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World Food & Music Festival To Kick Off With Naturalization Ceremony On Friday, Aug. 23

August 8, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Aug. 8, 2024) — The World Food & Music Festival presented by Veridian Credit Union will host its 20th year in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) on Friday, Aug. 23 – Sunday, Aug. 25 in Western Gateway Park and kick off with a Naturalization Ceremony sponsored by IHMVCU and supported by the U.S. District Court. The ceremony will take place at the Main Stage at 11 a.m. during which 52 individuals from around the world will become U.S. citizens.  

New this year, the Greater Des Moines Partnership is hosting a resource fair at the John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Participants and their families will have the opportunity to learn about various community resources. Additionally, the Des Moines Children’s Museum will be leading children’s activities from 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Adult supervision from a parent or guardian is required.

The organizations participating in the resource fair include:

  • Des Moines Children's Museum  
  • Des Moines Public Library  
  • Des Moines Area Community College 
  • Evelyn K. Davis Center  
  • Greater Des Moines Partnership  
  • IHMVCU 
  • Iowa International Center  
  • Lutheran Services in Iowa 
  • Oakridge Neighborhood Services  
  • Polk County  
  • Polk County Health Department  
  • Primary Health Care, Inc  
  • United Way of Central Iowa
  • Veridian Credit Union  
  • YMCA 

Please note that participating companies are subject to change.

Learn more about the Naturalization Ceremony here. Learn more about World Food & Music Festival programming here.  

The World Food & Music Festival is presented by Veridian Credit Union and is sponsored by KIOA 93.3, Prairie Meadows, Bravo Greater Des Moines, Midwest Living, a Dotdash Meredith brand, John Ruan Foundation, Voya, Nationwide, Penske, Bankers Trust, IHMVCU, Dave & Busters, Polk County Board of Supervisors, Clear Choice Exteriors, Capital Vacations, Metronet, Bath Planet and Vero. Support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council, which exists within the Iowa Economic Development Authority. The event is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and powered by Downtown DSM, Inc. and the Downtown Events Group. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

About Downtown DSM, Inc.


Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and heritage events and community placemaking.