Downtown Farmers' Market to Return for Opening Day on Mother's Day Weekend

Greater Des Moines (DSM) residents and visitors will have a chance to find the perfect gift for mom just in time for Mother’s Day and support local businesses as they walk through the streets of Court Avenue in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) for the Opening Day of the Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines from 7 a.m. – Noon on Saturday, May 7.

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 100 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. Members of the UnityPoint Health – Des Moines team will join Market staff members and volunteers for the inaugural bell ringing to celebrate and thank frontline workers in honor of National Nurses Week.

The Market supports 240+ local small business owners, including farmers, producers, bakers and artists that represent 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. Check out the full Market vendor list here.

“We're excited to ring in the 2022 Downtown Farmers’ Market season with Downtown Des Moines residents and visitors and provide a space for fun, engaging entertainment and healthy local food option,” said Megan Renkel, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “Opening Day will be filled with fresh food from local vendors, compelling live entertainment and great ways for residents and visitors to give back to and enjoy the DSM community.”

The Market’s presenting sponsor is UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. UnityPoint Health – Des Moines will provide helpful wellness and prevention programs directly to The Market throughout the season. From health screenings to weekly giveaways, UnityPoint Health – Des Moines will be on-site each Saturday to support its mission of healing, caring and teaching at its booth across from The Market’s information booth on Third Street and Court Ave.

“Wellness is an integral part of the Downtown Des Moines’ Farmers’ Market’s mission, and we are proud to be a part of it,” said David Stark, president and CEO of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. “Our team members look forward to being at the Market each week sharing information and engaging with market goers about our programs and services to help keep our community healthy and well.”

The Meals From The Market program sponsored by First Interstate Bank provides thousands of pounds of fresh food to Des Moines Area Religious Council emergency pantries where it is distributed to 13 pantry sites. Dedicated volunteers will be available to accept food donations every Saturday during Market hours. Market attendees can drop off donations at the bright yellow Meals From The Market tent located on the corner of Second Street and Court Avenue.

The Market takes place every Saturday morning from May through Saturday, Oct. 29. 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 Downtown Farmers’ Market is produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership and presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Additional sponsors include MidAmerican Energy Company, First Interstate Bank, Iowa Food and Family Project, Polk County, DART and iHeart Radio.

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 on the The Market's website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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.