Fresh from the Farm to the Iowa State Fair

Farmers Market and Kids Makers Market Applications Open

DES MOINES, IA (05/28/2025) (readMedia)-- Nothing says summer in Iowa quite like fresh produce and homegrown products -and this year, the Iowa State Fair is bringing back the Farmers Markets to showcase the very best of what Iowa farmers and gardeners have to offer. Plus, new in 2025 is a Kid's Only Makers Market competition on the last day of the Fair.

Located near The Garden behind the Animal Learning Center and Little Hands on the Farm, the Iowa State Fair Farmers Markets will be open from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. August 7-16, 2025. Fairgoers can shop for locally grown fruits and vegetables, fresh-cut flowers, jerky, handmade soaps and more; entries are now open to be a vendor.

On the last day of the Fair, Sunday, August 17, the Iowa State Fair will hold a Kids Makers Market, where kids ages 7 to 17 can enter to compete with their homemade products to win banners. Fairgoers can purchase products and watch the competition from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Farmers Market Dates:

August 7-16

4 p.m.-7 p.m.

The Garden (East of the Animal Learning Center)

Enter at www.iowastatefair.org to be a vendor.

Kids Makers Market Dates:

August 17

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Garden (East of the Animal Learning Center)

Enter at www.iowastatefair.org to apply.

Whether you're stocking up on garden-fresh goodies, looking for a unique gift or just want to take home a part of Iowa's agricultural community, the Iowa State Fair Farmers Markets are a must-stop on your Fair itinerary this year. Application deadline is July 1, 2025.

For more information about becoming a vendor, visit www.iowastatefair.org.

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Frequently ranked as one of the top events in the country, the Iowa State Fair is the single largest event in the state of Iowa and one of the oldest and largest agricultural and industrial expositions in the country. Annually attracting more than a million people from all over the world, the Iowa State Fair located at East 30th and East University, just 10 minutes from downtown Des Moines, is Iowa's greatest celebration with a salute to the best in agriculture, industry, entertainment, and achievement. Fair Sweet Fair, August 7-17, 2025. For more information, visit www.iowastatefair.org.