A guide to the famous Des Moines Farmer’s Market
Des Moines Farmer’s Market in August
The Des Moines Farmer’s Market is as well known as the Iowa State Fair with its endless booths, egg rolls, and furry friends. Here is a comprehensive guide for your Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market.
Getting There
While Des Moines isn’t New York City, it’s still a city with street parking, one ways, and meters.
One great (and cheap) option is to take the DART bus. Download the DART app and plan your route in the app. If you set your destination to be “DART Central Station,” you’ll end up half a block away from the Courthouse-AKA the beginning of the Farmer’s Market route.
Another option is to drive. There is parking all around the market-but be aware of closed streets and one ways. Your best bet is getting there early and parking along the river, either on the bridge or on the next street.
What to Bring
No matter your will power and self-control, you will end up buying something at the market. Our advice-bring a reusable tote bag to take home your goodies. Very few vendors offer bags for free, but they sell really cute knitted purses! Also, give back to the environment and save some plastic.
If you can’t seem to conjure up a bag from the recess of your coat closet-purchase one from the Farmer’s Market organizers as a souvenir or stop by RayGun in the East Village for a comedic, Midwestern touch.
What to Wear
This isn’t your normal farmer’s market. This one spans multiple city block, wide and long, so make sure your footwear can get some steps in. A good tennis shoe is always a good option (and covers your toes from dog slobber, any breakfast burrito spillage, and getting stepped on).
The Des Moines Farmer’s Market takes place from May through October, so the weather will change with the seasons. Between walking and trying to carry your purchases while balancing your garlic focaccia, you might break a sweat no matter the temperature. Breathable clothing is best.
What to Buy
No matter your food preference, decor aesthetic, and favorite music genre this farmer’s market has something for you.
An ideal trip could consist of grabbing coffee from one of the 20 coffee trucks, snagging a greasy breakfast sammie or burrito, buying a mug and kitchen towel for your Midwestern mother-in-law, some jewelry for yourself, flowers for your porch, and vegetables for this week’s menu then finishing it off with a sweet treat of choice.
There are even booths for your puppy dog-from leashes to treats!
While this is a guide, make sure to break free of this schedule and explore! Try some new dishes like jerk chicken, meet some cool people (yes, there are cool people in Iowa), and pet some dogs.
