The first rays of morning sunlight dance across Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines as an army of white tents unfurls across nine city blocks, transforming ordinary streets into an extraordinary celebration of Iowa’s agricultural abundance.
The Downtown Farmers’ Market isn’t merely a place to grab groceries – it’s a Saturday morning ritual that has evolved into Iowa’s most vibrant weekly food festival, social gathering, and cultural showcase.
When Des Moines residents mention they’re “heading to market,” they’re describing a pilgrimage to what has become the crown jewel of Midwest farmers markets.
Spanning nine city blocks with over 300 vendors representing 50 Iowa counties, this isn’t some charming but limited roadside stand with a handful of farmers and questionable preserves…