Free Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: September Edition

_{Header Image Photo Credit: ©Isenberger Photography}

Don’t blink! These FREE things to do and FREE events in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) are taking place in September, only. Keep your eyes on the prize, because you won’t want to miss this unique selection of events before they’re gone. Take a peek:

Water Works Pops with the Des Moines Symphony

Saturday, Aug. 30 – Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 | Water Works Park
Have you ever wanted to check out a Des Moines Symphony show as a first timer? Or perhaps you’re a raving fan excited for their upcoming season? Here's your chance! First, on Saturday, get ready to rock out to all your Billy Joel favorites including "Uptown Girl," "River of Dreams," "Movin' Out," "My Life," "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," and many more. Then come back Sunday for another family-friendly, fun-filled lineup of tunes in the Dance With Me program featuring vocalists Scarlett Stratton and Ben Davis. Be sure to pack a lawn chair or a blanket to sit on! 
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Fall Author Series

Thursday, Sept. 5, Wednesday, Sept. 25 & Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024 | Central Library
If you love the Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series, you’re sure to love these free author talks, too! The Des Moines Public Library will host several popular, best-selling writers with Iowa connections this fall, complete with book signings and books available for purchase by Beaverdale Books. On Thursday, Sept. 5, hear from Shawntelle Madison who has written 15 science fiction books including her new novel "The Fallen Fruit" releasing just a few days prior to the event. Austin Frerick will lead a discussion on Thursday, Sept. 25 on his 2024 book, "Barons: Money, Power and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry." And Wednesday, Oct. 23, hear from Daniel Kraus, author of bestsellers "Whalefall," "The Death and Life of Zebulon Finch," "The Shape of Water" and a new book set to be released soon titled, "Pay the Piper." 
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Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 | Western Gateway Park
This is unlike any other car show you’ve heard of! This event celebrates the art and design of the automobile, featuring 150 cars exhibited across 12 classes — from classics and Rivieras, Corvettes to Nash Metropolitans and more. Midway will offer food and merchandise and services for purchase. And a radio-controlled car racetrack, photo booth and other activities will make this a fun family outing! More events take place the prior Friday and Saturday, and you can visit the Concours website for additional information or read about how to create lasting memories at this year's event.
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Photo Credit: ©Isenberger Photography

Des Moines Streetstyle Open

Thursday, Sept. 19 – Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 | Lauridsen Skatepark + More Locations
Is this a great event for Instagrammable photos? You better believe it! Watch skaters compete in three-minute-long skater jams with the goal of entering — and winning! — finals. And don’t miss the chance to view other offshoot competitions at nearby locations, plus the Welcome Party at Cowles Commons will include a popup skatepark, appearances from local food trucks and a performance by Des Moines Breakerz. Plus, each night of the Open ends with a fun-filled after party at a Downtown DSM establishment. You’re gonna want to be there! Spectating is free, and registration to participate as a skater is available on the Skate DSM website.
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Photo Credit: Alex Sveda, Red Bull Content Poll, @slamdunkapher

Peace Day & International Festival

Saturday, Sept. 22, 2024 | Mainframe Studios
Iowa Resource for International Service, a nonprofit that has welcomed nearly 3,000 participants from many different countries to Iowa, will celebrate peace, love and art this month with a free event where all are welcome. Jam out to performances by AfroBeats dancers, the Soten Taiko Japanese drummers, Bosnian dance and Latino music, plus food provided by Karam’s Grill, Not Yo Mama’s Kitchen and Monarca Paletas. And with opportunities to create art like a Moroccan mosaic and Ukrainian egg art – there is a ton to see, do and experience here! Don’t miss it.
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And don’t miss even more free events taking place this month, including live music at the free Patio Fest at Confluence Brewing Co. (Aug. 30 - Sept. 2, 2024), the Touchdown Tailgate free viewing of the Iowa vs. Iowa State game (Sept. 7, 2024) and the Geneology of Des Moines Event (Sept. 12, 2024). Meet us there?

For these upcoming events and more, find tips on Downtown Des Moines (DSM) parking and navigation. For additional upcoming events, visit the Downtown DSM events calendar. Plus, follow @downtownDSMUSA on Instagram for more epic, things-you-just-can’t-miss happening around Downtown.