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Downtown Farmers' Market: July 28

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines

Date: Saturday, Jul. 28, 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

Visit with UnityPoint Health  - Des Moines food and nutrition experts as they provide education on proper nutrition, portion control and healthy substitutions. Tasty samples will also be available.

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:

  • Bakers Dozen Mime Troupe: Bakers Dozen has been around for almost 50 years entertaining audiences of all ages around DSM by miming and improvisation.
  • Heartland Mini-Railroad Express: Kids are invited to come take a ride on the Mini Railroad! Located on 2nd Street, South of Court Ave. the Heartland Mini Railroad provides young visitors a fun and unique experience while shopping The Market.
  • Kirk Sloan Classical Guitar: Kirk Sloan is an instrumental soloist on classical guitar who has performed at venues around DSM. His classical guitar arrangements include both classical music and popular tunes.
  • Metro Brass Quintet: The Metro Brass Quintet is a five-piece brass ensemble that performs a wide variety of music from pop to polka to classical. They typically play in a formation using brass instruments and can be heard from a good distance.
  • Streetside: Streetside is a music ensemble consisting of keyboard, bass, horns and drums. They are sure to entertain audiences as they perform music from the jazz, funk and blues genres.
  • Sweet Tater TeRonde: Sweet Tater sits on a bucket playing guitar and harmonica while stomping on a tambourine, playing gravel road git-down music!  Blues, bluegrass and originals.
  • 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!
  • The Zachary Freedom Duo: No matter the age, audience or gender, Zach always finds a way to leave people wanting more. Having moved nine times in four years, Zach tells his story through his music. Filled with hope, sadness, joy, frustration and life, you won't want to miss out. He's shared the stage with rap artists, metal bands, poets and others beyond his classified genre.
  • Vida Sisters: The Vida Sisters are an acoustic singing duo who cover artists such as Jewel, Tracy Chapman, Sugarland, Little Big Town, Elvis, Charlie Puth, Maroon 5 and more. They perform with an acoustic guitar and multiple percussion instruments.
  • Royce Johns: Royce Johns has been playing music his whole life, from piano at age 8 and guitar at 14. He was raised on a variety of music including from country, classic rock, alternative and blues. At age 19, Johns was featured in the Des Moines Register's Iowa Life front page alongside his band mates in Lincoln Rockhouse. Still playing with Lincoln Rockhouse weekly, as an active performer he has started to branch out with more solo work as a full-time musician.

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:

  • Agape Pregnancy Center: The Agape Pregnancy Center demonstrates the truth and unconditional love of Jesus Christ to girls, women and their families experiencing unexpected pregnancy or the effects of sexual relationships in a safe and confidential environment. Educational information explaining free services provided by the Agape Pregnancy Center will be available.
  • The Iowa State Fair: The Iowa State Fair celebrates Iowa’s agricultural heritage by providing a quality environment and facilities for education, entertainment and competition for all ages. They will be offering promotional materials and coloring sheets for kids.
  • 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!

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