180 years
&Growing fresh
2025 marks our 180th Anniversary! We are incredibly proud of this historic milestone as Iowa's oldest farmers' market and are celebrating all season long. This longevity is a testament to the enduring bond between the market and the Dubuque community.
While we cherish our history, we're always looking forward. Guided by Dubuque Main Street, we continue to seek ways to enhance the market experience for everyone. Current initiatives include adding more seating for enjoying market treats and actively recruiting unique prepared food vendors to make Saturday mornings even more delicious. We are committed to adapting and growing, ensuring the Dubuque Farmers' Market remains a vital, welcoming space for generations to come.
Growing Together,
Our Mission in action
Increase Access to Fresh Foods
We believe everyone deserves access to healthy, local food. We proudly welcome SNAP/EBT customers, offering tokens for eligible food items. Through the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, SNAP users receive a dollar-for-dollar match (up to $15/day) specifically for fresh fruits and vegetables. Some vendors also facilitate WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks, connecting vital resources with farm-fresh goodness.
Support Local Producers
We provide a thriving marketplace for over 125 farmers, bakers, artisans and makers from within 100 miles, offering them direct access to thousands of customers and strengthening our local and regional economies.
Enhance Downtown Vitality
The market brings thousands of people downtown each week, creating a vibrant atmosphere, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the cultural life of Dubuque.
Our Story
Our story begins with Dubuque itself. Born from a lead mining rush in the 1830s, the rapidly growing "Key City" needed feeding. By the 1840s, a marketplace emerged – first informally near the riverfront at Flat Iron Park, then becoming official with rules and a Market Master in 1846. This early start firmly roots us as Iowa's oldest farmers' market.
A major milestone came in 1858 when the market moved inside the newly built City Hall, designed with a dedicated market floor where farmers unloaded wagons directly through massive windows. Though city needs shifted the market outdoors onto the surrounding streets in 1879, this established the vibrant, open-air setting we know today, right in the shadow of our historic City Hall.
Like Dubuque, our market has adapted and thrived. It bustled as the main source for groceries before supermarkets, faced challenges in the mid-20th century, and was brilliantly revitalized in the 1970s by adding local arts and crafts alongside farm-fresh produce. This resilience showcases a deep, enduring connection between the people who grow and make things, and the community that sustains them.
Cultivating Community for 180 Years.
Iowa's Oldest Farmers' market
Welcome to the heart of downtown Dubuque! Every Saturday morning from May through October, the Dubuque Farmers' Market bursts to life - a tradition woven into our city's fabric since the 1840s. As we proudly celebrate our 180th anniversary in 2025, join us to explore local produce, farm cut flowers, fresh flavors, discover unique crafts, and experience the enduring spirit of Iowa's original, longest-running market.
Always For Farmers'
Always Local Goods
We require all vendors to be located within a 100-mile radius of Dubuque and that all products are locally grown or hand crafted. While we love all of our Midwest neighbors, this standard keeps our market benefiting the local growers and makers who call the Driftless region home.
Always Growing
As the market grows a little more each year, our committee maintains a consistent ratio of local produce and livestock vendors to ensure that our Farmers' Market lives up to our name each and every year.
While our history has built our values, we are always looking ahead to discover new ways to support our vendors, patrons, and the entire downtown Dubuque community.
