From May to October, Iowa City hosts their annual farmers market on E. Washington St. from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays.

The first farmers market of the 2026 season took place on Sat., May 2. Frequent attendees eagerly welcomed back popular vendors along with the warmer weather.

“We love to go to the farmers market on Saturday,” Megan said. “It’s a really good summer activity to get us out of the house, get fresh produce, get a coffee [and] get breakfast.”

The farmers market attracts people from all over Iowa, some traveling hours to indulge in the variety of local produce from an array of areas as well as food. 

“The farmers market is our favorite Saturday tradition,” Ben said. 

Liberty student Ariana Swanson, 9, and her family run the Morning Fix, a vendor that sells breakfast food.

“My favorite part is probably how many different people you meet there, especially when you’re a cashier,” Swanson said. 

The Morning Fix made a return to the market this season for the first time since COVID-19. Headed by Swanson’s dad, the vendor enjoys making connections with customers and serving the community.

Another breakfast food staple at the market is Griddle Me This. The popular vendor has been at the Iowa City Farmers market since 2010. Every Saturday, it brings a new pancake flavor special, this week’s being apricot and ricotta with honey. More information about their business can be found on their website and Instagram.

Held on the first floor of the Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, the market offers fresh produce and other local products. 

“I’ve been a long-time farmer’s market [attender],” Sue Carter said. “I get to come and see friends, and the quality of the stuff is really nice.”

Those who frequent the market have noted the layout for vendors inside the parking ramp increases the turnout of sellers on Saturday mornings.

“When the weather gets bad, I think it slows down participation, and here, people still come,” Judy West said. 

A handful of vendors sell flowers inside the parking ramp, Pheasant Run Farm being one. 

“Flowers at the market are the best. They’re fresh. They’re grown locally, and you can’t go wrong with the fresh flowers at the market,” West said.

On May 16, Pheasant Run Farm’s vendor sold flower arrangements at the market. Prices ranged from one to three dollars per flower, and customers were able to craft their own bouquets. More information about their business can be found on their website and Instagram.

Vendors at the market are diverse. Valerie’s French Cooking is a unique stand located inside the parking ramp.

Parisian chef, Valerie Martin, has shared her cuisine with the Iowa City area since 2010. Her vendor sells French sandwiches, baguettes, macarons and many other pastries. More information can be found on her business Instagram.

The Iowa City Farmers Market is ever-changing, but it continually impacts the community, attracting people from across the state.