Changing Seasons, Changing Hours at The Market
October brings 8 a.m. opening bell and Winter Market returns in November
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 29, 2026) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health will begin its October hours this Saturday, Oct. 3, with the opening bell ringing moving one hour later to 8 a.m. for the remaining five Saturdays of the outdoor season.
The later October start time gives vendors more daylight to prepare their booths while shoppers pick up late-season items including sweet potatoes, gourds and apples. Looking ahead, Marketgoers can celebrate the final Saturday of the 2026 outdoor season with Halloween at The Market on Oct. 31. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite family-friendly costumes and trick or treat at participating vendors and at The Market Information Booth.
"Fall is such a fun time at The Market, and every Saturday can bring something different,” said Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “From seasonal produce to Halloween and The Winter Market, the changing seasons bring more reasons to visit while continuing to support the local farmers, makers and small businesses that make The Market such a special part of Greater Des Moines.”
In November, the three-day Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market presented by Prairie Meadows will feature unique gifts and seasonal favorites at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines along with food trucks located on Cowles Commons.
The Winter Market hours are:
- Friday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Vendor applications for The Winter Market have closed and participating vendors and additional programming will be announced soon.
"The Winter Market is another great reason to explore Downtown while celebrating small businesses that help make our community vibrant,” said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “Prairie Meadows is proud to sponsor an event that supports local businesses and gives families and friends a fun way to experience Downtown during the holiday season.”
The Downtown Farmers’ Market, presented by UnityPoint Health, and the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, presented by Prairie Meadows, are free and open to the public. Learn more about vendor announcements and programming updates at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.
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About the Downtown Farmers' Market
The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket.
About Downtown DSM, Inc.
Downtown DSM, Inc. is part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership and is dedicated to ensuring the continued growth of Downtown Des Moines (DSM). A strong region needs a strong Downtown. Downtown DSM, Inc. leads efforts to drive development, placemaking and events in Downtown DSM. It promotes Downtown through integration of retail, restaurants, businesses, housing, events and placemaking. The Downtown Events Group enhances the vibrancy of Downtown DSM through the creation, elevation and activation of arts, culture and humanities events and community placemaking. Learn more at downtowndsmusa.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. The Partnership was named Chamber of the Year by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), the chamber industry’s highest honor, and is accredited by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.