Des Moines Area Farmers’ Market Guide

The Des Moines area is home to several farmers’ markets, so it is easy to take the family out for a fun morning or afternoon of shopping for fresh, local produce. Many of the markets are mini destinations where children can be entertained while learning about the importance and nutrition of locally grown food.

For ideas for other Des Moines area family fun, be sure to check out the dsm4kids Events Calendar or sign up to receive our Weekend Fun Guide.

Here are a few tips for taking kids to the farmers’ market:

Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. If you have small children, you may want to bring a wagon. It also comes in handy to haul all of your purchases.
Go early or late. You can avoid the crowds and long lines. If you go in the morning you’ll get first dibs on the best stuff. If you go late you may be able to score some bargains.
Go hungry. We eat our way through the farmers market. There’s too much good stuff not to try a little of everything.
Try something new. With so many options, it’s a great chance to encourage your kids to pick out a new fruit or veggie to try. It will help to expand their taste bud horizon.
Talk to the farmers and vendors. Kids will enjoy eating food from a farmer they know. It’s a great way to make that connection of where their food is coming from.
Bring bags. A lot of vendors provide them, but they’re usually flimsy plastic ones. I prefer to bring my sturdy reusable ones.
Bring cash. Most vendors accept cards and checks, but a few do not. It’s also a great opportunity to let the kids pay and practice their money skills.
Let kids explore. There’s so many cool things to do and see at the farmers market. Let the kids take in everything it has to offer.

Find some healthy food, have fun, and explore at a local farmers’ market in the Des Moines area:

Monday

Pleasant Hill Farmers’ Market

Location: Berean Assembly of God Church, 5299 E University Avenue, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327
Months Open: June 3 to August 26, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Tuesday

Johnston Farmers’ Market

Location: Johnston Town Center, 6245 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131
Months Open: June 4 to September 24, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Beaverdale Farmers’ Market

Location: West Side of Franklin Jr. High, 4801 Franklin Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50310 (48^th Street & Franklin Avenue)
Months Open: June 4 to September 10, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Wednesday

Bondurant Farmers’ Market

Location: 201 Main Street SE, Bondurant, IA 50035
Months Open: May 1 to October 23, 2024
Hours: 6:00 to 8:00 pm (October: 5:30 until dark)

Waukee Farmers’ Market

Location: Triangle Park, 6th Street and Ashworth Drive, Waukee, IA, 50263
Months Open: June 5 to September 25, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Thursday

Historic Valley Junction Farmers’ Market

Location: Valley Junction, 100 & 200 Blocks of 5th Street, West Des Moines, IA, 50265
Months Open: May 2 to September 26, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 8:00 pm

Polk City Farmers’ Market

Location: Polk City Town Square, 107 S 3rd St, Polk City, IA 50226
Months Open: May 30 to September 5, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 8:00 pm

Brightside Market

Location: Brightside Aleworks, 480 Center Place, Altoona, IA
Months Open: June 6 to September 26, 2024
Hours: 5:00 to 8:00 pm

Friday

Norwalk Farmers’ Market

Location: Norwalk Christian Church, 701 Main Street, Norwalk, IA 50211
Months Open: May 3 to October 11, 2024
Hours: 4:00 to 7:00 pm

Saturday

Downtown Farmers’ Market

Location: 5th Avenue and Court Avenue, Des Moines, IA, 50309 (Located on the blocks along Court Avenue between 1st Street and 5th Avenue and adjacent blocks.)
Months Open: May 4 to October 26, 2024
Hours: 7:00 am to 12:00 noon (October: 8:00 am to 12:00 Noon)