Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market

The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market is a nonprofit market founded in 2006, and its current season outreach still centers volunteers, nonprofit community partners, and musicians alongside shoppers and vendors. That mission shows up in the market’s own description of what gathers here: farmers, artisans, and the local community around vegetables, fruit, honey, cheeses, crafts, flowers, meat and fish, ready-to-eat foods, education, information, and entertainment. The season runs on Saturdays from early June through late September, with a separate Holiday Bazaar in November that extends the calendar beyond the main summer run.

Why it matters locally

Founded as a 501(c)(4) in 2006, the market describes itself as a place that brings together farmers, artisans, and the local community in Des Moines around food, crafts, education, information, and entertainment. It also says it has been a prime gathering place for the City of Des Moines and surrounding communities since its inception.

Local impact here is also tied to food access. The market supports food security initiatives that include vendors accepting WIC vouchers and Senior FMNP vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables, along with EBT/SNAP and Fresh Bucks matching programs. Its support network is broad as well, with the City of Des Moines, Port of Seattle, King Conservation District, Des Moines Area Food Bank, and Des Moines Farmers Market Foundation all named in organizing, sponsorship, or sustainability roles.

What you'll find there

The market’s own description emphasizes a broad mix rather than a single specialty, pairing farm products with artisan goods, prepared food, and entertainment. Even without a published vendor roster here, the categories named by the market give a clear sense of the stalls and tables that shape a Saturday visit.

• -Find farmers with vegetables and fruit in the main market mix.
• -Look for honey, cheeses, and flowers among the listed products.
• -Expect meat and fish alongside ready-to-eat foods.
• -Browse crafts as part of the artisan side of the market.
• -Catch education, information, and entertainment woven into the market setup.

Special event dates add extra structure to the season, including Opening Day on June 6, Family Day on July 18, Senior Day on July 25, National Farmers Market Week on August 8, Dog Days on September 5, Hispanic Heritage Month on September 12, Harvest Festival on September 26, and a Holiday Bazaar on November 7.

Know before you go

The biggest planning detail is the season window: this market runs Saturdays from June 6 through September 26, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, so it is a summer market rather than a year-round weekly stop. The market is located at 22307 Dock Ave S in Des Moines. Dogs are welcome, which lines up with the market’s own Dog Days event on September 5 and may matter if you usually plan errands around pet policies.

On amenities, the market does not list restrooms in its visitor details, so it helps to plan that part of the trip before arriving. One visitor noted paid parking at the marina and free parking farther up the hill, a useful detail for timing and walking expectations near the waterfront setting. Applications for musicians remain open, while vendor applications for the 2026 season have closed.

Payments & SNAP

SNAP is accepted at the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market, and the market says it supports both EBT/SNAP and Fresh Bucks matching programs. The market also states that vendors accept WIC vouchers and Senior FMNP vouchers for fresh fruit and vegetables. Visitor details indicate payment methods are clearly communicated on site, which can make it easier to sort out eligible purchases once you arrive.