The City of Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department operate farmers markets at two locations, two days a week during the summer season. The Farmers Market runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Chauncey Swan Ramp, 405 E. Washington Street. Season opening and closing dates, plus event times are listed below.
Credit, debit and EBT/SNAP (Electronic Benefit Transfer/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) cards are accepted at the Iowa City Farmers Market. Shoppers intending to pay with a card should stop by the centralized information table and swipe their cards for tokens of equal value. All eligible vendors will accept the EBT/SNAP tokens, and all vendors will accept the credit/debit card tokens. Signs indicating which tokens are accepted by each vendor are displayed at their booth. As an added benefit, those using EBT/SNAP cards to purchase tokens will have their dollars matched through Double Up Food Bucks, Iowa’s statewide healthy food incentive program. For more information about the Double Up Food Bucks program, visit www.DoubleUpFoodBucks.org.
2017 Farmers Market season
Wednesday market
Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., May 3 through Oct. 25, 2017
Located at Chauncey Swan Ramp, 400 block of Washington Street, Iowa City View the Wednesday market map.
Saturday market
Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to noon, May 6 through Oct. 28, 2017
Located at Chauncey Swan Ramp, 400 block of Washington Street, Iowa City View the Saturday market map.
2017 Market Special Events
Taste of Market - Wednesday, July 12
Enjoy free samples of in-season fruits, vegetables and baked goods provided by the Farmers Market vendors. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. at the Chauncey Swan Market.
Farm to Street Dinner- Thursday, August 17
The City of Iowa City, in partnership with the Downtown District and Johnson County, will hold the second annual Farm to Street Dinner on North Linn Street in Iowa City from 6-9 p.m. The event includes a multi-course meal prepared by Iowa City Downtown District chefs with food sourced from local producers. The goal of the Farm to Street Dinner is to bring together members of Iowa City’s diverse, vibrant community to share a table, a story, and a meal, while supporting local food systems. Tickets go on sale in July. More information at www.downtowniowacity.com.
Kids Day - Saturday, September 16
Do you know of a child who has always wanted to sell their homemade or homegrown items at the Farmers Market? If so, this is their chance. The Iowa City Farmers Market staff welcome kids ages 8 to 18 to participate as a “Kid Vendor” during the eighth annual Kids Day at the Farmers Market on Saturday, September 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at Chauncey Swan Park.
Kids will be allowed to only sell items that they have crafted or grown. There is no fee to participate. Download an application here.
Market Music schedule
Beginning in June, enjoy live music during the Farmers Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the Farmers Market season. View the full 2017 schedule here.
The annual Iowa City Holiday Market, gives patrons an opportunity to buy homegrown, homemade, and handcrafted holiday gifts and food. The Market will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center, 220 S. Gilbert Street. Vendors will be located in the gym on first floor and the Social Hall on second floor. For more information, contact Tammy Neumann with the Parks and Recreation Department at 319-356-5210.
Vendor Information
Registration for the 2017 Iowa City Farmers Market now open
Season vendors with a history of good attendance at the market will be given first priority and will receive their regularly assigned space from the previous season. New vendors will be placed on our waiting list and may be contacted to fill in when space allows.
The mission of the Iowa City Farmers Market is to provide a venue where local farmers, producers, crafters and artisans come together to provide a variety of fresh produce and related products directly to the consumer in accordance with the Iowa City Farmers Market Rules and Regulations; to provide an educational forum for consumers to learn the uses and benefits of quality, locally grown or prepared food products; to enhance the quality of life in the Iowa City area by providing a community activity which fosters social gathering and interaction. We strive to serve culturally and economically diverse populations and to increase access to fresh, locally produced, nourishing and safe foods and other products of local labor for all patrons.
Plastic Bag Policy
Supporting a sustainable food system is not just about the food, it's also important to have sustainable options for packaging the food. Plastic bags are one of the most widely used products in the world, however only 1 to 4 percent of bags in the U.S. are recycled (Center for Urban Education and Sustainable Agriculture).
In support of the City of Iowa City's on-going sustainability efforts, single-use plastic shopping bags will not be provided by Iowa City Farmers Market vendors. Farmers Market staff encourage patrons to bring their own bags, baskets, or boxes to carry their goods.
