A- A+

Directions & Parking

Saturday Market

Located in the center of Downtown Des Moines’ (DSM's) social area in the Historic Court District, the Downtown Farmers’ Market is easy to spot once you’re in the city. If the market-goers strolling toward the center of the activity don’t tip you off, then the Polk County Courthouse will. Find the courthouse’s distinctive grey peaked roof and you’ve found The Market. There is plenty of parking, both free and paid options, for all Market goers. With a bike valet, several parking garages and a variety of surrounding roads, The Market is easily accessible. You can also hop on one of the numerous bus routes from DART that will take you within a block or two of The Market.

Download the Saturday D-Line Shuttle map here.

Winter Market

The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market is held indoors in Kaleidoscope at the Hub and Capital Square. Market visitors have a variety of parking options available. The nearby ramp at Fourth Street and Grand Avenue is open in addition to the street parking at meters around the perimeter of The Market. If you’re looking for a landmark to guide you to the festivities, keep your eyes peeled for the dark green umbrella statue located in Cowles Commons. Capital Square is nearby this landmark.

Parking

Visitors have numerous options available adjacent to The Market. Several free and paid parking meters, lots and garages are available on streets surrounding The Market. View a list of Downtown Des Moines parking options.

Patrons are also encouraged to use a free bike valet service or park along the Downtown Farmers' Market DART D-Line route. Read below for more information.

Bike Valet

Bike Valet at the Winter Farmers' Market
The Bike Valet, sponsored by Terrus Real Estate Group, allows cyclists to ride their bicycles to The Market and park safely while shopping. This free service provided by the Downtown Farmers’ Market is operated by the Des Moines Bicycle Collective. Cyclists park their bikes on special racks in the bike corral, which is in a secure, safe area in the parking ramp. In addition to free parking, the Bike Valet also offers an air pump and a mini tire changing station. The Bike Valet is located on the southeast corner of Second Street and Court Avenue, during Market hours.

Free Downtown Farmers’ Market Shuttle (May – October)

The Market has partnered with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) to offer extended Saturday service for The Market. In the months of May through October, the Downtown D-Line offers Saturday service to coincide with Market operating hours. Attendees can park their vehicles anywhere along the route, hop on the bus and be dropped off near The Market between First Street and Fifth Avenue. The D-Line runs primarily on Grand Avenue and Locust Street and uses the Walnut Street bridge to connect to the Historic East Village. Bus stops are located almost every block and marked specifically for the D-Line. D-Line buses will run approximately every 10 minutes on Saturdays from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (8 a.m. – 5 p.m. during October). LEARN MORE.

Grocery bags, coolers, baby strollers and most items from The Market are allowed on DART buses. There is no eating or drinking while on the bus, but food and beverages are welcome if in closed containers.

How to Ride Tips

  • Look for D-Line bus stop signs on Locust Street, Grand Avenue and Walnut Street. Stand at one of the bus stop signs and wait where the driver can see you. Buses arrive approximately every 10 minutes.
  • As the bus approaches, check the sign above the windshield to make sure it displays the name “D-Line.”
  • The D-Line is a free-to-ride route. Simply hop on, find a seat and enjoy the ride.
  • Stay alert and remember to signal the driver — you do this by pulling the cord above the window or pressing the stop button on the hand rails approximately one block before your stop.
  • If you are not sure where to get off, please ask the driver when you get on the bus. DART bus drivers are happy to help you!