The First Downtown Cedar Rapids Farmers Market is This Saturday

Farmers market season is officially back!

This Saturday, June 19th marks the return of a very popular event here in Cedar Rapids... the Downtown Farmers Market! Because of the pandemic, the 2020 events were held in a drive-thru fashion, but all the 2021 markets are set to be held in-person. They will still look a little different than past years, though. According to a recent article from the Cedar Rapids Gazette:

"...the market will start with 100 vendors spaced out using only one side of streets. The kickoff this year is a significant increase from the 30 to 50 vendors that were present last year, but down slightly from the approximately 180 vendors present before the pandemic."

The article says that other changes will include limited prepared food options, the addition of a pop-up COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Greene Square Park, and no live entertainment or children's activities. Both vendors and attendees will be encouraged to wear masks.

As the summer season moves along, the Gazette says that the market could add up to 50 more vendors, depending on COVID-19 and vaccination rates. There's no word yet on if a Market After Dark will be added to the schedule, but we will keep you updated!

All of the scheduled 2021 Downtown Farmers Markets will take place on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Here are this year's dates: