September Roundup: 8 Sports & Outdoor Recreation Events in Downtown DSM

Downtown Des Moines (DSM) is full of sports action and outdoor recreation opportunities this month! Here’s your roundup of eight must-experience events spanning baseball, rowing, yoga, climbing and lots, lots more. This September is the perfect time to enjoy more, explore more and experience more exercise, leisure activities and sporting events in Downtown DSM!

1. Iowa Cubs vs. Memphis
   Sept. 13 – Sept. 18 | Principal Park
   This week, the Iowa Cubs take on the Memphis Redbirds — an affiliate team of the St. Louis Cardinals. Grab a hot dog or some popcorn and come root for the home team with the beautiful Downtown Des Moines skyline in view!
   GET TICKETS
2. Climb with Pride Meetup
   Saturday, Sept. 16 | Climb Iowa Historic East Village
   Join in and meet other climbers in the LGBTQ+ climbing community in DSM! Each month, a host leads activities and climbing for the group including guidance for new and aspiring climbers.
   LEARN MORE
3. Greater Des Moines Women’s Half Marathon & 5K
   Sunday, Sept. 18 | 4th & Court Avenue
   Make it an ultimate girls’ weekend and cheer on your favorite runner at this event as part of the Hy-Vee Women’s Running Series. Female runners and walkers will take on either a half marathon or 5k, and the Hy-Vee KidsFit One Mile Fun Run is open to children ages five to 15. The energy will be contagious as you root for the athletes with Downtown DSM as a beautiful backdrop.
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4. Des Moines Streetstyle Open
   Thursday, Sept. 22 – Saturday, Sept. 24 | Lauridsen Skatepark & Other Locations
   Watch the action as skaters from around the world take on this streetstyle competition in Downtown DSM. Food trucks and beverages will be available on-site, plus after parties are planned each night of the Open. You won’t want to miss this fun event!
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5. Head of the Des Moines Regatta
   Saturday, Sept. 24 | Des Moines River
   Rowers from across the U.S. will converge on DSM to race from the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden to Prospect Park. Classes will include masters, collegiate, juniors, para and open rowers. Several viewing points have been identified for spectators to watch the action from the shoreline.
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6. Run to Exile
   Saturday, Sept. 24 | Exile Brewing Co.
   Here’s your perfect excuse to drink tasty, local craft beer and get a workout in! Sign up for either the Zoltan 5K of the Ruthie 10K for the 10th year of this popular Downtown DSM race.
   SIGN UP
7. Yoga on Cowles Commons
   Sundays through Sept. 25 | Cowles Commons
   BYO yoga mat and head to Downtown DSM for reflection, stretching and yoga poses ranging from beginner to expert. Each week will feature a yoga instructor from around the region.
   LEARN MORE
8. Iowa Cubs vs. Toledo
   Sept. 26 – Sept. 28 | Principal Park
   Take me out to the ballgame! Watch the I-Cubs match up against the Toledo Mud Hens — the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. And don’t forget to snag a selfie with Cubbie Bear!
   GET TICKETS

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