Programming
The Downtown Farmers’ Market offers more than just fresh produce and local goods — it’s a community experience filled with food, entertainment, special programming and family fun.
Live Well with UnityPoint Health
As presenting sponsor, UnityPoint Health brings helpful wellness and prevention programs directly to The Market. From health education to weekly giveaways, UnityPoint Health will be on-site each Saturday to support its mission of healing, caring and teaching. Stop by their booth to learn more!
Entertainment
The Market comes alive with the sound of local talent. With five rotating entertainment spots throughout the Historic Court District, visitors can enjoy a variety of live music, street performances and special acts that add energy and excitement to the Market experience. From local bands and solo artists to cultural performers and family-friendly entertainment.
Bike Valet Service
A free bike valet service, sponsored by the Mid-American Energy Foundation, offered in partnership with the Des Moines Street Collective and Terrus Real Estate Group, is available at 2nd Street and Court Avenue from 8 a.m. – noon (availability is weather dependent).
Bell Ringing
Each week, The Market opens with the ringing of the iconic Market Cowbell – a lively tradition that signals to vendors that sales may begin and lets the community know The Market is officially open!
The bell has been part of The Market for decades, echoing a centuries-old practice where bells were rung to announce the start of trading in town squares and marketplaces around the world. Today, we keep that tradition alive with a modern twist.
Every Saturday, community organizations, sponsors, Market Partners and local “celebrities” are invited to ring the bell, helping all celebrate the start of The Market. It’s a fun and festive moment that highlights the people and partners that help make The Market possible each week.
If you’re interested in being a Market Bell Ringer for the 2026 season, please email farmersmarket@downtownDSMUSA.com
Spark DSM
The Spark DSM Business Incubator presented by the Principal Foundation is a program offered to new and early-stage small businesses by providing both educational resources and event access to help them grow. Businesses accepted to the program participate as featured vendors throughout The Market season.
Learn more about Spark DSM.
Recycling at The Market
The Market aims to minimize its environmental footprint. Bins are available throughout the Historic Court District for recycling bottles and cans. Please help us reduce, reuse and recycle!
Water at The Market
The Downtown Farmers' Market provides a water bottle filling station onsite at The Market from June to August.
Meals From The Market
Meals From The Market, sponsored by John Deere, is a program created to accept fresh food donations from Market patrons, vendors and the entire community to help feed the hungry in the local community. The program provides thousands of pounds of fresh food to Des Moines Area Religious Council (DMARC) emergency pantries where it is distributed throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM). Home gardeners and bakers are encouraged to donate fresh produce and baked goods; non-perishable food is also accepted. Food donations of any size are appreciated! In 2024, over 31,000 meals were provided across the DSM community from Market vendor donations.
Drop your donation at the Meals From The Market booth located on the corner of Third Street and Court Avenue.
Market Valet Wagon Program
Planning a heavy purchase? The Market offers a free wagon lending program to help patrons tote heavy pumpkins, artwork or other cumbersome goodies to their vehicles! Wagon availability is limited and available first-come, first-served. Stop by the Information Booth at Third Street and Court Avenue for details or to borrow a wagon.
Want to get Involved?
Learn more about Market programs and how to get involved here.