Plants and flowers are sold at the Toledo, Iowa, farmers market in 2025. The Toledo market will operate from June through October in 2026. (photo/Cindy Hadish)

Iowans ready for fresh produce and other locally produced items are in luck, as the outdoor farmers market season kicks off this weekend.

The final indoor markets are ending their season this month, while some online markets operate year-round.

Market-goers can find early season produce such as radishes, green onions and rhubarb, along with baked goods, honey, plants, fresh flowers, local meats, handcrafted items and more at markets throughout Eastern Iowa, starting Saturday, May 2, 2026, with more following in subsequent weeks.

While some farmers markets operate during summer months only, others run weekly from May through the end of October.

The number of vendors can range from just a few producers up to 200, as is the case at the Downtown Farmers Market in Cedar Rapids, so customers who want to support local small businesses can find the size to fit their preferences.

Find an updated list of more than 50 markets throughout the season at homegrowniowan.com/farmers-markets/

Market-goers make their way through downtown Cedar Rapids during the first Downtown Farmers Market of the season in June 2025. The large-scale market kicks off in 2026 on May 30. (photo/Cindy Hadish)