Free Things to Do in Downtown Des Moines: September Edition

Touchdown Tailgate

Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 | Cowles Commons
Game day energy is taking over Cowles Commons! The 2026 Touchdown Tailgate is back and bigger than ever, with gates opening at 3 p.m. ahead of the 6:30 p.m. game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Iowa State Cyclones. Expect all the tailgate classics — food trucks, a full bar and a giant jumbotron streaming the big game. Wear your school colors, bring a chair, and get ready for football — all with free admission. Cold drinks and fantastic food available as well for purchase. All ages welcome. No coolers or outside food, please.
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Concours d’Elegance

Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026 | Western Gateway Park
Classic cars meet works of art at the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance! Head to Western Gateway Park for this free automotive exhibition featuring an impressive lineup of vintage and classic vehicles celebrating decades of design, innovation and engineering. Beyond the cars, families can check out interactive exhibits, LEGO displays, radio-controlled car racing, games, food trucks and more. Ka-chow! Kids and movie fans will especially love this year’s featured class celebrating the iconic vehicles from Pixar’s Cars movies. With plenty to see and do for all ages, it’s a Sunday outing the whole crew can enjoy.
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Fall Author Series

Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026 | Central Library
The Fall Author Series is back for its fourth year! The series kicks off at Central Library with New York Times bestselling author and Shakespeare professor Eloisa James, who has written more than 30 historical romances in 28 languages, with 7 million copies in print. She’ll discuss her newest book, “The Last Lady B”, a witty gothic romance described as Jane Austen meets “The White Lotus”. James is the first of three New York Times bestselling authors featured in this year’s series, with two more author events coming in October. All events are free to attend, with books available for purchase from Beaverdale Books and author signings following each conversation.
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Solar Party

Saturday, Sept. 5 & 19, 2026 | Science Center of Iowa
Get a closer look at our nearest star during a Solar Party at the Science Center of Iowa! Stop by during the Downtown Farmers’ Market to safely explore the Sun through specially filtered solar telescopes and see features like sunspots, granulation and prominences. SCI staff and volunteers will be on hand to explain what you’re seeing and how different filters reveal different layers and wavelengths of the Sun. Solar Parties are free, drop-in events held from 9-11 a.m. near SCI’s main entrance, with no tickets or registration required.
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Gray’s Station Summer Music Series: XOLEX

Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 | Gray’s Station
Send summer off on a high note with a free night of live music as the Gray’s Station Summer Music Series closes out the season with emerging Iowa artist XOLEX! The singer-songwriter brings expressive vocals, honest lyrics and a fearless take on country music to the Clubhouse from 6–8 p.m. Enjoy free samples from Big Grove Brewery while you listen, and come hungry if you’d like to grab dinner from Lachele’s Food Truck or ice cream from The Outside Scoop, both available for purchase. Bring your crew and soak up one last summer evening at Gray’s Station.
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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, Sept. 4 – Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Meet us there?

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