The Southside Sunday Market opens for the season next weekend in the parking lot at 1111 East Army Post Road. (Photo: courtesy Sunday Southside Market) By Kendra Esau Farmers market season is in full swing and the Southside Sunday Market is returning for its second year. The market is the brainchild of Mayalu Coffee owner Deep Paudel. After realizing the south side of Des Moines didn’t have a farmers market, he got the idea to create one. What was originally intended to be a small parking lot market with just a few booths has quickly taken on a life of its own. After working to complete the necessary paperwork and obtaining permission from the city, Paudel successfully held the first Southside Sunday Market on July 13, 2025. Since its inception the market has grown quickly. Currently, 49 of the 60 available vendor spots are filled for the season. “We have vegetables, five food trucks and tacos,” said Paudel, “And we have a lot of bakers; sourdough, cinnamon rolls, cakes, tres leches, and we have great cakes from Lena’s desserts.” Beyond offering an array of mouth-watering local food options, the Southside Sunday Market is also big on building community and bringing opportunity to small businesses in Des Moines. “A lot of entrepreneurs, vendors and small businesses just need visibility, momentum and a place to get in front of people. I believe growth should create growth for others too,” said Paudel. “This market isn’t just about selling products for a day, it’s about helping businesses get discovered, build customers and continue growing long term. That’s what we’re trying to build here.” One way the Southside Sunday Market supports growth for its vendors is through small business education. In April, Paudel and his business partner Lisa Treptow partnered with several local organizations to offer free vendor education classes on obtaining permits and licensing, health department compliance, and liability insurance in order to help them successfully prepare for opening day. And now, less than two weeks out from that date, that hard work is about to pay off. The Southside Sunday Market runs from June 7 to Sept. 27 every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Genesis Health Club parking lot of the Southridge Mall at 1111 East Army Post Road. Contributor Kendra Esau is a copywriter in Des Moines. When she’s not writing you can usually find her at a thrift store or checking out new businesses around the city. ...read more read less