History

The inaugural World Food Festival was a truly unique event held in October 2005 in Downtown Des Moines' East Village as a partnership with The World Food Prize Foundation. The Festival began as a celebration of Iowa's rich agricultural heritage, while also sharing the renowned World Food Prize Ceremony with the citizens of Des Moines. The event included a variety of culinary delights and served as a tremendous backdrop for dignitaries visiting the city during the World Food Prize.

In 2006, the Festival expanded to include more food vendors and more global entertainment, and served as a kick-off to a week of World Food Prize events. The 2007 Festival added several new features including cooking demonstrations from participating vendors, strolling entertainment, and taste selections from each cultural café.

The fourth-annual Festival boasted 32,000 guests who took the opportunity to taste their way around the world! The Festival expanded the taste element with each vendor offering samples of one or more menu items for only $1.00. Live cooking demonstrations were spotlighted this year with a demonstration tent featuring a specially-designed cooking area, along with a sound system and bleachers. Vendors and demonstrators also helped guests get an edge on cooking by offering recipe cards, sponsored by Principal Financial Group®.

Entering its fifth year in 2009, the U.S. Cellular® World Food Festival takes the reigns as Des Moines' premiere taste event. Unique to this taste event is its flavors. Restaurants and food vendors who specialize in small operations are the highlight of this great event - mom & pop kitchens churning out their family recipes.