Food Festivals and Farmers' Markets in Downtown Des Moines

Sip, sample and savor your way through this list of remaining summertime and fall farmers’ markets and foodie festivals. You don’t want to miss these food-centric events coming up in Downtown Des Moines! The countdown is on — here’s your chance to take a bite of these remaining events taking place this summer.

End-of-Summer and Fall Events in Downtown Des Moines

1. Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market
Saturdays, May – Oct. | Historic Court District
Every Saturday morning, May through October, the Historic Court District bustles with hundreds of vendors and entrepreneurs selling farm fresh meat, cheese and eggs, local produce, flowers and plants, baked goods, handcrafted art and much more. This staple Des Moines weekly event centered around Iowa food and farmers is a must-do!
desmoinesfarmersmarket.com

2. Iowa Corn Bred Cornbread Festival
Saturday, July 27, 2024  |  Riverview Park
Just a short trek outside of Downtown Des Moines, celebrate Iowans and Iowa businesses at this family friendly festival that highlights Iowa community and culture. Inspired and designed by youth born and bred in Iowa.
cornbreadiowa.com

3. Des Moines Restaurant Week
Aug. 16-25, 2024 | Various Locations
Score yourself limited-time dishes and unmatched deals, with lunches ranging $15-$25 and dinners ranging $40-$80 at some of DSM’s hottest eateries. A robust list of Downtown Des Moines restaurants are participating this year, including Alba, Proudfoot & Bird, Table 128 (pictured below), HoQ, Django and more.
DSMrestaurantweek.com

4. Everybody's Favorite Barbecue & Hot Sauce Festival
Aug. 23-25, 2024  | Riverview Park
Celebrate your love for barbecue and hot sauce at this can’t-miss festival. Enjoy barbecue and hot sauce (of course!), food and drinks, live music, entertainment and lots, lots more.
everybodysfavoritefestival.com

5. World Food & Music Festival
Aug. 23-25, 2024  | Western Gateway Park
You won’t want to miss this beloved food festival in Downtown Des Moines, returning for its 20th year! With vendors representing food flavors from across the globe and taste items priced at just $2, this is a fan favorite food event in Downtown DSM.
worldfoodandmusicfestival.com

6. Ingersoll LIVE
Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024  | 2300 Block of Ingersoll Avenue
Let’s hear it for summer! Taking place right next to Downtown Des Moines is this family-friendly block party on Ingersoll Avenue. Enjoy live music, entertainment, eats and drinks, art, kid-friendly activities … you gotta check it out!
theavenuesDSM.com

7. Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival
Sept. 21-22, 2024  | Western Gateway Park
Enjoy the tastes, sights and sounds of Latin America! Celebrate culture and heritage, dance and music, authentic foods, refreshing drinks, and so much more at this annual Downtown festival.
latinoheritagefestival.org

8. Hello Fall Festival
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024  | Captain Roy's
Get festive for fall! Just a bit outside of Downtown, celebrate all things fall, including fall drinks, fall food and overall fall vibes from a wonderful selection of local vendors. Grab some goodies, hangout, shop and enjoy the live music as you take in everything the autumn season has to offer!
captainroys.com

9. Oktoberfest
Sept. 27-28, 2024  | Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park
Put on your Lederhosen or Dirndl and join the fun at this German-themed food and drink event! At Oktoberfest, you’ll find a bier garden, German foods, live music, silent disco, themed competitions and beer. Prost!
oktoberfestDSM.net

Explore even more Downtown Des Moines festivals and events and plan your next visit Downtown with these parking and navigation resources.