The 2025 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance Returns to Downtown Des Moines (DSM)

A Weekend to Remember: Celebrating 25 Years of Des Moines Concours With Purpose

The 2025 Des Moines Concours isn't just a single-day affair celebrating the automotive culture and community. As we roll into the 25th anniversary of the Des Moines Concours, mark your calendars for Sept. 6 and 7 and get ready for a weekend filled with unforgettable events.

Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025 

Gala: An Exclusive Night with Donald Osborne, Benefiting Families Across Iowa

Looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend? How about a night of culinary flair, classic cars and a celebrity guest who knows his way around both? Attend the 3rd Annual Des Moines Concours Charity Gala at the elegant Stine Barn in West Des Moines from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for a truly unforgettable evening. Donald Osborne, the international auto expert, Jay Leno’s Garage co-host, opera-trained appraiser with impeccable suits and even better stories, is headlining our Concours Charity Gala. I can’t think of a better person to help us toast 25 years of incredible cars, community and giving back. Secure your tickets now here.

The Charity Gala is packed with reasons to celebrate:

• Admire the vehicles on display: 2015 McLaren P1, 1948 Chrysler Town & Country Convertible Coupe and 1992 Jaguar XJR-15.

• A gourmet farm-to-table dinner by award-winning Chef, Aaron Holt of Doolittle Farm.

• Andrew Tomes from Foundry Distilling Company will be offering a high-end bourbon experience with small-batch tastings.

• Scott Eggleston, front man for the Soul Searchers, will be providing background music during social hour.

• Enjoy the silent and live auctions to round out the evening.

And of course, proceeds benefit Children’s Cancer Connection, an Iowa nonprofit providing free, life-changing support for families affected by childhood cancer. That’s something truly worth raising a glass to.

Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025 

Des Moines Concours: The Ultimate Celebration of Craftsmanship, Creativity and Cause

Come back Sunday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the big show! More than 100 stunning vehicles will line the paths of the iconic John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). From vintage collectibles to futuristic concepts, there’s something here for every kind of car lover. Expect food trucks, vendors, hands-on activities for the whole family like the radio-controlled car racetrack, LEGO users car-themed display or the photo booth and a full day of free, open-to-the-public fun in the heart of Downtown DSM. This premier event, now celebrating 25 years!

As a lifelong car enthusiast, part of my excitement for this event is that the city blocks which are now home to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park were once part of Des Moines’ Auto Row. The buildings which once sold brands such as Maxwell, Hudson, Star and REO now overlook meticulously restored vehicles that tell their unique stories. From the sleek lines of early 20th-century classics to the bold designs of muscle and exotic cars, every vehicle on display is a testament to the creativity and engineering prowess of its time. This isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a chance to have a glimpse back in time and better understand the evolution of automotive design and technology.

One thing that makes the Des Moines Concours truly special is its ability to bring together car lovers from all walks of life. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply a person hoping to see if there’s an example of the car you had in high school, there’s something here for everyone. Take, for instance, one of our featured classes this year: American Pickup Trucks. This class showcases the enduring legacy, utility and evolving design of classic and collectible pickups that helped build America.

Here are this year's classes of vehicles:

• Antiques – Vehicles produced from the beginning of motor vehicles through 1927.

• Early Collectibles – A broad range of cars and trucks produced between 1928 and 1942.

• Atomic Age Collectibles – Vehicles with post-war styling built between 1946 and 1957.

• Space Age Collectibles – Tailfins, chrome and sleek body lines, produced from 1958 to 1969.

• Preservation – Unaltered survivors produced before 1974.

• Classics – Luxury, limited-production automobiles produced from 1915 to 1948.

• Exotics – Speed, rarity and provocative designs make these cars an attraction to everyone.

• American Muscle – High-performance, rear-wheel drive and mid and full-size models up to 1973.

• Motorcycles – Mechanical icons that influenced cultures with their design and engineering.

• Chrysler – 100^th Anniversary 1925 to 1974.

• American Pickup Trucks – Utility, adventure and style.

Each of these classes offers a unique perspective on the evolution of the automobile, and I encourage you to dive into the features, stories and history behind these incredible vehicles with the owners.

Fueled Up to Make a Difference

Beyond the awe-inspiring collection of vehicles, the 2025 Des Moines Concours holds a deeper purpose. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Children's Cancer Connection (CCC), an amazing organization dedicated to supporting Iowa families impacted by childhood cancer. Through generous fundraising and donor efforts, CCC provides educational resources, support outings, camp programs, events and other outreach to more than 850 Iowa families at no cost to them. By attending and participating in this event, you're contributing to a cause that has a positive impact to the children and their families.

Even though the Des Moines Concours is free to attend on Sunday, Sept. 7, there are other ways you can support our mission. Every donation, big or small, helps CCC continue providing vital programs and services to families in need.

• Mail checks to: Des Moines Concours, P.O. Box 13322, Des Moines, IA 50310

• Email us: info@desmoinesconcours.com

Join the Celebration

So, whether you're joining us for a night out at the Gala or strolling among iconic cars on Sunday, we hope you’ll be part of this powerful weekend. Together, we’ll celebrate 25 years of design, innovation and community — and help make life brighter for Iowa kids and families.

See you there!

For more information, schedule details and to stay updated with the latest news, visit the official website at https://desmoinesconcours.com/. You can also follow the event's journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/desmoinesconcours.