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Downtown Farmers’ Market 2023 Opening Day Is Saturday, May 6

May 1, 2023

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 1, 2023) – Opening day is here for the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. The Market will begin on Saturday, May 6 from 7 a.m. – Noon in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). 

On Saturday, The Market will officially ring in the new season with a ceremonial bell ringing at 7 a.m. Shortly prior, commemorative Market cowbells will be distributed at Third Street and Court Avenue to allow vendors and patrons to ring simultaneously and commence The Market season. The first 250 Market-goers to stop by The Market’s information booth on-site will receive a free cowbell to help ring in the season and take home.  

The Market supports more than 300 local small business owners, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 50 counties across the state of Iowa. The Market offers a variety of attractions and activities including shopping for fresh produce, seasonal flowers, farm fresh eggs and cheese, locally produced wine and fresh baked goods as well as a variety of Iowa-raised meat. Patrons can also eat breakfast, enjoy the atmosphere, meet with family and friends and enjoy live entertainment. 

“We invite residents and visitors throughout the Greater Des Moines region, the state and beyond to experience opening day at one of the most highly regarded farmers’ markets in the country,” said Megan Renkel, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “There is always a special feeling in the air for the first Market of the season, and we are looking forward to welcoming our patrons to discover everything The Market has to offer.” 

Here are some new elements at The Market in 2023: 

  • The Market features nearly 70 new vendors of all types. View the vendor list here. 
  • This year, The Market will accept SNAP EBT cards and participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program. For more information on the SNAP EBT program and Double Up Food Bucks, visit The Market’s website.  
  • The Spark DSM Business Incubator is expanding to include more vendors in 2023. Selected vendors that apply to the Downtown Farmers’ Market will get multiple dates at The Market ranging through the season. Vendors will also have access to year-round classes and supplemental education. Interested vendors can learn more on The Market’s website. 
  • Those interested in volunteering at The Market can now sign up for a shift through VolunteerLocal. 

“The Downtown Farmers’ Market provides opportunities for patrons to find healthy fresh food options and enjoy the vibrancy of a festival-like atmosphere in Downtown Des Moines,” said David Stark, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “We are looking forward to getting another Market season underway.” 

The Downtown Farmers’ Market began in 1976 with just 15 vendors and an average of 200 shoppers. Today, The Market supports more than 300 vendors and welcomes an average of 25,000 visitors each Saturday. An estimated 40,000 shoppers typically visit on opening day and key peak dates throughout the season. 

Visit The Market website for more information. 

About the Downtown Farmers’ Market

The Downtown Farmers’ Market is held every Saturday morning May – October in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines. The Market also produces a Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market in November and December. Find more information at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownFarmersMarket and on Twitter and Instagram at @dtfarmersmarket.  

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.