Valley Junction Farmers Market

4:00pm-8:00pm

100-300 Blocks of 5th Street

The Valley Junction Farmers Market is home to over 80 weekly vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, plants and flowers, arts and crafts, and prepared foods. Join your friends and neighbors in the 100 – 300 blocks of 5th Street from 4:00 – 8:00 pm every Thursday, May – September.

Where will my favorite vendor be located?

• This week’s vendors
• Check out the other Farmers Market dates you’ll be here in the events calendar to find that week’s map of vendors

Where can I get help?
Guest services are available at the Historic Valley Junction Foundation Office, 137 5th Street.  At our office, you can:

• Get help finding your favorite store or vendor
• Purchase Valley Junction merchandise

Music in the Junction

5:00pm-8:30pm

Railroad Park

Valley Junction is THE place to be in Central Iowa on Thursday nights through the end of September. The beverage garden in Railroad Park opens at 5:00 with live music at 6:00 pm.

Buckmiller Schwager Band

Their story began in 2015 when Tom Buckmiller and Brian Schwager were introduced by a mutual friend and band mate. These two ambitious musicians crossed paths and joined forces on many stages and with multiple bands before forming The Buckmiller | Schwager Band in early 2019. Today they’ve grown in popularity by consistently delivering their electrifying originals and authentic blues classics in a wide range of venues throughout the Midwest. Whether you’re witnessing their high energy duo/trio group or the power of their full band, they consistently engage the audience with their own hard-driving, personalized recipe for the blues.

• Winners – Iowa Blues Challenge (2021)

• Semi-finalist – International Blues Challenge (2022)

• Nominated – Blues Blast Magazine “Emerging Artist Debut Release (2022)

• Winners – Best of Story County “Live Music Artist” (2023)

Their debut album, To Memphis and Back has attained much acclaim. Original titles like Whiskey Man, Thrill of the Thrill, and Black Jeep Blues demonstrate Buckmiller’s immense creativity and song-writing skills. His stand-out vocals combined with Schwager’s off-the-charts lead guitar playing have resulted in unparalleled record sales for the band. According to Phillip Smith from Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews: “It’s plumb terrific. To Memphis and Back is a solid-as-hell album, and I certainly look forward to hearing more form the Buckmiller | Schwager Band.”

Their sophomore album “Live at xBk” recorded on April 6, 2023 to a venue full of enthusiastic blues fans delivers new songs, old favorites, and covers capturing the energy and essence of their live show. “Live at xBk” brings constant energy and dedication to their mission of keeping the blues alive. 

Dan Ray with Iowa Public Radio had this to say: “This crash course felt like going back in time, like the whole audience got loaded onto a bus to tour the best musical moments of the ‘50s and ‘60s…or perhaps of 1973, which was 49 and a half years ago.”

Full schedule here

Interested in renting the VIP tent with shade, seating, and a personal beverage server? Email Bobbie for more information.

Getting Here

Here is the map link to our office in the heart of the Farmers Market.

Find driving routes and parking instructions.

Finding parking can be an issue on event days. If wanting to avoid parking congestion, or driving isn’t an option, there are two DART routes available which pick up and drop off near Fifth and Elm streets: the Ingersoll/Valley Junction Local Route 11 and the West Des Moines Loop Local Route 72. These routes will be redirected during Farmers Markets.

Available applications:

• FULL SEASON VENDOR
• OCCASIONAL VENDOR
• NON-MAINSTAGE PERFORMING ARTISTS
• NON-PROFITS