Farmers' Markets

The Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation Department currently operates two farmers' markets from May to October. The former Riverside Roundhouse market is now located at the 8th Avenue SE parking lot and the other is located at the Noelridge Greenhouse parking lot. In addition to these two markets, the new Downtown Farmers' Market, located on 2nd St. SE between 1st and 3rd Avenues and 2nd Avenue between 1st and 3rd Streets, will open for business on the following Saturdays this year: June 7, June 21, July 5, August 2, August 16, September 6 and October 4.

Vendors lease the stalls from the City to sell fruits, vegetables, meats, and crafts to local consumers. The 8th Avenue City and Noelridge Markets are certified by the Iowa State Agriculture Department to accept IFMNP checks from the WIC Program. The WIC Program’s function is to supply supplemental foods rich in nutrients to women, infants, and children in need.

Farmers' markets run from May to October at the following locations:

History of the Farmers' Market

The farmers' market in Cedar Rapids has been a popular tradition since 1902. Held on First Street between "E" and "F" Avenues, the first market was an open-air, unpaved sales area. A cement walk in 1927 was one of the improvements over earlier marketing conditions. The market moved to the Riverside Roundhouse after it was built in 1964. It moved again in 2007 to its current location at 8th Avenue and 2nd Street SE.