Downtown Farmers' Market: May 12
Date: Saturday, May. 12, 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 12: Come join the nursing staff as they celebrate National Nurses Week and Mother’s Day at The Market! Nurses will be handing out special gifts for moms and will have fun activities for the kids too! In addition, lean how you can become a nurse at UnityPoint Health — Des Moines.
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:
- Andrew Hoyt Music: Andrew Hoyt is a solo musician who enjoys playing jazz, modern and pop music with his ukulele and voice.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ronny Johnson: This nineteen year veteran Market entertainer will captivate and inspire you to add a twist to your day and bring a smile to your face.
- TardisMark: Marc Mcdougal began his music career by playing in garage bands and decided to take it to the next level by becoming a solo artist. As a solo artist, he plays the electric guitar accompanied by backing tracks that provide gentle bass, jazz drums and piano. Mcdougal describes his sound as "classy, quiet and tasteful."
- The Last Laugh Comedy Theater: The Last Laugh Comedy Theater is a family-friendly comedy act. They perform games like those seen on TV's "Whose Line Is It, Anyway?" getting the audience in on the action by using their suggestions and even getting them up on stage to play. They make sure all of the public performances are family-friendly and engaging for audiences of all ages.
- Urbandale Community Adult Swing Band: This swing band plays a variety of swing and jazz music. Under the direction of Janna Rutledge, this group of 15 members represents a range of age groups, talents and communities from around DSM.
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:
- AFS-USA - Midland Central Team: Does the idea of becoming an exchange student or hosting one interest you? The mission of ASF-USA is to work toward a more just and peaceful world by providing international and intercultural learning experiences to individuals, families, schools and communities through a global volunteer partnership of exchange students. Stop by and find out how you can host an exchange student or become one!
- 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.
- Iowa Asian Alliance / CelebrAsian Festival: The mission of IAA is to unite Iowa's diverse Asian, Asian American and Pacific Islander communities for the purpose of fostering economic growth and community development within the state of Iowa. IAA's vision is to create an Iowa in which these groups are an integral part of a vibrant and prosperous community. Learn about CelebrAsian, Des Moines' Asian Heritage Festival.
- Iowa Food & Family Project: The Iowa Food & Family Project is dedicated to feeding consumers' curiosity in today's farms and food system by connecting them with the people who grow/raise, prepare and serve their high-quality, safe food. Giveaways will be distributed in exchange for opting into the monthly "Fresh Pickings" e-newsletter and/or by participating in a prizewheel game.
- Des Moines Regional Skatepark: Stop by and speak with local youth and skatepark cabinet members about the Lauridsen Statepark.
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: