World Food & Music Festival 2026
August 28, 2026 - August 30, 2026 - All Day at Western Gateway Park
12th and Locust Des Moines, IA
The World Food & Music Festival returns to Downtown Des Moines, Aug. 28-30 at Western Gateway Park! Enjoy international cuisine, live performances, cultural activities, and more at this free, family-friendly event.
While you’re there, don’t forget to vote for your favorite vendor in the World Food & Music Festival’s People’s Choice!
Chad Gray
August 30, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Wooly’s
504 East Locust Street Des Moines, IA
With Devils Cut & Butcher Babies
Black Veil Brides
September 8, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 10:45 pm at Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd West Des Moines, IA
With Caskets, Archers, & Holy Wars
Blues Traveler, Gin Blossoms, Spin Doctors
September 10, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Water Works Park Amphitheater
2201 George Flagg Pkwy Des Moines, IA
Thursday, September 10
Doors 5pm / Show 6pm
TICKETS – HERE
March to the Capitol
September 11, 2026 - 8:30 am - 7:00 pm at Centennial Park Waukee
1255 Warrior Lane Waukee, IA
Grab your American flag and walk with us up to the distance of your choosing to remember the victims and heroes of 9/11/01. We stop at fire stations for rest, free food and drinks, and to engage with our local first responders.
Machine Head
September 15, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Wooly’s
504 East Locust Street Des Moines, IA
Bowling for Soup
September 22, 2026 - 7:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Val Air Ballroom
301 Ashworth Rd West Des Moines, IA
Highly Suspect & Yelawolf
September 27, 2026 - 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm at Vibrant Music Hall
2855 Grand Prairie Pkwy Waukee, Iowa
The War Within Tour
Des Moines Whiskey Festival
October 1, 2026 - October 3, 2026 - All Day at The Meridian
7001 Westown Parkway, Ste. 100 Des Moines, IA
Enjoy the following during Des Moines Whiskey Festival weekend:
- Thursday, Oct. 1: Women & Whiskey Dinner at The River
- Friday, Oct. 2: All-VIP Night at the brand-new Meridian Event Center in West Des Moines, featuring musical guests The Pork Tornadoes and XOLEX
- Saturday, Oct. 3: The main event, featuring live performances from Jordan Beem and Cody Hicks
