Vendor Events in Ankeny, IA

40 spots open

Every Saturday morning from late May through September, Uptown Ankeny transforms into a vibrant gathering place for local farmers, bakers, and artisans at 715 W 1st St. The Ankeny Farmers Market runs from 8 AM to 12 PM, making it an ideal stop for early risers looking to stock up on the week's produce and specialty items. This weekly market draws a steady crowd of neighborhood residents and Des Moines area shoppers who have made it a weekend routine to browse what's in season and support local vendors. The market's vendor mix reflects the diversity you'd expect from a well-established community market. Seasonal produce dominates the early morning hours, with vendors bringing in whatever is ripest that week, early lettuces and asparagus in late spring, tomatoes and peppers at peak season, and root vegetables as fall approaches. Beyond produce, you'll find home-made baked goods ranging from artisan breads to pastries and pies, prepared by local bakers who often sell out by mid-morning. Specialty food items like jams, honey, cheese, and prepared goods add another layer to what's available, giving shoppers options beyond fresh vegetables. Perennial plants and hand-made crafts round out the vendor offerings, giving the market appeal beyond just grocers. Spring brings a particularly strong selection of plants and garden starts, while summer and early fall see more hand-made crafts including jewelry, textiles, woodwork, and other artisan goods. The Saturday morning time slot and outdoor Uptown location mean the market has become woven into the community's weekend fabric. If you're selling products that align with farmers market shoppers' interests, the consistent weekly schedule from May 23 through September 26, 2026 provides a stable, repeat-customer opportunity in this Des Moines suburb.

20 spots open

Oktoberfest Des Moines is an annual celebration of German culture and tradition that draws thousands of visitors to the East Village neighborhood each fall. Taking place over the last weekend of September, this festival captures the spirit of Munich's famous beer celebration while showcasing the broader heritage and craftsmanship of German-speaking communities. The event runs from 4pm to midnight, creating an evening atmosphere filled with traditional music, food, and vendors selling everything from classic Oktoberfest merchandise to handcrafted goods. For vendors, this festival offers a unique opportunity to reach attendees specifically interested in cultural products and German-themed merchandise. Beyond typical commemorative items like Oktoberfest mugs and steins, the event attracts shoppers looking for handmade crafts, traditional textiles, artisanal foods, jewelry, and decorative items with cultural significance. Visitors tend to be enthusiastic about supporting vendors who offer authentic or heritage-inspired products, making this an ideal setting for anyone selling crafts with European influences, folk art, specialty foods, or cultural goods. The East Village location puts the festival in Des Moines' vibrant downtown area, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and other attractions that draw a diverse crowd of locals and visitors. September timing means the weather is typically pleasant for outdoor festival shopping, and attendees come prepared to spend time browsing and celebrating. If your products appeal to customers interested in cultural festivals, heritage crafts, or German-themed merchandise, Oktoberfest Des Moines provides a focused audience during a well-established annual event that's become part of the Des Moines cultural calendar.

25 spots open

On May 16th, Ankeny, Iowa welcomes the arts community for a celebration of creativity and local talent. The Ankeny Arts Festival brings together a diverse mix of artists and craftspeople in a single-day event that draws both experienced makers and art enthusiasts from across the region. This is the kind of festival where you'll find everything from traditional fine art to handmade crafts, jewelry, pottery, paintings, and mixed media work all displayed in one vibrant setting. What makes a festival like this different from a farmers market or weekly craft fair is the energy and scope. Vendors showcase their work in a curated environment, often with the added draw of live music performances and artist demonstrations happening throughout the day. These demonstrations are valuable for attendees who want to see the creative process in action, whether that's a potter at the wheel, a painter working on canvas, or a jewelry maker assembling pieces. It creates a more immersive experience than a simple marketplace, turning the event into a destination rather than just a shopping opportunity. The Ankeny Arts Festival attracts both serious art collectors looking for original pieces and casual visitors who appreciate handcrafted goods and the stories behind them. May is an ideal time for an outdoor arts festival in Iowa, with pleasant spring weather that encourages people to explore multiple booths and linger at demonstrations. If you're a maker working in visual arts, jewelry, ceramics, painting, sculpture, fiber arts, woodworking, or any other craft discipline, this festival offers a platform to connect directly with an engaged audience in your local community. The mixed vendor category means you'll be alongside a wide range of fellow artisans, which typically draws a broader crowd than single-focus events.

25 spots open

This one-time pop-up event will bring together a diverse lineup of vendors and crafters in Ankeny during the busiest shopping season of the year. Scheduled for late November, the Ankeny Holiday Show lands right at that sweet spot when people are in full gift-buying mode and looking to support local makers instead of heading straight to big-box stores. The timing works well for vendors who specialize in handmade goods, seasonal decor, and one-of-a-kind items that appeal to holiday shoppers. With a mixed vendor focus, you can expect to see a real cross-section of what the local maker community offers. This typically includes handcrafted jewelry, holiday decorations, candles, baked goods, pottery, textiles, bath and body products, home goods, and various other artisan items. Pop-up events like this one tend to attract shoppers who are specifically seeking alternatives to mass-produced gifts and want to put their money toward small businesses and independent creators. The atmosphere is usually more intimate than a year-round farmers market, with the festive energy of the season adding to the shopping experience. Since the Ankeny Holiday Show runs for just two days and is a one-time event rather than a recurring market, it creates a sense of urgency that can drive foot traffic. Shoppers know it's now or never, which often translates to higher engagement and more serious buying intent. This is an opportunity to reach customers who are motivated, in a celebratory mindset, and ready to spend on quality, unique items. Whether your products are gift-oriented or people are shopping for themselves during the holiday season, a pop-up event in Ankeny in late November positions you in front of an audience actively looking for exactly what handmade vendors offer.