The Ankeny Brief
Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon, from late May to late September. The 2026 season ran May 23 through September 26, so the market is done for the year. As of November 1, Uptown Ankeny had not posted 2027 dates. The last two seasons give you the pattern:
Those two exceptions are the ones that catch people: a Thursday evening market around the Fourth, and no market on the Saturday of the Ankeny Chamber Summerfest Grand Parade. Rain is not usually a problem. Uptown describes it as weather-proof under the pavilions, closing only for lightning or dangerous wind. When 2027 dates land, we'll flag them in the Brief.
It sits at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion, 715 W 1st Street in Uptown, a 3.1-acre city park locals call the AMP. The park has two pavilions, a restroom building and 108 parking spaces. On a busy Saturday, arriving near 8 helps, or skip the car: the AMP is a trailhead for the High Trestle Trail, which makes biking in the easy option on a nice morning.
Pets are allowed in the park at the AMP, but not in the pavilion areas during the market. That is where the vendors are, so plan to leave the dog home or take turns.
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Mostly food, plus things people made. The market's own vendor categories give you a good idea of what you will see:
The rules keep out mass-produced and franchised items, such as Avon or Pampered Chef, so you should not find a direct-sales table. Late summer into September is usually the time for sweet corn, tomatoes and squash, right up to the finish. We couldn't confirm whether vendors take SNAP or EBT, so ask at the market or email before you count on it.
Email [email protected] or use the vendor and food truck applications on the market page. Acceptance is not guaranteed, and the market manager reviews each application. Applications for last season were open with limited space, so ask early in the new year.
You have two good reasons to head out this month, and one is at the same park.
Wonderlights puts more than 50 animated displays around six blocks of SW 3rd Street and through the AMP, and you can see it on foot, by bike or by car. The Downtown Winter Farmers' Market is run through the Greater Des Moines Partnership, so check its site for hours and vendors. For more of what is on in town, see our events calendar.
The pavilions are also a rental. Call Parks & Recreation at 515-963-3570. Rentals are full-day only and reservations open up to a year ahead.
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The Uptown Ankeny Farmers Market runs Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon, from late May to late September. The 2026 season ran May 23 through September 26 and is over. As of November 1, 2026, Uptown Ankeny had not posted 2027 dates.
It's held at the Ankeny Market & Pavilion (AMP) at 715 W 1st Street in Uptown Ankeny, a 3.1-acre city park with two pavilions, a restroom building and 108 parking spaces. It is also a trailhead for the High Trestle Trail.
It's free to attend. You only pay for what you buy from vendors. Expect Iowa produce, baked goods, meat and eggs, flowers, crafts and food trucks.
Mostly yes, but a couple of dates move. In 2026 the Fourth of July week market moved to Thursday, July 2 from 4 to 8 p.m., and the market closed July 11 for the Ankeny Chamber Summerfest Grand Parade. Check the Uptown Ankeny schedule before those weekends.
Pets are allowed in the city park at the AMP, but they are not allowed in the pavilion areas during the market, and that is where the vendors set up.
Uptown Ankeny describes the market as weather-proof because it sits under the pavilions. Its listing says it only closes for lightning or dangerous wind in the area.
Not at the AMP. The nearest we found for 2026 is the Downtown Winter Farmers' Market at Capital Square in Des Moines, November 20 to 22.
Free, every Monday 7 AM
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