Farmers market guide for the greater Quad Cities region

DAVENPORT, Iowa — Summer is just around the corner, and while some local farmers markets run year-round, the warmer months mean more vendors and more products. Many markets opened for the season during the first weekend of May.

Here’s where you can find fresh produce, homemade food, crafts and so much more around the Quad Cities area.

Know of a farmers market in the region that we’re missing? Send it our way by emailing [email protected]!

The Freight House Farmers Market along Davenport’s riverfront hosted its opening weekend on May 2 and 3. Arguably one of the biggest markets in the region, the Freight House market features craft booths, local produce, flowers, baked goods, food trucks and preserved foods. While the indoor part of the market is open year-round, vendors and farmers across the region will pour into its outdoor space during the summer. The market also accepts SNAP and EBT. 

Hours: Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (indoor market open until 2 p.m.) and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Location: 421 W River Dr. in Davenport

The QC Farmers Market is “a collection of farmers and food producers local to the Quad Cities area,” the website reads. The market sets high standards for its vendors to ensure people buy directly from the producer. All products are homegrown and/or handmade.

In addition to its weekly market, QC Farmers Market offers online ordering with in-person pickup at the market on Saturdays. The market accepts SNAP through the “Link UP Illinois” program. For every SNAP dollar spent at the market, recipients will be given a token worth $1 to spend at the market. 

The market was a mainstay at Schweibert Park for years, but has since moved to downtown Rock Island following multi-million dollar renovations in the area. 

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon 

Location: 18th Street and 2nd Avenue in downtown Rock Island 

Mercado on Fifth is nestled in downtown Moline and has become a summer staple for the Quad Cities community. The market celebrates Latino culture and businesses in the area, featuring food, crafts and live music alongside resources for minority-owned businesses and education. 

The market takes place every Friday starting May 22. This year is extra special as Mercado marks its 10th anniversary! There is a $5 cover charge for those 13 years old and up. Kids 12 and under and adults 65 and older get in for free. 

Hours: Fridays from May 22 to Oct. 23, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Location: 5th Avenue and 12th Street in Moline

The Bettendorf Farmers Market, hosted by the Mississippi Valley Growers Association, offers fresh produce, baked and prepared goods and handmade crafts. It takes place multiple days of the week in Bettendorf during the warmer months. MVGA used to host a Saturday market in Davenport that has since moved to the Bettendorf location. 

Hours: Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon 

Location: 2850 18th St. in Bettendorf 

The DeWitt Farmers Market hosts a wide variety of vendors each week. They include produce, food trucks, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts, décor and more. The outdoor market opens for the season on Thursday, May 7, and runs through October. The winter market is open from November through April at the DeWitt Community Center.

Hours: Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Lincoln Park, 5th Avenue and 10th Street in DeWitt

The Geneseo Farmers Market hosts vendors with fresh produce, baked and prepared goods, agricultural products, crafts and art. The market also extends into the winter at an indoor location. The summer market starts the first Saturday in June, which is June 6 this year. 

Hours: Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon

Location: Geneseo City Park on Pearl Street in Geneseo

The Muscatine Area Farmers Market opened for the season on Saturday, May 2, and runs until October. Find local fresh produce, crafts, food, art and more.

Hours: Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Location: Corner of East 3rd and Cedar Streets in Muscatine

The Lyons Farmers Market is open from late May through October and serves the Clinton, Camanche and Fulton, Illinois area. Fresh produce and other goods are available.

Hours: Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Starting May 20 and May 23)

Location: Lyons Four Square Park in Clinton, Iowa

The Jefferson Street Farmers Market returns to downtown Burlington starting Thursday, May 7. Held every Thursday from 4:30 to 7 p.m., the market is open from May through September. It encompasses several blocks of Jefferson Street in the heart of downtown Burlington. 

According to organizers, the market brings in around 2,000 visitors every week. It features a mix of local farmers, food vendors, artisans, nonprofits and small businesses. Visitors can find fresh produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, honeys, prepared foods and other handmade items. There are also several activities for children, including crafts and face-painting. 

The Jefferson Street Farmers Market is held rain or shine and will only be canceled due to severe weather.