “We encourage every attendee to try something new and get to know all our new vendors.”
This isn’t your average food truck gathering—it’s a community-driven, internationally inspired event made possible by local leadership and top-tier sponsors like BRAVO, Midwest Living, Nationwide, and Bankers Trust. The event is powered by Downtown DSM, Inc., whose mission is to foster economic vitality through placemaking and events.
A Cultural Celebration 20+ Years in the Making
The World Food & Music Festival Des Moines 2025 continues a legacy more than two decades strong. As Shelly McGill, Veridian’s Central Iowa Regional Manager, put it:
“Des Moines is fortunate to have such a vibrant celebration to bring us all together, and Veridian is grateful for the chance to support it.”
It’s a festival that unites foodies, families, artists, travelers, and business leaders—making it ideal for visitors from major metros like San Francisco, Berlin, Las Vegas, and Washington DC.
Volunteer, Explore, Connect
Festival organizers invite the public to volunteer and become part of this extraordinary weekend. From vendor support to stage assistance, volunteers get a behind-the-scenes look at how this global event comes together.
Interested in helping out? Sign up on the Festival website.
To stay updated on music lineups, performance schedules, and foodie features, follow the World Food & Music Festival website and social channels as the countdown begins.
Conclusion: Your Passport to the World Is in Downtown Des Moines
With bold bites, global sounds, artisan goods, and community spirit, World Food & Music Festival Des Moines 2025 is more than an event—it’s a celebration of the human experience. Whether you’re coming for the cuisine or staying for the culture, one thing’s certain: you won’t leave unchanged.
Mark your calendar for August 22–24, and prepare to taste the world without leaving Iowa.
