DOWNTOWN FARMERS' MARKET FAQS 

What are the Saturday Market dates and hours?

The Downtown Farmers' Market will take place on Saturdays through Oct. 26. The hours are 7 a.m. – Noon, and 8 a.m. – Noon in October. 

Where is The Market located?

The Market is an open-air street market located in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Vendors will be set up outdoors on Court Avenue and adjacent side streets. For mapping purposes, use 300 Court Ave., Des Moines; however, this is not a mailing address.

What vendors and products will be at The Market?

Vendors for the 2025 season will be announced in the spring of 2025. 

Will there be music and live entertainment at The Market?

The Market will host entertainment, musical performances and family friendly activities.

Will The Market provide additional seating options?

There will be seating options outside of Hy-Vee, on the North end of 3rd Street and in the courtyard next to Terrus parking (bike valet station) at 2nd and Court Ave. 

Will there be handwashing and/or sanitizing stations at The Market?

Yes, handwashing stations can be located near the portable toilets and can be located throughout The Market footprint. 

Will cash payments still be allowed?

Cash is accepted by all vendors. However, The Market team encourages all patrons to consider using touchless or card payments, when possible.

Will The Market Accept SNAP EBT Cards? 

This year, The Market will accept SNAP EBT Cards and participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program. Double Up is a nutrition incentive program that “matches” SNAP EBT Card benefits spent at farmers’ markets. Whatever you spend on your SNAP Card, you’ll get a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10 in DUFB that you can spend on fresh fruits and vegetables. So, if you spend $10 on your SNAP EBT Card, you’ll get an extra $10 in Double Up Food Bucks – FREE – that you can use to buy more, fresh produce. These bucks can be used at The Market as well as other participating farmers’ markets and select grocery stores. 

Patrons who are enrolled in SNAP/EBT can have their card swiped at The Market’s Information Booth at Third Street and Court Avenue for however much money they want to use in Market tokens and to redeem Double Up Food Bucks. These bucks can be used at The Market as well as other participating farmers’ markets and select grocery stores.  

If you don’t spend all your Market currency, you have two options: you can have the funds put back on your SNAP EBT Card on the same day, OR you can save the market currency and use it later. SNAP EBT Card currency can be spent throughout the entire market season. Vendors are not allowed to give you change for SNAP EBT Card currency. 

Are dogs allowed at The Market?

The Market takes place in the Historic Court District, which is the neighborhood of many Downtown residents.

Market management encourages pet owners to leave their dog at home. If patrons do choose to bring their dogs, they are expected to act in a responsible pet-owner manner and adhere to these six rules to ensure a pleasant Market experience for all:

• Dogs must be under control on a short leash (max. three-foot leash), and by the owner’s side always. Dogs need to be kept away from produce, plants and food products.
• Dogs need to be courteous and able to socialize with people and other dogs.
• Be understanding. Not everyone loves dogs, and some fear dogs.
• The Market operates under the City of Des Moines’ laws regarding pets, which include a leash law, cleanup of droppings, current tags and a current rabies certificate.
• Bring doggy cleanup bags or use bags provided around The Market located in dispensers on various light poles.

If I have a question at The Market, where can I find someone to ask?

Market staff members will be available at the Information Booth located at 3rd and Court Ave. to answer Market-related questions.

Where should I park?

Visitors have numerous options available adjacent to The Market. Several free and paid parking meters, lots and garages are available on streets surrounding The Market.

Please visit the Parking and Directions webpage here.

What if I am planning to make a large or heavy purchase at The Market?

The Market offers a free wagon lending program to help patrons tote cumbersome purchases to their vehicles. Wagon availability is limited and available on a first come, first serve basis at the Information Booth on the corner of 3rd Street and Court Ave. 

Weather

While The Market plans to be open, rain or shine, inclement weather can make closures, delays and/or cancellations possible. In the case of emergency weather conditions, the safety of Market patrons and vendors (and their employees) is The Market’s first priority. Because of the variable nature of a potential emergency or urgent situation, vendors, patrons and the general public should be on alert and adhere to the direction given in the emergency or urgent situation. If time permits, information about closures, delays or cancellations will be broadcast. The Market social media outlets will also have information in addition to this website.

Where can I find updates on delays or closures?

Check in on social media, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, for updates on weather cancellations and delays.