Introducing the Des Moines Streetstyle Open Presented by Jethro's BBQ

Last month, Skate DSM announced the inaugural Des Moines Streetstyle Open, a skate contest from Sept. 23-25 with prize money held at locations throughout Greater Des Moines (DSM). The Des Moines Streetstyle Open is modeled after what is known as the “best” international skate competition, the Copenhagen Open. This multi-day event, presented by Jethro’s BBQ, will take place throughout DSM with skate contests moving from spot to spot, with the final contest held at the world-class Lauridsen Skatepark. This event will feature some of the world’s best skaters, as well as talented skaters from the Midwest and of course, right here in Downtown DSM.

About the Des Moines Streetstyle Open

Red Bull will take part in the three-day skateboard event in Des Moines, supporting a number of activities (on and off the skateboard) as part of their Red Bull Drop In program. Additionally, professional Red Bull skaters will be on the ground in Des Moines to participate.

The weekend will start with a “welcome to town Streetstyle Jam” at 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 in front of Subsect Skateshop in the Historic East Village. Select skaters will compete on old-school skate elements on E. Walnut. The event will also include a jump ramp/wall ride best trick contest hosted by Street Plant Skateboards and judged by Mike Vallely, Des Moines resident pro skater. An after-party at Coa Cantina will immediately follow the events in front of Subsect.

On Friday the events will move throughout Des Moines and West Des Moines with select skaters competing in contests at the Iowa State Capitol, Railroad Park, and Legion Skatepark in West Des Moines. The event at Railroad Park in Valley Junction will include a tic-tac race and high ollie contests designed for skaters of all ages. The day will end with an after-party at The Hall in West Des Moines. Local skaters will premier their new skate video SIDE-LOT at the event.

Finally, on Saturday skaters from all over the Midwest will compete against “pro” skaters in street contest at the Lauridsen Skatepark Street Course. This day-long event is open to any skater who wishes to try out and qualify. Qualifying skaters will advance to the semi-finals and then to the finals. A separate men’s and women’s division will offer an equal prize purse. An awards ceremony will follow with the event capping off with the Red Bull Drop In Best Trick Contest. All skaters and spectators are invited to join us at Captain Roy’s for an after-party with music performed by Mike Vallely and the Complete Disaster.

All events are free and open to the public. Skaters wishing to compete in the open qualifier on Saturday will be charged a nominal $50 entrance fee. To learn more, or register to compete, go to DesMoinesStreetstyleOpen.com.

Event Details

Thursday, Sept. 23
4 p.m. – Welcome to Town Streetstyle Jam
Subsect Skate Shop, 309 E. Walnut St.
Select skaters will compete on various elements on E. Walnut St.

Friday, September 24
Select skaters will compete in skate contests at various skate spots throughout the region.
11 a.m. – Iowa State Capitol Center Plaza, Des Moines
2 p.m. – Railroad Park, West Des Moines Includes contests for all ages including Tic Tac Races, Highest Ollie Contests and more
4 p.m. – Skate to Legion Skatepark
5 p.m. – Legion Skatepark Competition
8 p.m. – SIDE-LOT Video Premiere, The Hall, West Des Moines

Saturday, September 25
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Streetstyle Open Men’s/Women’s Qualifiers, Lauridsen Skatepark
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. – Semi-Finals
2:30 p.m. – Finals
TBD – Best Trick Contest
Awards Ceremony immediately following
6 p.m. – After Park at Captain Roy’s featuring Mike Vallely and the Complete Disaster

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is a growing, vibrant community that offers the energy, sophistication, housing and attractions of a burgeoning city with a brilliant future. It’s also easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership calendar of events is a one-stop resource for activities taking place throughout the region. Find networking information for Greater Des Moines (DSM) businesses or events specific to Downtown DSM.