Photo courtesy of Des Moines Downtown Farmers Market.
Editor’s note: We published this story 2022 and updated it most recently in May 2026.
By Karla Walsh
My fellow fresh produce fiends, I know it’s been a long winter. But here’s some news that will grow on you: Farmers market season is about three weeks away, and we’ve compiled your guide to the top farmers markets in the metro. Mark your calendars now, and consider this your summer bucket list. Can you make it to them all?
Monday:
Pleasant Hill Community Farmers Market
(opening June 1, 4-7 p.m. at the Berean Assembly of God Church).
This small but mighty market is the place to be if you didn’t get your shopping done over the weekend.
Tuesday:
Beaverdale Farmers Market
(opening June 2, 4-7 p.m. at the Franklin Event Center);
Johnston Farmers Market
(opening June 2, 4-7 p.m. at the Johnston Library).
With brands with cult-like followings including Pie Bird Pies, Veggie Thumper, Karam’s Mediterranean Grill and Scenic Route Bakery—plus plenty of fresh produce—Beaverdale is giving downtown some serious competition as the buzziest market in Des Moines. And from beets to berries, Johnston can help you restock your shelves and refrigerator if you’re on the northwest side.
Wednesday:
Waukee Farmers Market
(opening June 3, 4-7 p.m. in the Triangle);
Bondurant Farmers Market
(opening May 13, 6-8 p.m. in Bondurant City Park);
Dallas Center Farmers Market
(opening June 3, 4-7 p.m. at Heritage Park).
These two smaller markets offer plenty of variety, with a mix of live music. Swing by for everything from sourdough and sugar cookies to tomatoes and tubers, depending on the season.
Thursday:
Valley Junction Farmers Market
(opening May 7, 4-8 p.m. along Fifth Street in Valley Junction).
After filling your reusable bag with produce and pies, pop into the main drag’s stores, including Candle Bar DSM, Heart of Iowa Marketplace, Bozz Prints and MoMere before grabbing dinner at Cooper’s on 5th or G. Mig’s.
Saturday:
Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market
(opening May 2, 7 a.m.-noon along Court Avenue)
LSI Global Greens Farmers Market
(opening May 23, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 1901 Carpenter Ave.)
Ankeny Farmers Market
(opening May 23, 8 a.m.-noon at Ankeny Market and Pavilion Park)
Grimes Farmers & Community Market
(8 a.m.-noon at Heritage Park)
Indianola Farmers Market
(opening May 2, 8 a.m.-noon at the Warren County Fairgrounds).
Options abound on Saturday. You can brave the crowds downtown or aim for the quieter Global Greens market, where your dollars support immigrants and former refugees building small businesses. Up north in Ankeny, save room for lunch at the Trailside Tap.
