Iowa’s Best & Most Delicious Food Festivals Happening in 2026 [LIST]

Iowa’s Best & Most Delicious Food Festivals Happening in 2026 [LIST]

Jason An via Unsplash

Sweet corn, ice cream, strawberries, watermelon, BBQ... there are a ton of annual food festivals held across the state of Iowa, but which one is the BEST? Midwest Living has the answer.

In early February, Midwest Living posted a new article titled, "These Are the Best Food Festivals in Every Midwest State." The pick for Iowa is a popular festival in Des Moines that doesn't focus on just one food or type of cuisine, but MANY. It's the World Food & Music Festival!

About the World Food & Music Festival

The World Food & Music Festival, held annually in Des Moines' Western Gateway Park, first got its start back in 2005. It has continued to grow over the past 20 years, and now brings in around 100,000 people each year! The article says:

"...the free festival brings together international food vendors—more than 60 in total, representing 30-plus countries—with interactive cooking demonstrations, chef challenges, and a steady schedule of live music and dance. Performances span Irish dancing to taiko drumming, while hands-on cultural activities, children’s programming, and beer, wine, and cocktails fill out the weekend."

If you're wondering what types of cuisine the festival has available, last year's vendors served up Mexican, South American, Indian, African, French, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Japanese, and more!

The 2026 World Food & Music Festival will take place August 28th through 30th. For more information, you can check out the festival's website HERE.

Other Iowa Food Festivals in 2026

In addition to the annual World Food & Music Festival, here are some of the other popular food-centered festivals happening in Iowa this year, courtesy of Festival Guides:

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Filed Under: des moines, events, festivals, food
Categories: Events, Food and Drink, KHAK Morning Show, Local News

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