GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Sept. 29, 2026) – The Downtown Farmers’ Market presented by UnityPoint Health will begin its October hours this Saturday, Oct. 3, with the opening bell ringing moving one hour later to 8 a.m. for the remaining five Saturdays of the outdoor season.

The later October start time gives vendors more daylight to prepare their booths while shoppers pick up late-season items including sweet potatoes, gourds and apples. Looking ahead, Marketgoers can celebrate the final Saturday of the 2026 outdoor season with Halloween at The Market on Oct. 31. Attendees are encouraged to dress up in their favorite family-friendly costumes and trick or treat at participating vendors and at The Market Information Booth.

“Fall is such a fun time at The Market, and every Saturday can bring something different,” said Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market Manager. “From seasonal produce to Halloween and The Winter Market, the changing seasons bring more reasons to visit while continuing to support the local farmers, makers and small businesses that make The Market such a special part of Greater Des Moines.”

In November, the three-day Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market presented by Prairie Meadows will feature unique gifts and seasonal favorites at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines along with food trucks located on Cowles Commons.

The Winter Market hours are:

• Friday, Nov. 20: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 21: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Sunday, Nov. 22: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Vendor applications for The Winter Market have closed, and participating vendors and additional programming will be announced soon.

“The Winter Market is another great reason to explore Downtown while celebrating small businesses that help make our community vibrant,” said Julie Stewart, Chief Operating Officer at Prairie Meadows. “Prairie Meadows is proud to sponsor an event that supports local businesses and gives families and friends a fun way to experience Downtown during the holiday season.”

The Downtown Farmers’ Market, presented by UnityPoint Health, and the Downtown Winter Farmers’ Market, presented by Prairie Meadows, are free and open to the public. Learn more about vendor announcements and programming updates at desmoinesfarmersmarket.com.