Des Moines farmers markets are so much more than a place to buy locally grown and produced foods. They are a destination, often with entertainment, meals, crafts, and more. Support local and entertain the family, all while stocking up on food for the week.
The Valley Junction Farmers Market starts May 4 and the Downtown Farmers Market starts May 6.
We’ve compiled a list of Central Iowa farmers markets that have announced their dates for 2023 and organized them by the day of the week. Follow your favorites on social media to keep up with any weather-related or other schedule changes.
//Related Article: 10 Tips for Taking Kids to Farmers Market //
Shop Local: Des Moines Area Farmers Markets
Monday
Pleasant Hill Community Farmers‘ Market
Tuesday
Johnston Farmers Market
Where: Johnston Town Center
When: June – September, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Why we love it: This neighborhood market features a variety of vendors without being too big or overwhelming. The Market also raises approximately $2,500 each year for the Johnston Residential Tree Program.
Beaverdale Farmers Market
Where: 48th St and Franklin Ave, Des Moines
When: June 6 – September 12, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why we love it: Looking for a small-town vibe in the middle of the city? The Beaverdale Farmers Market is where it’s at! This low-key farmers market has the staples you love, and you might just see a neighbor or two. Around 40 Iowa vendors sell produce, meats, eggs, honey, and more.
Capitol Complex Farmers Market
Where: E. 13th St. between E. Walnut St. and E. Grand Ave. (Parking is available in Visitor Lot 15 just north of the Lucas Building.)
When: June 13 – September 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Why we love it: Work or live downtown? The Capitol Complex Farmers Market is a perfect way to get some fresh air – and fresh produce! – on your lunch break.
Wednesday
Waukee Farmers Market
Where: Downtown Triangle on 6th St., Waukee
When: June 7 – September 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why we love it: This mid-week farmers market is convenient to western suburb-dwellers, offering fresh produce and local goods.
Bondurant Farmers Market
Where: Landus Cooperative and Bike Trailhead, Bondurant
When: May – October, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m
Why we love it: With the support of the Bondurant Farmer’s Cooperative (now known as Landus), this farmers market boasts a relaxed, country feel for the eastern suburbs.
Thursday
Valley Junction Farmers Market
Where: Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines
When: Starting May 4 – September 28, 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Why we love it: Does it get more charming than the history and whimsy of West Des Moines’ Historic Valley Junction?
Friday
Dallas Center Farmers Market
Where: Mound Park, Dallas Center
When: June to September, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why we love it: The Dallas Center Farmers Market, which started in 2008, doesn’t charge Dallas Center-area produce-growers and vendors registration fees. Three cheers for small-town Iowa!
Norwalk Farmers Market
Where: 701 Main St, Norwalk
When: May 5 to October 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why we love it: It’s quick to get from on the south side of the metro, and a great way to pick up goods for the weekend. A nice variety of locally grown and made goods.
Saturday
Downtown Farmers Market
Where: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines
When: May – October, 7 a.m. to Noon
Why we love it: The stalwart of markets in the metro, the Downtown Farmers Market returns in its full version this year. Find produce, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants, flowers and artisan packaged food, handmade art, ready-to-eat prepared food, and more!
// RELATED CONTENT: What to Expect at Downtown Farmers Market //
Grimes Farmers Market
Where: Heritage Park, Grimes
When: June – August, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Why we love it: The Grimes Farmers Market is back with new management, a new location, and a new day. Check out their ever-evolving group of vendors.
Indianola Farmers Market
Where: Highway 92 at the Fairground West Gate, Indianola
When: June 4 to October 29, 8 a.m. to noon
Why we love it: Looking for produce staples but not feeling like a drive to Des Moines? Indianola-dwellers will appreciate this fresh and friendly farmers market, which is open on Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.
Heart of Des Moines
Where: 6th & Washington Ave
When: June 10, July 8, August 12, September 9, and October 14, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Why we love it: This woman-run market is committed to bringing fresh and healthy foods, art, opportunity, and joy to the neighborhood they love.
Dogpatch Urban Garden
Where: 5085 Meredith Drive, Des Moines
When: Wednesday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Dogpatch Urban Gardens is an urban farm in Des Moines. They grow produce naturally with organic principles, and sustainable methods, on ¼ an acre of land. They never use any form of synthetic chemicals on the plot including artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.
Global Greens Farmers Market
Global Greens farmers are former refugees building small businesses and finding a path to sustainability through farming. All produce is certified naturally grown.
Where: 3200 University Ave, Des Moines
When: May – October, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Sunday
Maxwell’s Market in the Park
Where: Maxwell City Park
When: May – September, Noon to 3 p.m.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon, head to Maxwell’s city park to check out up to 70 vendors (with an ever-growing waitlist), live entertainment, and food.
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Send us an email if we missed your favorite farmers’ market, and we’ll add it to our comprehensive Des Moines Farmers Market Guide.
We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.
