The Greater Des Moines Story: Partnership News

A woman grabbing vegetables from a table inside

Vendor Applications Open for Downtown Winter Farmers' Market

Winter Market returns for three days of holiday cheer Nov. 20-22 at Capital Square

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 8, 2026) – The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, presented by Prairie Meadows, is returning to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) this holiday season, bringing three days of local food, gifts, free entertainment and holiday cheer to Capital Square Friday, Nov. 20 through Sunday, Nov. 22.

Vendor applications for The Winter Market are now open and will be accepted through Friday, Sept. 25. Farmers, producers, makers and small businesses interested in participating can apply at downtowndsmusa.com

The Winter Market is produced by the Downtown Farmers’ Market which takes place Saturdays from May through October. The holiday event gives Marketgoers an opportunity to support local businesses while shopping for ingredients for holiday meals, unique gifts and seasonal favorites including wreaths and ornaments.

In addition to holiday shopping, attendees can enjoy live entertainment and a variety of food and beverage options throughout the weekend. Food trucks will be located outside Capital Square on Cowles Commons, bringing even more flavor and fun to Downtown. Admission is free.

"There's something special about Downtown during the holiday season, and we’re excited to host The Winter Market,” said Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “With local vendors inside, food trucks and activity spreading out onto Cowles Commons and all that Downtown has to offer, we can’t wait to welcome everyone for a festive weekend of shopping local, sharing good food and celebrating the season together.” 

The three-day Winter Market will be open: 

  • 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.

The Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, presented by Prairie Meadows, is free and open to the public. Businesses interested in participating in The Winter Market can learn more and apply through Friday, Sept. 25. online 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.