Guide to Des Moines Farmers Markets

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FARMERS MARKET DES MOINESHave you checked out the farmers markets in Des Moines? They are amazing! Not only can you find locally grown and produced foods, but you can also enjoy live entertainment, delicious meals, and browse through a variety of crafts. It’s a great way to support the local community and have some fun with your family while stocking up on fresh food for the week.

The Valley Junction Farmers Market starts May 2 and the Downtown Farmers Market starts May 4. 

We’ve compiled a list of Central Iowa farmers markets that have announced their dates for 2024 and organized them by the day of the week. Follow your favorites on social media to keep up with any weather-related or other schedule changes.

//Related Article: 10 Tips for Taking Kids to Farmers Market //

Shop Local: Des Moines Area Farmers Markets

Monday

Pleasant Hill Community Farmers‘ Market

Where: 5299 E University, Pleasant Hill
 
When: June – Aug, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
 
Why we love it: 30+ vendors a week with a variety of farmers, bakers, artisans, food trucks, and musicians. But what sets it apart is its goal to build a family-friendly community that involves a bike-friendly, pet-friendly, covered eating area, a new playground, a kid’s activity tent, and a train that gives free rides every week. 

Tuesday

Dogpatch Urban Garden

Where: 5085 Meredith Drive, Des Moines

When: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (10 a.m – 6 p.m. Thurs & Fri)

Dogpatch Urban Gardens is an urban farm in Des Moines. They grow produce naturally with organic principles, and sustainable methods, on ¼ an acre of land. They never use any form of synthetic chemicals on the plot including artificial pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers.

Johnston Farmers Market

Where:  Johnston Town Center

When: June – September, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why we love it: This neighborhood market features a variety of vendors without being too big or overwhelming. The Market also raises approximately $2,500 each year for the Johnston Residential Tree Program.

Beaverdale Farmers Market

Where: 48th St and Franklin Ave, Des Moines

When: June 4 – September 10, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Why we love it: Looking for a small-town vibe in the middle of the city? The Beaverdale Farmers Market is where it’s at! This low-key farmers market has the staples you love, and you might just see a neighbor or two. Around 40 Iowa vendors sell produce, meats, eggs, honey, and more.

Wednesday

Waukee Farmers Market

Where: Downtown Triangle on 6th St., Waukee

When: June 4 – September 25, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Why we love it: This mid-week farmers market is convenient to western suburb-dwellers, offering fresh produce and local goods. 

Bondurant Farmers Market

Where: 201 Main Street SE, Bondurant

When: May – October, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m 

Why we love it: With the support of the Bondurant Farmer’s Cooperative (now known as Landus), this farmers market boasts a relaxed, country feel for the eastern suburbs.

Thursday

Valley Junction Farmers Market

Where: Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines

When: May  – September, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Why we love it: Does it get more charming than the history and whimsy of West Des Moines’ Historic Valley Junction? 

© kstudio photo by Canva

Friday

Norwalk Farmers Market

Where: 701 Main St, Norwalk

When: May 3 to October 25, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Why we love it: It’s quick to get from on the south side of the metro, and a great way to pick up goods for the weekend. A nice variety of locally grown and made goods.

Saturday

Downtown Farmers Market

Where: Historic Court District, Downtown Des Moines 

When: May – October, 7 a.m. to Noon

Why we love it: The stalwart of markets in the metro, the Downtown Farmers Market returns in its full version this year. Find produce, meat, cheese, eggs, baked goods, plants, flowers and artisan packaged food, handmade art, ready-to-eat prepared food, and more!

// RELATED CONTENT: What to Expect at Downtown Farmers Market //

Grimes Farmers Market

Where: Heritage Park, Grimes

When: June – August, 8 a.m. to noon

Why we love it: The Grimes Farmers Market has continued to grow over the last few years. Check out their ever-evolving group of vendors.

Indianola Farmers Market

Where: Highway 92 at the Fairground West Gate, Indianola

When: June 1 to October, 8 a.m. to noon

Why we love it: Looking for produce staples but not feeling like a drive to Des Moines? Indianola dwellers will appreciate this fresh and friendly farmers market, open Wednesday afternoon and Saturday morning.

Heart of Des Moines

Where: 6th & Washington Ave

When: June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14, and October 12, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Why we love it: This woman-run market is committed to bringing fresh and healthy foods, art, opportunity, and joy to the neighborhood they love.

Global Greens Farmers Market

Global Greens farmers are former refugees building small businesses and finding a path to sustainability through farming. All produce is certified naturally grown. 

Where: 3200 University Ave, Des Moines

When: May – October, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Sunday

Maxwell’s Market in the Park

Where: Maxwell City Park

When: Every 2nd and 4th Sunday, May – September, Noon to 3 p.m.

Why we love it: If you’re looking for a fun-filled Sunday afternoon, head to Maxwell’s city park to check out up to 70 vendors (with an ever-growing waitlist), live entertainment, and food.

Send us an email if we missed your favorite farmers’ market, and we’ll add it to our comprehensive Des Moines Farmers Market Guide.

We work hard to ensure the accuracy of this information. However, you should always call ahead to confirm dates, times, location, and other information before heading to an event or activity, since it may change.

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