The Countdown to Opening Day of the Farmers' Market Begins!

 

The winter months are a busy time for the Downtown Farmers’ Market team. We’ve been lining up all the logistics to make sure opening day, and every Saturday after through to late October, fills Downtown Des Moines (DSM) with incredible smells, flavors and experiences. But for Market regulars, it can be a time of impatience.

Who else misses waking up early on a Saturday to stroll through the various vendors? For us on The Market team, we have a craving for locally-grown, fresh Market vendor produce and foods. The good news is we are just days away. The Market’s Opening Day is this Saturday, May 5 from 7 a.m. to Noon.

Crowd favorites will be returning this year, but there are many new vendors — 40 at last count — adding even more richness to The Market. To help prepare you (and us), here’s what you need to know to make the most of Opening Day:

The early bird gets the... bell?

The early bird gets the worm, or in this case, the bell. To really get into the spirit of The Market season, we will be hosting a special event bright and early on Opening Day. Make sure to be one of the first 200 visitors lining Court Avenue as we will be handing out Opening Day bells to ring signaling The Market’s official opening at 7 a.m. We’ll also be handing out special Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health – Des Moines t-shirts to the first shoppers that come through The Market on Opening Day.

Coupons and deals

Early risers are also encouraged to sign up for the Rise & Shine Market Deals. By texting “Market” to 46986, you will receive a text each Friday afternoon during Market season that contains special deals, coupons and offers for the following day’s Market. Simply show the text message or link, either through your phone or as a screenshot or printout, to the corresponding vendor to redeem the Rise & Shine Market Deal. This is a great way to get behind-the-scenes and in on the best Market deals. And don’t worry: You can opt out at any time.

DART down to The Market

With visitors coming from all around Greater Des Moines (DSM), there’s hundreds of free and paid parking options within walking distance available. The Market has also once again partnered with Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) to offer free transportation to and from The Market with the D-Line Shuttle. Park your vehicle anywhere along the route and hop on the bus to be dropped off near The Market between First Street and Fifth Avenue. Buses run every 10 minutes through Market hours, so catching a lift is made easy.

Biking enthusiasts can ride to The Market and secure their bikes with the Des Moines Bicycle Collective at the safe and secure bike valet. Located inside the Terrus Real Estate Group parking ramp at the southeast corner of Second and Court Avenue, staff are available to pump tires and change flats.

Let the season commence

Whether you’re excited for the produce and meats, live entertainment or just the vibrant atmosphere, there’s something for everyone at The Market. We look forward to seeing you there!

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring nearly 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.