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Downtown Farmers' Market: Aug. 25

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines

Date: Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018 7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Historic Court District

Event Information

Featuring nearly 300 vendors from 50 Iowa counties, the Downtown Farmers’ Market in Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) offers scores of tasty treats each summer on Saturdays. Visitors can enjoy locally grown produce, farm fresh eggs, baked goods and Iowa-raised meat, including beef, pork, chicken, goat, rabbit, lamb and tilapia! The adventure doesn’t stop there either. Guests can enjoy local artists, live music and entertainment, ready-to-eat foods, special programming and learning opportunities all in the course of a Saturday morning. Whether it’s seasonal flowers, locally produced wine or a new culinary adventure, there’s always something to experience at the Downtown Farmers’ Market.

This event is free and open to the public.

UnityPoint Health – DSM Programming

It’s like Christmas in August! Join Blank Children’s Hospital and the UnityPoint Health Foundation volunteers and staff as they showcase details about this year’s Festival of Trees and Lights. Learn how money raised benefits our fabulous Child Life program. They’ll have fun activities for kids and cool giveaways for the adults.

Vendors

Search for your favorite Market vendors and discover new ones in the complete vendor list

Entertainers

Enjoy live music from local performers while you shop. This week, hear these performers:

  • Don Brown / Brownian Motion: Don C. Brown of DSM is a flutist and saxophonist who gained his initial musical experience from his parents who were both saxophonists. Brown plays several genres of music including jazz, Latin jazz, American popular standards, rhythm & blues, blues and gospel.
  • Hawk McIntyre: Hawk McIntyre is a 16-year-old musician from Boone. He plays blues, country, classic rock and modern music. He sings and plays acoustic guitar.
  • Jake Schrodt: Jake Schrodt has been playing guitar since he was around the age of 13 and continues to create music to this day. After releasing an album with his old band, Schrodt became a solo artist and now performs alternative rock, Americana and country music.
  • Make DSM Loud: Music Gone Mad is a street-performing horn band consisting of 15 performers. Performing both old and new rock and roll, Music Gone Mad utilizes trumpets, trombones, tapset, electric guitar and bass.
  • Sydney Storm: Creating magic since the age of 6, Sydney Storm has been performing professionally since high school. He enjoys twisting balloons at The Market for all the children that stop by!
  • Fresh Squeezed Tunes: Abe Goldstein is a solo accordion player specializing in standards, ethnic music and kids' tunes.
  • Jordan Beem: Jordan Beem is an acoustic performer who has performed in various venues, from large to small bars, restaurants, festivals and more. Beem focuses on playing music that is upbeat and fun, while also very organic. If you want to hear music from Johnny Cash, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Mayer and Mumford and Sons, come check Beem out!

Community Corner

Stop by the Community Corner on Third Street, south of Court Avenue, to find out what is happening in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Local charitable organizations — welcomed as Saturday Salutes at The Market — promote learning opportunities, Downtown events and community resources each Saturday. This week, check out the Saturday Salutes:

  • Polk County Master Gardeners: The Master Gardener program is a volunteer service training program whereby adults are given advanced training in horticulture in exchange for volunteer service to the community. They will be promoting upcoming events and distributing seasonal educational information. 
  • Save the Children Action Network: Save the Children Action Network hopes to educate market customers about the need for increased investments in early childhood education in Iowa. They also want to share the ways in which they are engaging our government, businesses, partner organizations and supporters to take bold action and to hold our elected leaders accountable for the youngest global citizens – our children. Stop by to learn about more ways to be involved!
  • The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow: Have you ever seen knights in armor, pirates, minstrels and more? Well now you can! Enjoy music, dancing, sword fights and more while meeting characters and learning about The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow.
  • The Des Moines Kennel Club and Obedience Training Club: The Des Moines Kennel Club is an all breed club dedicated to improving the health, temperament and quality of purebred dogs. Come and learn more about the dog shows, responsible dog ownership, training opportunities, and get a free dog coloring books with crayons.

Market Extras and Special Programming

Enjoy unique programming from Market sponsors during your visit. Learn more about all the Market programming, including special Market deals happening every week. This week, check out this special programming:

  • Iowa Wild
  • Renewal by Andersen