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:

Touchdown Tailgate

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 | Cowles Commons
Game day energy is taking over Downtown DSM, and Cowles Commons is the place to be! The 2025 Touchdown Tailgate is back and bigger than ever, with gates opening at 9:30 a.m. ahead of the 11 a.m. between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones. Expect all the tailgate classics — food trucks, a full bar, bags tournaments, and giant jumbotrons streaming the big game. This year also brings live music with Jordan Beem after the final whistle, so the party doesn’t stop when the game does. Wear your school colors, bring a chair, and get ready for football, cold drinks, and fantastic food — all with free admission. All ages welcome. No coolers or outside food, please.
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Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 | 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 120 cars — 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, Des Moines Soapbox Derby display and other activities will make this a fun family outing! More events take place the prior 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

Fall Author Series

Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025 | Central Library
If you loved the Authors Visiting in Des Moines (AViD) series, you’ll want to mark your calendar for this fall, too! The 2025 Fall Author Series at the Des Moines Public Library is bringing three incredible writers for evenings of conversation, storytelling and book signings — all free and open to the public. The series kicks off this Wednesday with David Ellis, an Edgar Award–winning crime fiction author and longtime co-writer with James Patterson. His program will be moderated by Dean Strang, associate professor at Drake University Law School. Then, don’t miss Amanda Jones on Wednesday, Oct. 8 and Hank Phillippi Ryan on Thursday, Oct. 16, each bringing their own gripping stories to the stage. Come early or stay late for book signings and be part of this celebration of great writing right here in Downtown DSM. 
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Downtown End of Summer Block Party

Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 | The Hub Spot
Say goodbye to summer with one last big Downtown DSM bash! The Downtown Neighborhood Association is throwing its End of Summer Block Party at The Hub Spot, and you’re invited to keep the weekend vibes rolling. Once the Farmers’ Market wraps up, the fun keeps going with food trucks, cold drinks, live music, lawn games and plenty of neighborly cheer. Whether you work, live or just love visiting Downtown DSM, this is your chance to gather with friends old and new and soak up the best of city life. All are welcome, so bring your crew and celebrate the season in the heart of Downtown.
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Peace Day & International Festival

Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025 | 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. Experience the vibrant rhythms and stories of the world through movement — featuring Hmong dance, Bollywood flair, interpretive dance to poetry, traditional Mexican youth dance, Bosnian folk dance, Brazilian samba and Rwandan traditional performances. It’s more than a performance — it’s a one-of-a-kind chance to experience the heartbeat of cultures from around the world, right here in Downtown DSM.
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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., happening Friday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 1, 2025. 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.