Downtown Farmers' Market Returns May 2, Bringing Farmers, Small Businesses and Communities Together
305 vendors, expanded agricultural focus and community programming shape the 27-week season in Downtown DSM
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 8, 2026) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health returns Saturday, May 2, for a 27-week season in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines.
Market Details
- Dates: Saturdays, May – October 31, 2026 (27 Markets)
- Hours: 7 a.m. – Noon (8 a.m. – Noon in October)
- Location: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines
- Footprint: Spanning 12 city blocks from Water Street to 5th Street
The 2026 season will feature 305 vendors, including 43 new participants, with 75 produce and agriculture vendors highlighting the region’s strong farming community. Vendors represent 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties.
“The Market is really about connection—between farmers and families, small businesses and new customers, and neighbors from across the region,” said Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “It’s something people build into their routines and traditions each year.”
A Focus on Local Agriculture and Access
The 2026 season continues to emphasize local farmers and producers, connecting Market-goers directly with those who grow and produce food across the region.
The Market also expands access to fresh, local food through a range of food assistance programs, including SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and Produce Rx. Many vendors also accept FMNP and WIC vouchers, helping ensure more families can participate.
As a member of Choose Iowa through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, The Market remains committed to supporting Iowa-grown products and strengthening connections between consumers and local producers.
“At UnityPoint Health, we’re proud to support an event that makes healthy, fresh food more accessible while bringing the community together,” said Jon Rozenfeld, Market President at UnityPoint Health. “The Downtown Farmers’ Market shows how access to local food, wellness and connection all come together in one place.”
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
The Market serves as a platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Of the 28 businesses participating in the 2026 Spark DSM program, 22 will operate as onsite vendors, testing and growing their concepts in a high-visibility environment.
Additional programs such as Meals from the Market, the Community Corner which highlights nonprofit organizations and a rentable wagon service that enhances the overall experience while supporting both vendors and visitors.
A Regional Destination
With entertainers and vendors traveling from across Iowa and neighboring states, The Market remains a cornerstone of Downtown DSM and a regional destination.
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the season. Learn more and sign up here.
Season Highlights
- Opening Day: Saturday, May 2
- Independence Day: The Market will take place as scheduled on Saturday, July 4
- National Farmers' Market Week: August 2–8
- Closing Day / Halloween Market: October 31 (featuring trick-or-treating and costumes)
Community Impact
The Market is more than a weekly event—it’s a signature experience in Downtown DSM that supports local agriculture, fuels small business growth and brings thousands of people together each week. In 2025, The Market welcomed more than 736,000 attendees, with nearly 30,000 attendees each Saturday.
Through partnerships with sponsors and community organizations, The Market continues to expand its impact, creating opportunities for connection, economic growth and access to fresh, local food.
“The Downtown Farmers’ Market is one of the region’s most vibrant traditions, supporting small businesses and creating a welcoming space for the entire region,” said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “We’re proud to invest in an experience that drives economic impact and celebrates what makes Greater Des Moines special.”
Sponsors
The Market is presented by UnityPoint Health and supported by John Deere, MidAmerican Foundation, Prairie Meadows and Principal® Foundation. Additional support is provided by Ankeny Sanitation, DMARC, Operation Downtown, Polk County and Terrus Real Estate Group.
For more information, visit DSMPartnership.com.
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 X 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. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.