Market Tips

It pays to get up early

Get to the Market when it opens to find the best selection and the freshest produce.

Bring your own bag

Bring your own canvas shopping bag or basket from home. Brand-new canvas shopping bags are available for purchase at the Downtown Farmers Market. It’s better than having all your items bagged separately.

Try something new

Buy something you haven’t tried before. The Downtown Farmers Market is the perfect place to get educated about food, if you make the effort. Never tried kohlrabi? A vendor can advise you on how to select and prepare it.

Bring a cooler

Put a cooler in your car to keep food items cool when you buy at the market but won’t be going home until later on in the day.

Ask questions

Make sure to ask questions of the vendors when you see unfamiliar produce. Vendors and farmers love to share their knowledge and can even give you recipes and cooking tips.

Dress comfortably

Wear walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. The Downtown Farmers Market is open rain or shine, so dress accordingly.

It’s best to leave your dog at home

The Downtown Farmers’ Market continues to be a dog-friendly market. 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.

• 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).
• Dogs need to be kept away from produce, plants and prepared food products.
• Dogs need to be sociable with other dogs and children to earn the right to be at the market.
• Be understanding – not everyone is a dog lover.
• Please clean up after your dog.
• 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 3rd and Court.