A Quick Guide to the 2026 Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Markets

The first Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Market of the years is coming up this weekend, and we've got everything you need to know before you go!

2026 Farmers Market Dates

Like usual, all of the 2026 Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets will take place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., rain or shine. This year's dates include:

May 30th
June 6th
June 20th
July 18th
August 1st
August 15th
September 5th
September 19th

You may notice that there's only one market in July this year. That's due to the fact that the first Saturday in July is the 4th, and there are already a number of Freedom Festival events scheduled in the Downtown area that day.

Parking

There is plenty of free street parking available outside of the market boundaries, but there are several parking ramps that are accessible during market hours, too. The list includes:

Five Seasons Ramp - 1st Ave between 4th St & 5th St
GTC Ramp - Enter from 5th Ave between 2nd St & 3rd St
South Side Ramp - 2nd St between 6th Ave & 7th Ave
Convention Center Ramp - 1st Ave between 3rd St & 4th St

There's now an additional ramp over in the Kingston Yard that recently opened, if you're willing to do a little extra walking. Check out details on all of the ramps in the Downtown Cedar Rapids area HERE.

*Please remember not to park in area business' parking lots - many of them open for regular hours on Saturdays and those spots are reserved for their customers!*

2026 Vendors

Ahead of the season, the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance has posted a list of all of this year's vendors. There are typically around 200 at each market, but it's important to note that not all of the listed vendors will be at every single market. An official market map is coming soon.

As far as vendor offerings go, there are a wide variety of businesses present at the markets. There is fresh produce, prepared foods, flowers, baked goods, meat, cheese, and other goods you'd expect to find at a farmers market, but there are also vendors selling everything from home decor, clothing, and jewelry to pet supplies, bath & body products, and homemade pottery. I always end up spending more than I plan to!

You can check out all 200+ of the 2026 vendors and get the links to their website/social media HERE.

Shopping Tips

Bring your own bags to hold all of your goodies
Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be doing a LOT of walking!
Markets happen rain or shine, except in cases of severe weather - you can check social media for any weather updates
There is NO smoking within the boundaries of the market
PA systems, amplifiers, or microphones are NOT allowed inside the venue.
Pets are allowed, but it's highly recommended that you leave them at home due to large crowds and an environment that "isn’t conducive to animals." If you do choose to bring your pup, they must be well-behaved and comfortable around other dogs/people, or you may be asked to leave. Here are the rules you'll need to follow:
- Keep them on a leash no longer than three feet
- Clean up after them
- Don't allow them near produce, plants, or prepared food
- Remember that not everyone likes dogs, so be sure to keep them under control at all times

2026 Market After Dark

In addition to all of the standard Cedar Rapids Downtown Farmers Markets, there's also the annual Market After Dark. Described as "one of Downtown Cedar Rapids’ most popular, free, open-air events," the Market After Dark is a special nighttime market that features around 120 vendors, live entertainment, beer & wine, art installations, and more. The yearly average attendance is around 35,000 people, so expect large crowds!

The 2026 Market After Dark is set for Saturday, August 29th from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. More information will be released as we get closer to the event.

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