The Des Moines Farmers' Market grand opening is this weekend. Here's what you need to know

Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register
·3 min read

Shop local and enjoy the warm weather this weekend at the grand opening of the 2024 Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market.

Tens of thousands of people are expected to visit the 49th season of what's considered one of the best farmers' markets in the country. If you can't make it this Saturday, you have all summer and some of the fall to catch the hundreds of vendors offered at the market.

Whether this is your first time or you're curious about what's new this year, here is what to know about this year's farmers' market.

When does the 2024 Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market open?

The downtown farmers' market begins at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 4, and will continue every Saturday until September. In October, the market shifts back to 8 a.m. to noon.

You'll find the rows of vendors and booths in the Historic Court District in Downtown Des Moines.

What to expect at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market Market?

Vendors line the streets of the Historic Court District every Saturday from May to October for the Downtown Farmers' Market.
Vendors line the streets of the Historic Court District every Saturday from May to October for the Downtown Farmers' Market.

As many as 40,000 shoppers are expected to take to the streets of Court Avenue this weekend. There are more than 300 vendor booths ranging from farmers to bakers to artists and musicians.

Wear good walking shoes because to see every booth, you will stride nine city blocks from Water Street to Fifth Avenue as well as north and south on Second Avenue, Third Street and Fourth Street.

After the grand opening, the Downtown Farmers' Market typically attracts 25,000 shoppers a week.

Where to park at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market?

Surrounding the Court Avenue District, there are several free and paid parking meters, lots and garages available for day-of parking.

DART offers a free shuttle from May through October for public transportation to the farmers market. The D-line runs on extended hours to service the Market.

Shoppers can park anywhere along the route to be dropped off near the market between First Street and Fifth Avenue. Buses run every 10 minutes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The route runs on Locust Street and Grand Avenue from 17th Street to the State Capitol. There are stops on nearly every block.

More: What's new at the Downtown Des Moines Farmers Market in 2024? Get ready to shop May 4.

What can I buy at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market?

Tomatoes are on display at Ineichen's Tomatoes during the 2015 Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market.
Tomatoes are on display at Ineichen's Tomatoes during the 2015 Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market.

Stock up for the week on locally grown produce, fresh eggs, baked goods, Iowa-raised meat and more.

Shop from vendors traveling across 50 counties and as far away as Nebraska or Minnesota. The Downtown Farmers' Market will release a full list of vendors closer to the event. Find the perfect gifts from the market's selection of arts and crafts, garden decor, jewelry, spices and more.

Shoppers can pay with SNAP EBT cards and take part in the Double Up Food Bucks program. Every dollar spent earns up to $10 in money for fruits and vegetables.

While it is still early in the growing season, this year will feature 12 new vendors stalls. Find them on Water Street just north of Court Avenue and South of the entrance to the Polk County parking lot on opening day, according to the Des Moines Register.

Is there music or other entertainment at the Des Moines farmers' market?

Enjoy live music and other entertainers every weekend at the Des Moines Farmers' Market. The opening weekend brings acoustic music from 4neys, saxophonist and flutist Brownian Motion, Urbandale Community Adult Swing Band, Jeff and the Effects, pan flutist Cucho Madero, Sydney Storm Entertainment, and Girls Rock! Des Moines.

What's the weather for the grand opening of the Des Moines Farmers' Market?

Saturday will see a 30% chance of rain, but mostly sunny skies for the grand opening of the farmers' market. The high is expected to reach 68 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Are dogs allowed at the Des Moines farmers' market?

Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market. Organizers ask you to review the FAQs before having your furry friend tag along.

Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Des Moines Downtown Farmers' Market: Dates, hours, weather and more