Enjoy a Spooktacular Saturday at the Downtown Farmers' Market

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Oct. 28, 2026) – Costumes, treats and seasonal favorites will help close out the outdoor season of the Downtown Farmers' Market presented by UnityPoint Health on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Historic Court District. Marketgoers are encouraged to dress up, enjoy trick-or-treating with participating vendors and stock up on fresh, locally grown produce and other Market favorites before the outdoor season comes to an end.

"As we wrap up another season of The Market, we're grateful for the vendors and customers who make Saturday mornings in Downtown Des Moines such a special tradition,” said Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers' Market Manager. “There's no better way to celebrate our final outdoor Market of the year than with a little Halloween fun, and we're excited to welcome everyone back for the Winter Market next month.”

The Downtown Winter Farmers' Market presented by Prairie Meadows runs Friday, Nov. 20, through Sunday, Nov. 22, at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines. The free three-day indoor Market will feature 113 vendors, along with 12 Spark DSM vendors participating throughout the weekend. Shoppers can browse a variety of offerings, including late-season produce, meats, cheeses, artisan breads, jams, arts, crafts and other locally made products, as well as holiday gifts, seasonal decorations and ingredients for upcoming gatherings. Prepared food vendors will be onsite, along with food trucks on Cowles Commons.

"The Winter Market is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season while supporting the farmers, makers and small businesses that make our community special,” said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “Prairie Meadows is proud to support an event brings people together, celebrates local businesses and creates lasting traditions for families across Greater Des Moines.”

2026 Winter Market Hours

Friday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Winter Market will also feature workshops, children’s programming and entertainment throughout the weekend.

Marketgoers can get into the holiday spirit during the Winter Porch Planter Make-and-Take Classes on Saturday, Nov. 21, inside Capital Square. Downtown Farmers' Market vendor Quilted Gardens will guide participants through creating a festive winter porch planter to take home. Classes will be held at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for $50 per person, with all materials included. Pre-registration is highly encouraged.

The Downtown Farmers' Market presented by UnityPoint Health and the Downtown Winter Farmers' Market presented by Prairie Meadows are free and open to the public.

Learn more about programming updates at the desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.

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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 the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket.

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 humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more at downtowndsmusa.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.