The Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market occupies Court Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street in the heart of Iowa's capital city every Saturday morning from early May through late October. With more than 300 vendors spread across several city blocks, it ranks among the largest open-air farmers markets in the Midwest, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each weekend during peak summer season.
A self-guided visit begins at the east end of Court Avenue and works westward through stalls offering freshly harvested Iowa produce, artisan cheeses, handmade pasta, farm-fresh eggs, raw honey, and seasonal preserves. Prepared-food vendors line both sides of the street with everything from kettle corn and fresh-pressed juice to tamales, Ethiopian injera, and locally roasted single-origin coffee. On select Saturdays, Iowa craft beer vendors set up taps at designated booths and live musical acts perform along the route.
Des Moines Walks, a local guided-walk company, offers curated Saturday morning market tours pairing vendor introductions with tasting stops; visitors who prefer a structured narrative can check desmoineswalks.com for seasonal tour availability and pricing. The fully self-guided option carries no entry cost beyond individual purchases, making the market accessible to visitors at every budget level.
Most groups spend two to three hours working through the full vendor circuit. The market operates rain or shine throughout the season, so layers are recommended for early May and October mornings when temperatures can be cool. Dietary accommodations are inherent to the market format: dedicated gluten-free bakers, certified vegan vendors, and allergen-conscious food preparers are well represented and easy to identify through posted signage. All vendors accept cash; most accept credit cards; Iowa EBT and SNAP benefits are valid for eligible food purchases.
The market serves as a central gathering point for Iowa's farm-to-table community and provides an accessible introduction to the agricultural diversity of the state. Sought-after items — artisan sourdough loaves, specialty pastries, heirloom tomatoes, and fresh herbs — routinely sell out well before the noon close. Arriving between 7:00 and 8:00 AM delivers the widest selection and the most relaxed shopping environment before crowds peak mid-morning.
What is included
- Free market access
- 300+ vendors
- Produce, cheese, baked goods, prepared foods
- Iowa craft beer vendors on select Saturdays
Good to know
- Operator
- Self-guided (no booking required) or Des Moines Walks (desmoineswalks.com)
Location
Court Ave between 3rd and 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
41.5845, -93.6271 View on map
Highlights
- Browse 300+ vendor stalls spanning fresh produce, artisan cheese, baked goods, and global prepared foods along Court Ave
- Sample locally roasted single-origin coffee and specialty pastries from Iowa's small-batch producers
- Discover Iowa's farm-to-table culture at one of the Midwest's largest Saturday morning open-air markets
- Catch live music and Iowa craft beer vendors on select summer Saturdays along the Court Ave corridor
Tips for visiting
- Arrive by 7:30 AM for the widest selection — sourdough loaves and popular pastries routinely sell out before 9 AM
- Bring a reusable bag or wheeled cart; 300+ vendors can mean heavy loads for thorough shoppers
- The market runs rain or shine; dress in layers as May and October mornings can be cool
- Cash speeds up small vendor transactions, though most stalls now accept credit cards
- Budget $20–40 for a comprehensive tasting circuit without major grocery purchases
Frequently asked questions
Is the Des Moines Farmers Market free to enter?
Yes, the market has no admission fee. Visitors pay only for items they choose to purchase, with individual tastings typically ranging from $1 to $5 per sample.
When does the market run each year?
The market operates every Saturday from early May through late October, generally 7:00 AM to noon. A limited Holiday Market runs on select December weekends at a separate indoor location.
Are dietary restrictions accommodated at the market?
The market offers a wide range of options including gluten-free baked goods, vegan prepared foods, and dairy-free products. Visitors should speak directly with individual vendors about specific allergens.
Is parking available near Court Avenue?
Street parking and several pay lots are accessible along 3rd and 4th Streets. The market is also reachable by Des Moines Area Regional Transit (DART) bus routes.