Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market

Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market operates in Des Moines, Iowa as a dedicated space for small farms and local food businesses to sell directly to the public — no middlemen, just fresh goods.

Hours are listed as May-October 2026, Saturdays 7 AM-12 PM. It's always worth calling ahead or checking social media for last-minute changes.

The vendors at Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market offer Vegetables and Fruits, among other seasonal goods that rotate based on the time of year.

Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is part of a national network of farmers markets that have grown substantially over the past two decades. According to USDA data, the number of registered farmers markets in the United States has expanded significantly, reflecting growing consumer demand for local, transparent food sourcing. Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market contributes to that network by giving Des Moines-area growers and food producers a reliable, recurring venue for direct sales.

For consumers, the practical benefit of shopping at Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is freshness. Produce sold at a farmers market is typically harvested within 24 to 72 hours of sale — far less time than the average transit and distribution time for produce in conventional supply chains. That shorter journey from field to table has real implications for flavor, nutritional density, and shelf life at home. Strawberries bought at Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market on a Saturday morning are simply a different product from strawberries that have traveled across the country in a refrigerated truck.

The economic impact of a market like Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market is also worth noting. When you spend money at Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market, most of that money stays within the Des Moines area. Small farms and food businesses that sell direct-to-consumer do not depend on wholesale distribution margins, which means a larger percentage of each sale goes back to the producer — and back into the local economy. That is a meaningful difference from shopping at a national chain retailer.

Markets like Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market are essential to Des Moines's food landscape — they keep dollars local, reduce supply chain distance, and give residents access to fresher food than most retail options.

Contact Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market directly to learn about accepted payment methods, including whether SNAP/EBT benefits are accepted.