2026 Des Moines Concours

The Des Moines Concours d'Elegance returns September 12–13, 2026, bringing together automotive enthusiasts, families, collectors, and visitors from across the Midwest for a weekend celebrating the art, history, and innovation of the automobile. Held in the heart of downtown Des Moines surrounding the internationally recognized John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park, the Des Moines Concours has become one of the region's premier automotive exhibitions. The event showcases carefully selected vintage, classic, exotic, motorcycle, and special-interest vehicles that highlight the remarkable evolution of transportation design and engineering. What makes the Des Moines Concours unique is its setting. The exhibition takes place among one of the nation's most celebrated sculpture parks, creating a striking combination of automotive artistry and world-class public art. Visitors can stroll through downtown streets filled with exceptional vehicles while enjoying the park's renowned collection of sculptures. The 2026 event will feature a wide variety of vehicle classes, including Antiques, Early Collectibles, Atomic Age Collectibles, Space Age Collectibles, Preservation vehicles, Classics, Exotics, American Muscle, and Motorcycles. Together, these classes provide a fascinating journey through more than a century of automotive history. Special featured classes for 2026 include a celebration of Pontiac's 100th Anniversary and a unique showcase of vehicles that inspired the beloved characters from Pixar's Cars movies. These featured displays are expected to attract both dedicated enthusiasts and families looking for a memorable day in downtown Des Moines. The Des Moines Concours is much more than an automotive exhibition. The event is designed to be family-friendly and accessible to visitors of all ages. Guests can enjoy food trucks, local vendors, interactive exhibits, LEGO displays, radio-controlled car racing, educational presentations, photo opportunities, and hands-on activities throughout the day. One of the most popular aspects of the event is the opportunity to meet vehicle owners and learn the stories behind the automobiles on display. Many exhibitors spend years restoring and preserving these vehicles, and visitors often discover fascinating connections between automotive history, American culture, and personal memories. The weekend begins on Saturday evening, September 12, with the Des Moines Concours Charity Gala at the Krause Gateway Center. The Gala offers guests an elegant evening featuring fine dining, entertainment, exclusive vehicle displays, auctions, and unique experiences. The event brings together automotive enthusiasts, community leaders, sponsors, and supporters for a memorable evening that helps advance the Concours' charitable mission. That mission is at the heart of everything the Des Moines Concours does. Proceeds from the event support two important causes. Children's Cancer Connection provides programs, camps, educational resources, support outings, and community-building opportunities for Iowa families affected by childhood cancer. Through the generosity of donors and supporters, the organization serves hundreds of families throughout the state at no cost to them. The event also supports the Des Moines Concours Automotive Heritage Grant, administered by the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation. The grant program provides financial assistance for tools, equipment, training, and project support for high school automotive education programs across Iowa, helping develop the next generation of technicians, restorers, and automotive professionals. For automotive enthusiasts, the Des Moines Concours offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the finest collector vehicles in the Midwest. For families, it provides a free day of entertainment, education, and hands-on activities. For the community, it serves as a celebration of history, design, innovation, and philanthropy. Whether you're interested in rare classics, powerful muscle cars, iconic motorcycles, automotive history, family activities, or simply spending a beautiful day in downtown Des Moines, the 2026 Des Moines Concours d'Elegance offers something for everyone. The 2026 Des Moines Concours d'Elegance takes place Sunday, September 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. For event details, Gala information, exhibitor applications, sponsorship opportunities, and the latest updates, visit www.desmoinesconcours.com.