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Downtown Farmers' Market: May 5

Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines

Date: Saturday, May. 5, 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

For May 5: Celebrate opening day at The Market with fun activities at the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines booth, located at the corner of Third and Court. Guests will have the opportunity to send postcards from The Market to friends and family or send a special note to your favorite vendor or a patient at Blank Children’s Hospital.

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:

  • Brazilian 2wins: The Brazilian 2wins (twins) offer a unique experience unlike any other. As a fun, high-energy live band that injects influences from pop, hip-hop, reggae, funk, rock, jam fusion and improv, Brazilian 2wins will send your ears on an exotic vacation. The band infuses electric violin, vocals, cavaquinho (Brazilian ukulele), bass and drums.
  • Cucho Madero: Born in the coastal city of Paramonga, Peru, Cucho formed a band and toured Peru before emigrating to the U.S. in 1990.  He performs Latin and international music on the Romanian-style pan flute.
  • Dan Trilk: Dan Trilk began his career at the age of 9 and is now known as a solo musician and private music instructor in DSM. Trilk performs his own original songs as well as unique covers that are a mix of folk, blues and country.
  • David Kav: David Kav is professional musician who has been playing acoustic guitar and singing for the last two decades. During his career, he has had the opportunity to collaborate with many artists and even had the privilege to play the National Anthem at Wrigley Field with his former band. Kav specializes in acoustic folk rock, classic rock and original songs that come from his self-produced album.
  • Fresh Squeezed Tunes: Abe Goldstein is a solo accordion player specializing in standards, ethnic music and kids' tunes.
  • 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.
  • Jonathan May − Mr. Magic Productions: Family and corporate magician Jonathan May specializes in making fun and fast balloon animals for the children of the Downtown Farmers' Market. He is known for his minimum wait time and maximum entertainment value!
  • 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.
  • The One-Woman Symphony: Merging technology with a classical violin, Genevieve's setup includes her acoustically-amplified violin and prerecorded backing tracks, giving her the name "The One-Woman Symphony," as she performs music from a wide variety of genres.

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:

  • Camp Fire Heart of Iowa: Camp Fire provides a summer full of fun for youth who want to find their spark, lift their voice and discover who they are! Learn about how you can get your children involved at the Camp Fire booth. Kids will be able to plant their own seed and take it home to watch it grow.
  • Downtown Disciples: Unapologetically Progressive: Downtown Disciples is a new faith community that gathers for intelligent spiritual discussions, acts of social justice and progressive worship in an inclusive, open and affirming faith community. Doing justice, loving kindness and walking humbly together by following the way of Jesus is the Downtown Disciples' mission. Providing safe, sacred spaces for people to grow in relationship with one another, Christ and creation, Downtown Disciples are LGBTQ-affirming and proclaim #BlackLivesMatter.
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden: The Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is about exploring, explaining and celebrating the world of plants. Stop by to touch, smell and admire different plants while also learning more information about their upcoming Spring Garden Festival taking place on May 10 – 13, 2018.
  • Iowa Stage Theatre Company: Iowa Stage Theatre Company seeks to provide high-quality entertainment while increasing the understanding and enjoyment of life, society and the world by cultivating new opportunities for artists and audiences through the presentation of contemporary theatre. Their vision is to be Iowa’s premier professional theatre company by producing challenging, progressive, contemporary theatre in an intimate venue. Visit their booth to learn about their upcoming season of shows and activities!

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:

  • iHeart Media
  • The Des Moines Register