Experience Downtown DSM During the Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa

Fans are invited to attend the Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa when it returns to Downtown Des Moines (DSM) on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Soapbox teams will meet at the Iowa State Capitol grounds, 801 E. Walnut St. in Des Moines, to showcase homemade racing carts at 10 a.m., competing to take home the top prize. The Des Moines race is the lead-off event of three in the U.S. this year, with events in Salt Lake City, Utah and Los Angeles, Calif. to follow.

Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa welcomed more than 25,000 spectators when it was last held in Downtown DSM in 2022. This year, Red Bull Soapbox Race is partnering with Iowa-based Hy-Vee and Casey’s to encourage even more local participation and celebration in 2025. Soapbox teams will be judged on speed, cart design creativity and showmanship, and since the event is free to attend, it’s easy to show your support!

Watch local teams from Des Moines, Johnston, Pella and more compete against teams from as far as Seymour, Wis., Sioux Falls, S.D. and Bourbonnais, Ill. The Road Doctors, a Des Moines-based team making their second appearance at the Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa, are raising money for the Blank Children’s Hospital’s Child Life Program, while the Sherman Hill Billies are hoping for a win with their tractor-inspired creation. Cheer on the Revenge Against the Corn team, too — they hope to cross the finish line after crashing on the start ramp in 2022 — as well as many other competing teams with inspiring stories.

Watch the Soapbox Race, Shop the Market in Downtown Des Moines

Representatives for the Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa will be at the Downtown Farmers’ Market this weekend prior to the race. Red Bull will have special programming on Saturday, May 31, 2025. You can check out the weekly vendor list, too, to see which vendors you can expect to see at The Market on race day. Ali Family Garden will have produce products like arugula, bell peppers and broccoli. Grab a cold brew or hot coffee from the Coffalo booth. Try a tamale from Reyes Tamales — they offer a vegan option, too — or try some homemade ice cream from Sweet Treats.

With the Market taking place from 7 a.m. until Noon on Saturdays, you can grab a bite of prepared food from one of the vendors prior to the Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa at 10 a.m., or head to The Market after watching the races to shop local. Visit nearby restaurants in the Historic East Village and Historic Court District, too, including Railroad Bill’s Dining Car, which features all-day breakfast and lunch on the outdoor patio, or enjoy brunch at Court Avenue Restaurant Brewing Company, where kids six and under eat free!

Learn more about the upcoming Red Bull Soapbox Race Iowa event at redbull.com/soapboxraceiowa and find out all about the Downtown Farmers’ Market at DesMoinesFarmersMarket.com.

There are so many fun events specific to Downtown DSM. Attend annual events like the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market, World Food & Music Festival and Holiday Promenade or find live music happening each week through the "Live Music This Week in DSM” blog series.

From May to October, experience local artists, live music and entertainment at the Downtown Farmers’ Market featuring more than 300 family farmers, bakers, artists and crafters from around the state. It’s easy to visit with plentiful and affordable street and ramp parking options. Find the latest updates for The Market each week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.