The Downtown Farmers’ Market will open for the 2026 season on Saturday, May 2 in the Court District of downtown Des Moines. This year’s season will feature 305 vendors representing 74 cities across 42 Iowa counties, including 43 new participants and 75 local produce and agriculture providers. The market offers food assistance programs including SNAP/EBT, Double Up Food Bucks and Produce Rx, and supports entrepreneurs through the Partnership’s Spark DSM program and other local initiatives, according to a news release. “The Market is really about connection—between farmers and families, small businesses and new customers and neighbors from across the region,” Elizabeth Weyers, Downtown Farmers’ Market manager, said in a news release. “It’s something people build into their routines and traditions each year.” Volunteer opportunities are also available throughout the season.