The Downtown Farmers' Market is open rain or shine every Saturday, May 2 through October 31, 2009.
Celebrate fall at the Downtown Farmers Market
As the beautiful fall weather arrives you’ll continue to find the delicious taste of farm fresh food picked just for you, at the Downtown Farmers Market. Every Saturday throughout September and October the Market will be packed with a colorful bounty of fruits, vegetables, and fun. Come see the vibrant colors of fall at the Downtown Farmers Market, every Saturday in the Court District, 7:00 A.M - noon.
Support local agriculture and buy direct from Iowa farmers while shopping the Downtown Farmers Market. The Downtown Farmers Market presents Iowa producers from 51 counties across Iowa, offering fresh fruit, vegetables and so much more. You’ll find fresh herbs, beautiful flowers, farm fresh eggs, three local wineries, a delicious assortment of goat cheese, an endless selection of baked goods, and many varieties of Iowa raised meat such as beef, pork, chicken, lamb, elk, buffalo, ostrich, . Come for the freshness and stay for the fun at the Downtown Farmers Market!
No time to visit a pumpkin patch or apple orchard to get into the fall mood? No problem. A wonderful experience is awaiting you at the Downtown Farmers Market. During the month of October the market becomes a collection of pumpkin patches and apple orchards from around the state. A tour of the market during October signals the arrival of fall. Patrons can expect to find fresh apple products such as carmel apples, apple pies, and hot apple cider. The Market is also the greatest place for perfect Iowa-grown pumpkins (just in time for Halloween), beautiful decorative Indian corn, fresh fall mums and dried flowers, as well as unique autumn arts and crafts.
Farmers Market shoppers have been stocking up on their favorite market items for weeks. October is the time to visit your favorite vendors and producers and stock up on produce that can be stored in a cool dry place and last for months, like potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, and more. To make it through the winter make sure to stock up on your favorite farmers market jams & jellies, salsa, wine, and all your favorite farmers market sundries.
Saturday, October 31, will be the last chance for central Iowans to visit the Downtown Farmers Market in downtown Des Moines this season. The Market will be open every Saturday during October from 7 a.m. to noon with a full supply of vendors, entertainment and fun.
Downtown Farmers' Market
Court Avenue District, Downtown Des Moines
Saturdays, 7 a.m. - Noon
The Downtown Farmers' Market offers delicious spring greens, herbs, and a variety of spring produce early on in the season. Vegetable and herb plants are in abundance, as well as hanging floral baskets, bedding plants and perennials. Market patrons can expect to see nearly 200 vendors, from 47 Iowa counties, with farm fresh products including Iowa raised pork, beef, lamb, poultry, fish, elk, baked breads, pies and cinnamon rolls. Shoppers can also find nuts, eggs, butter, cheese, wine, jams, jellies, beautiful cut flowers, unique hostas and a vast assortment of locally created arts, crafts, jewelry, rugs, and clothing.
In effort to support the cohesive market community, and for the safety of both our vendors and market customers the Market will officially open at 7 a.m. Market patrons will not be able to make purchases before 7 a.m. "Starting at 7 a.m. will give our vendors ample time to get their booths set up and ready for the opening of the market."
The Downtown Farmers' Market continues to be a dog-friendly market. Dogs are expeted to adhere to our "Dog Etiquette Guidelines" for our four-legged friends to help ensure safety and health at the market. The Market, at times, can get hot and very busy and is not the best place to bring a pet. If patrons do choose to bring their dogs, we ask that they adhere to these six rules to make everyone's market experience a pleasant one.
Dog Etiquette Guidelines
1. Dogs must be under control on a short leash, and by the owner's side at all times, (max 3ft leash while within the market).
2. Dogs need to be kept away from produce, plants and prepared food products.
3. Dogs need to be sociable with other dogs and children to earn the right to be at the market.
4. Be understanding - not everyone is a dog lover.
5. Please clean up after your dog.
6. The Downtown Farmers' Market enforces The City of Des Moines laws regarding pets which include a lease law not to exceed six feet, clean up of droppings, current tags and a current rabies certificate. Pamphlets further explaining The City of Des Moines Animal Licensing and Regulations can be picked up at our Downtown Farmers' Market Information booth located at the corner of 4th and Court. Market Management reserves the right to ask any pet owner not willing to adhere to these rules to leave the Market.
The charm of the Downtown Farmers' Market is that each Saturday is a different experience. Kids can participate each Saturday in agricultural and nature-related activities at the "Earn your PhB" booth, sponsored by Pioneer Hi-Bred, which offers informative and imaginative seasonal activities like planting herbs and making pet rocks. The program is scheduled weekly (weather permitting), and is located on the southwest corner of 4th and Court. It’s free—thanks to Pioneer.
For those looking for the perfect gift for their favorite Farmers' Market enthusiast, Downtown Farmers Market merchandise is available. Merchandise includes colorful market shopping bags and gift certificates. The certificates are a great gift idea or can be purchased by companies to be used for employee recognition or awards. They are available in both one and five dollar increments, and can be purchased at the Market or by calling (515) 286-4911 or mkotval@downtowndesmoines.com
The Downtown Farmers' Market, presented by Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. and organized by the Downtown Community Alliance, will open Saturday, May 2 and will continue every Saturday morning, rain or shine, from 7 a.m. to noon, through Oct. 31, 2009. Live music at the Market has become a tradition and the 2009 Market is packed full of entertainment. The entertainment line-up includes an eclectic mix of live music by local musicians, jugglers, mimes, stilt walkers, and a few surprises along the way.
Click here to view market map
Click here to see a vendor list
Click here for information on how to become a vendor
