I consider myself a blend of bougie and Bear Grylls, minus the survivalist extremes (no, I won’t be drinking any bodily fluids, ew, David). When I roll into a new city, my first mission is always to seek out the top restaurants as well as free and inexpensive attractions. I plan to write an entire section detailing my go-to method for finding things to do in a new location, but for now, I’ll just direct you to Atlas Obscura, one of my favorite resources. When I read about the Des Moines Saturday Market, I knew I had to experience it firsthand.
The Saturday Market
The Des Moines Saturday Market is among the largest outdoor markets I’ve ever encountered. Spanning over five blocks of downtown, this market shuts down city streets to make way for a vibrant community of vendors. From local artisans and food stalls to diverse cultural offerings, it’s a feast for the senses. Here are just a few of the many things you can find at this sprawling market:
- Wine
- Flowers
- Coffee (so much coffee)
- Wine
- Clothing
- Art
- Hot Sauce
- Wine
The sheer number of flower and wine vendors was almost overwhelming—in the best way possible. Many stalls offered free samples, creating a “Costco for adults” vibe, complete with craft beverages. I even discovered a new favorite wine, aptly described as a “holiday in a bottle.” It’s safe to say it will be a regular in my rotation from now on.
A Cultural Melting Pot
What truly struck me was the diversity of vendors and the community that came together to make this market happen. From local produce to international flavors, the market offered a snapshot of the many cultures that call Des Moines home. Every booth had at least one curious visitor, asking questions or sampling a bite. I don’t know if the youth is still saying this or not but: “The vibes were immaculate”.
As I travel from city to city, I always ask myself: Would I move here? Though it was just a single event on a Saturday morning, my experience at the Saturday Market was enough for me to answer with a confident “yes!”
The thing about farmer’s markets in general is that you are interacting with people who are following their dreams. They had an idea for a business and they decided to pursue it. The market itself is a display of resilience and gumption from these small business owner’s who are looking to garner attention for their niche. Outside of all the communal aspects of the market, the number of vendors that were present, hustling to improve their business was inspiring to say the least.
One of my favorite aspects of farmer’s markets is witnessing people chasing their dreams. Every vendor has a story—they’ve taken a leap, launched their business, and are working hard to share their passion. The Des Moines market showcased resilience, creativity, and determination from small business owners looking to make a mark. Beyond the communal feel, it was inspiring to see so many vendors hustling to bring their dreams to life.
If you find yourself in Des Moines on a Saturday, don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible market. It’s a great way to support local businesses, discover unique finds, and immerse yourself in the heart of the community.
Know Before You Go
- Just walk, at first. The number of vendors can be overwhelming. Before committing to purchasing anything, especially food, take 30 minutes to walk the stalls and make a list of what you want to try.
- Nibble but don’t feast. Like an amateur I had an ENTIRE meal from the first vendor that looks appetizing. I spent the rest of my time at the market (nearly 3 hours) wishing that I had reserved my stomach for samples and other small bites.
- Bring some cash. While there are many vendors that support cards (physical and digital), I did come across that I was unable to purchase from as they only took cash as a form of payment.
- Pay for parking. Closely related to above, when the market is busy finding parking can be SO difficult (for free). Luckily there are lots located nearby that give you quick access to the market as well as other key locations downtown including restaurants and bars. Normally I would bypass this option, but it sounds like the money raised for parking goes to local programs and school.
- Wear comfy shoes. It is easy to leave the market and explore the rest of downtown Des Moines. I logged closed to 5,000 steps from just that morning of walking. Having comfortable shoes is imperative to ensure you don’t accidentally create unintentional suffering.