The Des Moines Farmers Market is one of the largest outdoor farmers markets in the Midwest, occupying Court Avenue between 3rd and 5th Street in the heart of downtown Des Moines, Iowa. Each Saturday morning from May through October, more than 300 vendors transform the historic Court Avenue district into a sprawling open-air marketplace that draws tens of thousands of visitors on peak weekends. A smaller Wednesday market runs on select weeks during the same season, drawing a more local, midday crowd.
The vendor roster is anchored by Iowa agricultural producers, and the ratio of authentic goods to generic tourist items is notably high. The market enforces producer-only or Iowa-made standards across most vendor categories. Seasonal produce dominates in warm months — sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, strawberries, and winter squash — while grass-fed beef, free-range eggs, and artisan dairy fill cooler stalls. Baked goods vendors offer European-style breads, cinnamon rolls, and fresh-milled flour products baked the morning of the market.
Prepared food stalls and food trucks form a substantial section of the market, with offerings that range from breakfast tacos and fresh crepes to gyros, smoothies, and regional Iowa specialties. Visitors commonly assemble a full breakfast or brunch by moving between vendors. The atmosphere is lively but navigable, with wide pedestrian lanes through the street blocks making stroller and wheelchair access manageable.
Artisan and craft vendors occupy a dedicated portion of the market, selling handmade pottery, jewelry, photography prints, and textile goods. Most goods are Iowa-made and producers are typically present to describe their work.
Pricing across all vendors is fixed at marked sticker rates; bargaining is not customary at this market and vendors hold their prices. The majority of stalls accept credit and debit cards, though a small number of cash-only vendors remain. No sales tax applies to most food purchases. ATMs are accessible in nearby businesses on Court Avenue.
The market runs from 7:00 AM to noon on Saturdays. The most popular produce stalls typically sell out before 10:30 AM, and the prepared food queue peaks around 9:00 AM. Parking fills quickly in the surrounding city ramps and street lots, with early-morning arrival strongly advisable during summer months.
Location
Court Ave between 3rd and 5th St, Des Moines, IA 50309
41.5845, -93.6271 View on map
Highlights
- 300+ vendors across Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines every Saturday, May through October, with a producer-only standard for most categories
- Iowa-grown seasonal produce from regional farms: sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, berries, grass-fed meats, and artisan dairy
- Extensive prepared food section with breakfast tacos, crepes, gyros, fresh-pressed juices, and Iowa regional specialties
- Artisan craft section with handmade pottery, jewelry, textiles, and Iowa-made goods, with producers on-site
- Wednesday market on select weeks offers a smaller, less crowded midweek alternative for locals and downtown workers
Tips for visiting
- Arrive at or before 7:30 AM Saturday for the best produce selection; the most popular vendors sell out by 10:30 AM
- Most vendors accept cards, but bring cash as a backup — a handful of smaller stalls are cash-only
- Parking in the 3rd Street city ramps fills fast on summer Saturdays; arrive early or use public transit or rideshare
- Sticker prices are fixed — bargaining is not expected or customary at this market
- Bring a reusable bag; vendor packaging is minimal and produce quantities add up quickly
Frequently asked questions
When is the Des Moines Farmers Market open?
The main market runs Saturdays from 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM, May through October. A smaller Wednesday market operates on select weeks from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM during the same season.
Is there food available to eat at the market?
Yes — a substantial prepared food section features food trucks and stalls offering breakfast items, international cuisine, pastries, and beverages. Visitors commonly graze a full meal while shopping the vendor rows.
Do vendors accept credit cards?
Most vendors accept major credit and debit cards, but a few smaller or produce-only stalls are cash-only. Bringing some cash ensures access to every vendor on the floor.
Is the market accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
The market occupies city streets with wide pedestrian lanes, making navigation with strollers and wheelchairs generally manageable. The surface is paved asphalt throughout the Court Avenue blocks.