A- A+

Downtown Farmers’ Market 2024 Opening Day Is Saturday, May 4

April 4, 2024

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 4, 2024) – Opening day is just a month away for the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Market will begin on Saturday, May 4 from 7 a.m. – Noon in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). 

New this season, The Market will feature 12 new vendor spaces on Water Street (North of Court Avenue and South of the entrance to the Polk County lot) on opening day and then permanently beginning Saturday, June 8 through the remainder of the season. 

The Market supports more than 300 local small business owners, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 42 counties across the state of Iowa. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, locally produced wine and fresh baked goods as well as a variety of Iowa-raised meat. Patrons can also eat breakfast, enjoy the atmosphere, meet with family and friends and enjoy live entertainment. 

“Opening day and the beginning of The Market season is a special time of the year. We are looking forward to welcoming new and returning patrons to discover everything The Market has to offer,” said Elizabeth Weyers Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “With the expanded footprint, this year’s Market will support more vendors than ever before and build on its status as one of the most highly regarded farmers’ markets in the country.” 

Here are some highlights at The Market in 2024: 

  • The Market will feature 54 new vendors of all types.  
  • The Market will accept SNAP EBT cards and participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program. For more information on the SNAP EBT program and Double Up Food Bucks, visit The Market’s website.  
  • The Spark DSM Business Incubator will return in 2024. Selected vendors that apply to the Downtown Farmers’ Market will get multiple dates at The Market ranging through the season. Vendors will also have access to year-round classes and supplemental education. Interested vendors can learn more on The Market’s website. 
  • Those interested in volunteering at The Market can now sign up for a shift through VolunteerLocal. 

“The Downtown Farmers’ Market continues to provide opportunities for patrons to find healthy fresh food options while supporting businesses across the region,” said Jon Rozenfeld, President of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “We look forward to getting another Market season underway and welcoming visitors from across the region, state and country.” 

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, The Market is celebrating its 49th season, supports more than 300 vendors and welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each Saturday. An estimated 40,000 shoppers typically visit on opening day and key peak dates throughout the season. 

Visit The Market website for more information. 

About the Downtown Farmers’ Market  

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket.  

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 400 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.