It's a Trip. Make It a Fiesta. 

Come hungry. Wear your dancing shoes. And get ready to experience Latin America without leaving Greater Des Moines. 

Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival returns to Western Gateway Park September 26-27, bringing two days of food, music, dance, art, and culture to downtown Des Moines. More than 20,000 attendees come together for Iowa's largest Latino celebration, with 22 Latin American countries represented throughout the weekend. Whether you're here to eat your way through the festival, dance on the lawn, discover a new culture, or bring the whole family along for the fun, there's no wrong way to make the trip yours. 
 

For Music Lovers: Feel the Rhythm 

You might hear the Latino Heritage Festival before you even see it. The heartbeat of the weekend is a packed lineup of live music and dance, with more than 10 performances bringing the sounds and rhythms of Latin America to the festival stages. From colorful musical acts to traditional dance performances, there's something happening from the time the gates open until the festival winds down. 

And don't be surprised if you end up becoming part of the show. Find a spot on the lawn to dance like no one's watching, or learn a few new moves during an impromptu salsa lesson. Dancing shoes aren't required, but you'll probably wish you brought them. 

The creativity doesn't stop at the stage. Throughout the festival, explore artist displays featuring photography, oils, acrylics, sculpture, live painting, performance art, and more, showcasing the diverse creative voices and experiences of Latino Iowans. 
 

For Foodies: Come Hungry 

If you don't hear the festival as you approach Western Gateway Park, you'll certainly smell it. With more than 20 food vendors, you can eat your way across Latin America without ever leaving downtown Des Moines. Come with an empty stomach and sample everything from pupusas and mango with chile to birria, sopes, and lots and lots of tacos. 

Our advice? Share with your crew so you can try as much as possible. Although when it comes to tacos, we're firm believers that there's no such thing as "too many." Ever. 

For Culture Seekers: Explore Latin America 

The food, music, and dancing may draw you in, but one of the best parts of the festival is discovering the stories and traditions behind them. 

Cultural booths throughout the grounds represent 22 Latin American countries and give visitors the chance to learn more about their art, dance, demographics, traditions, and customs. It's a deeper dive into the cultures you're experiencing throughout the weekend and a chance to see how each has helped shape Iowa's cultural fabric. 

So, after you've found your new favorite dish or watched a dance performance that stops you in your tracks, seek out the country it came from and learn a little more about the story behind it. 

For Families: Bring the Kids 

A celebration this colorful and energetic is already built for kids, but the festival takes things a few steps further. Between bites and performances, younger festivalgoers can burn off some energy in jumping castles, make their own piñatas, hit the coloring stations, and meet some of their favorite mascots. It's a full-blown fiesta de niños with plenty to keep little ones entertained while giving families a fun and accessible way to experience Latino culture together. 

And with kids 12 and under receiving free admission, bringing the whole crew is an easy choice. 

Whether you come for the tacos, the dancing, the family fun, or the chance to experience the traditions of 22 countries in one weekend, Iowa's Latino Heritage Festival offers plenty of ways to make the celebration yours. 

For more information, check out the Latino Heritage Festival website. 

When: Saturday, September 26 – Sunday, September 27, 2026 

Time: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday.* 

Where: Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines 

Admission: $5 for adults; kids 12 and under FREE. Admission at the gate only. Cash and cards accepted.* 

Parking: FREE parking available at the Nationwide ramp located at 1100 Walnut Street. 

So come for the tacos and stay for the deeper appreciation of the 22 Latin American countries that are represented throughout Iowa!  
 

For more information, check out the Latino Heritage Festival website here.  

When: Saturday, September 26-Sunday, September 27
Time: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.
Where: Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines
Admission: $5 for adults, kids 12 and under FREE. Admission at the gate only. Cash and cards are both accepted.
Parking: FREE parking is available at the Nationwide ramp located at 1100 Walnut Street.