Downtown Farmers' Market Opening Day is Saturday, May 7
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (April 6, 2022) – The Downtown streets will be filled with live music and the smells of fresh, local food when the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines returns for its Opening Day on Saturday, May 7. The Market takes place every Saturday morning from May through October. Hours are 7 a.m. – Noon, with a later start time during October when hours are 8 a.m. – Noon. The Market spans nine city blocks in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) in the Historic Court District: On Court Avenue from Water Street to Fifth Avenue and extending north and south on Second Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street. The Market is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
The Market supports nearly 275 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 including beef, pork, bison, chicken, turkey, goat, rabbit and lamb. Patrons can also eat breakfast, enjoy the atmosphere, meet with family and friends and enjoy live entertainment.
“Opening Day is a special day each year in Downtown DSM, and we look forward to welcoming back tens of thousands of visitors to experience one of the most vibrant farmers’ markets in the country,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, Chief Operations Officer at the Greater Des Moines Partnership and President of Downtown DSM, Inc. “The Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market supports farmers, fresh food producers, artisans and small businesses from across the state and presents a gathering spot in Downtown.”
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.
“The Downtown Farmers’ Market promotes a healthy lifestyle by presenting visitors with the opportunity to buy fresh produce and promotes a healthy community dynamic by supporting small businesses and bringing people Downtown to participate in many of the area’s amenities,” said David Stark, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “We encourage residents from across the region and state to visit Downtown DSM on Opening Day and every Saturday throughout the season.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Market Extras and Saturday Solutes programs. Through Market Extras, the Downtown Farmers' Market invites corporations/businesses, such as banks, realtors, insurance, cell phone or other service provide businesses to participate and support The Market as a Market Extra Partner. As a Market Extra, businesses receive a privileged presence at The Market with onsite visibility and signage. The Saturday Salute Program provides local nonprofit and charitable organizations a venue to promote learning opportunities, events and community resources each Saturday. If interested in applying as a Saturday Salute or Market Extra, please create an account to be considered for the 2022 season.
More information, including a full list of 2022 vendors, will be announced in coming weeks. Visit desmoinesfarmersmarket.com 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 365 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.