For Downtown Farmers' Market Vendors

The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health wouldn’t be possible without its vendors. Each week, farmers, producers and artisans bring fresh produce, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants, flowers and artisan food products, handmade art, and ready-to-eat prepared food to the heart of Downtown Des Moines (DSM), creating a vibrant community gathering. 

Why Sell at The Market

For more than 50 seasons, The Market has welcomed vendors, performers and shoppers. With strong weekly foot traffic and a dedicated Market Team, we create an environment where vendors can grow their businesses, connect with loyal customers and thrive each season. 

Ranked No. 8 on Food & Wine’s 2025 list of Must-Visit Farmers’ Markets in the U.S., The Market attracts visitors from across Iowa and around the country, giving vendors access to a broad and diverse customer base each season.  

Vendor applications for the 2026 Downtown Farmers' Market season are now closed. If there are questions regarding vendor eligibility or general event questions, please reach out to farmersmarket@downtowndsmusa.com.

Interested in being a vendor at the 2027 Downtown Farmers' Market? Fill out this interest form. 

For 2026 Approved Vendors

The following information outlines key systems and communication requirements for the 2026 season. 

Marketspread

The Market uses Marketspread for vendor applications, scheduling and more. Vendors are required to check Marketspread on a regular basis for updates to the schedule and general notifications. It is the responsibility of the vendor to ensure all contact information is updated and maintained throughout the season. Weekly email notifications will be sent out by Market management during the season to remind vendors about rules, regulations and important notes each week. 

If a vendor has changes that need to be made to their Marketspread account, please contact Marketspread directly at support@marketspread.com and see pages 39 and 40 in The Market Handbook.  

Log in to your Marketspread account here. 

The Market Handbook

The Market Handbook serves as the official guide for all vendors participating in the Downtown Farmers' Market. The document outlines policies, procedures, requirements and expectations to ensure a smooth and successful season. All participants are required to review and sign the handbook prior to the first market of the season and adhere to its policies, conducting themselves and their businesses in a manner that is respectful to fellow vendors, staff and the community.

Download The Market Handbook

Setup & Teardown Times

The Market will run every Saturday in 2026 from May 2 through Oct. 31, in Downtown Des Moines' Historic Court District. The Market operates from 7 a.m. to Noon (8 a.m. to Noon in October). 

Setup

From May through September, setup is from 5 to 6:45 a.m. and in October, from 6 to 7:45 a.m. The Market Street Use Permit will become active at the start of setup; no vendor can begin before the permit is active. This includes unloading items onto sidewalks, streets or in booth spaces.  

Fifteen minutes before The Market opens, vendor vehicles are required to exit The Market footprint. If a situation arises where a vendor needs to arrive after the designated setup time is complete, the vendor will need to park outside of The Market footprint and carry in their items into their booth space.  

For more information regarding setup, see pages 35 and 36 in The Market Handbook. 

Teardown

Fifteen minutes after The Market closes, vendors are permitted to bring their vehicles into The Market footprint. To ensure a smooth transition for the entire Market community, vendors are required to prepare and pack products and equipment and completely tear down their booth to be ready to load their vehicle before driving into The Market area.  

One hour after The Market closes, all vendors must be packed up and off the street. Vendors who are still on the street will be subject to ticketing by the City of Des Moines and Des Moines Police Department.  

For more information on teardown, see pages 36 and 37 in The Market Handbook.  

Weather Policy

The Market is a rain or shine event. The Market staff takes the safety of vendors and patrons seriously. The Market staff is the only entity with the ability to close or delay The Market.  

If The Market closes, in the case of severe weather, or another emergency, vendors and patrons are expected to leave The Market footprint and close booths as soon and safely as possible.  

In the event The Market must close, vendors will be notified by Market Staff as soon as possible and will receive notifications via email and text from Marketspread.  

For more information on inclement weather and emergency procedures, see pages 30 and 31 of The Market Handbook.  

Contact Information

For questions, contact Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager, at eweyers@downtownDSMUSA.com.