Every summer, many of Iowa's communities come together to celebrate their town, local farmers, businesses and artists at area farmers' markets. From fresh produce and homemade baked goods to live music, arts and crafts and friendly faces, Iowa's farmers markets are a true summer experience.
Downtown Des Moines Farmers' Market
Touted as one of the best farmers markets in Iowa and the U.S., Des Moines' downtown event brings 300 diverse vendors and 25,000 visitors to the downtown every Saturday morning between May and October. The vendors represent 50 counties across the state and the market spans nine city blocks, offering a variety of fresh food, home-baked goods, live music, local vendors, arts and crafts and more.
Iowa City Farmers' Market
Photo Courtesy Iowa City Farmers Market FacebookGrab some baskets, bags and boxes and head to the Iowa City Farmers' Market to load up on local handcrafted, homemade and homegrown products and produce. Grab a bite between shopping from vendors serving everything from sweet treats to spicy Mexican dishes. The market is open Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings, May through October.
Cedar Rapids Farmers' Market
Recognized as one of the largest open-air markets in the Midwest, summer brings 200 local Iowa vendors and 14,000 visitors to Cedar Rapids’ downtown. Stop by the market twice a month for the usual fresh produce and local crafts, as well as live cooking demonstrations, musical performances and a wide array of children’s activities.
Dubuque Farmers' Market
Experience the longest-running farmers' market in the state, which dates back to 1858 and has celebrated all things local since. Join the crowd in Dubuque every Saturday morning May through September for fresh produce and local crafts along with unique finds like lavender lemonade, breakfast donut sandwiches and locally made maple syrup.
Sioux City Farmers' Market
Connect with local, rural family farms at Sioux City’s farmers' market, held in the parking lot of the Tyson Events Center every Wednesday and Saturday, May through October. Purchase locally grown produce or handcrafted art and enjoy an abundance of baked goods, all of which are produced or grown by the person selling it. This is a true community event that celebrates its farmers and patrons.
Freight House Farmers' Market
Featuring goods grown in the Mississippi Valley, this market offers great produce along with some gorgeous Iowa views. Held each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, May through October, on the scenic Mississippi Riverfront in Davenport, visitors can find crafts, treats and fresh produce including meat and eggs as well as an abundance of tasty samples. The vendors switch out on the weekends so visitors can find something new each day.
Clear Lake Farmers' Market
Though small, this farmers' market has a big selection of some of northern Iowa’s best produce. Held in the Surf Ballroom's parking lot, it features anywhere from 25 to 45 local vendors each Saturday, May through October. Visitors can also find perennials, homemade soaps and candles, Iowa-made maple syrup, art, textiles and jewelry along with kids’ activities and live music.
Grinnell Farmers' Market
Recognized as a 100 percent producer market means guests will find the freshest produce at Grinnell’s farmers' market. As one of Iowa’s largest small-community markets, Grinnell’s vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, plants and flowers. So, stop by and spend your Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings May through October supporting central Iowa’s vendors.
Cedar Falls Farmers' Market
This newly expanded farmers' market takes over downtown Cedar Falls every Saturday morning between May and October. Visitors can find fresh produce, handcrafted items and live music as well as an abundance of food like ready-to-eat breakfast bowls, baked goods and made-to-order acai fruit breakfast bowls. Be sure to check out additional farmers' markets in the area such as the College Hill or Kimball Ridge Farmers' Markets.
Orange City Farmers' Market
Commonly called Central Market, this farmers' market is held on Orange City’s Central Avenue every Saturday morning during the summer. Experience the lively downtown while snacking at the handful of food trucks or perusing the vendor stalls. Products include everything from baked goods, jams and herb mixes to chemical-free cleaning products, essential oils, crocheted or sewn items and more.
