What to Buy for Dad This Father’s Day at the Downtown Farmers’ Market

Shop local for Dad ahead of Father’s Day! This Saturday, June 14, 2025, shop Downtown Farmers’ Market booths to find unique gift ideas, or better yet, bring Dad with you and treat him to something special, along with live entertainment from musical guests Robert Yeltman Music, Ryan Baade Music, MR. MAGIC PRODUCTIONS, Joe Demerath Music, Jacob Forney and L and N Music. Whether your dad is a foodie who would love some spicy barbecue sauce or he’s a dog dad who loves to spoil his pooch, there is a gift for him at The Market! 

While you shop, don’t forget to check out the booths for local Greater Des Moines (DSM) charitable organizations each week by visiting Community Corner on Third Street. This week’s organizations include: Iowa Donor Network, Iowa Pork Producers Association and Iowa Center for Children’s Justice. 

While vendors may change from week to week, many attend numerous Market events all season long. From 7 a.m. to Noon this Saturday, shop our Father’s Day recommendations below. You can find their booth location using the Farmers’ Market map: 

Vendor Booths to Shop for Father’s Day

• Antojito’s Lupita’s: Located at 4S-37
  • What dad doesn’t appreciate home-cooked meals? Find traditional dishes of Mexico City at Antojito’s Lupita’s, including gluten-free and vegan options.
• Artisan Spice Blends: Located at C-409
  • If you’ve got a dad who loves to cook, a variety of spices from the Artisan Spice Blends booth is a great option this Father’s Day. Check out their Apple Pie Spice, Buffalo Wing Rub, Fajita Seasoning, Honey Habanero, Tropical Caribbean and more.
• Bernardo’s Burritos: Located at 4N-15/17
  • Breakfast burritos, chorizo bowls and more await Dad at The Market this Saturday.
• Big Daddy’s Original BBQ: Located at 4N-10
  • The sauces from Big Daddy’s pack a punch, so stop by the booth to purchase one of their hot sauces. Try Big Daddy’s Pink Hawaiian Hot Sauce, Pit Master’s Hot Sauce or Yellow Pepper Hot Sauce.
• Bike Spoke Bracelet: Located at C-127
  • Made with recycled bike spokes, gift your cycling dad a key chain, clock or bracelet.
• Churros Artesanales: Located at C-406
  • Treat dad to something sweet while at The Market? Grab some freshly made, Mexican artisan churros.
• Dragon Foodies: Located at 3N-10
  • Does Dad like spice? Check out this local shop’s hot sauces and spicy pickles then head to The Market Info Booth around the corner on Court Avenue to grab some Market merch!
• Fungi Fresh Farms: Located at 4S-31
  • Buy fresh, all-natural gourmet mushrooms, sourced from a Grimes, Iowa family farm. The Mushroom Grow Kit is a great gift idea!
• Iowa Beard Company: Located at 4S-26
  • Beard oil is just one of the grooming products you can find at the Iowa Beard Company booth this weekend.
• Jax & Josie’s Smoked Jerky: Located at C-308
  • Smoked jerky with zero additives and preservatives is a great gift for the dog dad you know. A portion of all proceeds benefit the Heartland German Shepherd Rescue.
• Ken Supply Co.: Located at C-403
  • A graphic tee is a great gift option from this Des Moines-based clothing brand. Stop by the booth to shop for dads of all ages!
• Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce: Located at 2S-07
  • Can Dad take the heat? Check out Iowa-based hot sauces, salsas and snacks when you stop by the Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce booth.
• Pie Mates Australian Bakehouse: Located at C-421
  • Treat Dad to a signature pie or pastry from Pie Mates. Start the day with a Portuguese Egg Tart or Quiche Lorraine or there’s the Smokey BBQ Beef, Cheddar & Jalapeno Pie for later in the day.
• Queen’s Pretzels: Located at C-416/418
  • If Dad’s a fan of hand rolled soft pretzels, then Queen’s Pretzels is a must-stop. Once you’ve finished your soft hand-rolled pretzel, head to the nearby B-Cycle Rental Kiosk to see some of these cool things along the Downtown Des Moines (DSM) trails.
• Say Cheese Des Moines: Located at 4S-55/57
  • Enjoy lunch with Dad courtesy of the Say Cheese Des Moines booth! Purchase gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches like the BACONator and The G.O.A.T. and relax near one of the live entertainment acts while you eat — Valley High School graduate Jacob Forney is one of this weekend’s entertainers, singing and playing the guitar, ukelele and piano.
• Soder Apiaries: Located at 3N-01
  • Organic local honey can be found at the Soder Apiaries booth at The Market this Saturday. This St. Charles-made honey is the perfect way to satisfy Dad’s sweet tooth.
• Timber Ridge Cattle Company: Located at 4S-38
  • Grab Dad some summer sausage, made at this Osceola, Iowa business. It’s made with 90% lean beef and Berkshire Pork and comes in flavors like Original and Jalapeno.
• Watson and Wallie Natural Dog Treats: Located at 2S-01
  • Grab some treats for Dad’s best friend! Gluten-free options and more are available!

For a complete list of vendors, visit DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com.

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring more than 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find the latest updates for The Market each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.