Des Moines Concours d’Elegance: 2026 Visitor Guide
More than 140 vintage, classic and collectible vehicles will surround Pappajohn Sculpture Park during the 2026 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance.
The free outdoor exhibition returns to downtown Des Moines on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Rather than displaying long rows of similar vehicles, the Concours selects automobiles and motorcycles for their design, history, rarity, engineering and innovation.
That makes this much more than a traditional car show. Visitors can see vehicles ranging from early antiques and postwar classics to American muscle cars, exotic automobiles and motorcycles, all displayed alongside the artwork of Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
2026 Des Moines Concours d’Elegance details
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Show area: Grand and Locust streets between 12th and 16th streets
Admission: Free
Food: Food, merchandise and service vendors will be available
The show takes place on closed streets surrounding Pappajohn Sculpture Park. Freewill donations are encouraged to help cover event expenses and support the organizations benefiting from the show.
What vehicles will be featured in 2026?
Vehicles displayed at the Concours are selected based on qualities such as authenticity, condition, rarity, design, engineering, innovation and historical importance.
The 2026 featured classes include:
- Antiques: Vehicles produced through 1927
- Early Collectibles: Cars and trucks produced from 1928 through 1942
- Atomic Age Collectibles: Postwar vehicles produced from 1946 through 1957
- Space Age Collectibles: Vehicles from 1958 through 1969 featuring tailfins, chrome and sleek body lines
- Preservation: Unaltered surviving vehicles produced before 1974
- Classics: Luxury and limited-production automobiles produced from 1915 through 1948
- Exotics: Rare vehicles known for speed and distinctive design
- American Muscle: High-performance American vehicles produced through 1973
- Motorcycles: Examples selected for their engineering, design and cultural influence
Special vehicle classes for 2026
Two special classes should make the 2026 show especially interesting.
Cars from Pixar’s “Cars” movies
Vehicles connected to the characters and designs from Pixar’s “Cars” movies will be part of this year’s show. This class should be particularly popular with families and younger visitors.
Pontiac’s 100th anniversary
The 2026 show will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of Pontiac. The automobile brand was introduced by General Motors in 1926 and became known for models ranging from the Bonneville and GTO to the Firebird and Trans Am.
Schedule for Sunday, September 13
10 a.m.: The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance opens
2:30 p.m.: Star Car presentations
3 p.m.: Grand Awards Presentation at 13th Street and Grand Avenue, including class winners and Best of Show
4 p.m.: “Roar at 4”
The “Roar at 4” is one of the most memorable moments of the day. As the show ends, drivers start their engines and begin leaving the display area. Find a safe place along the route and have your camera ready.
Family activities at the Concours
You don’t need to be a serious car collector to enjoy the event. The Concours is designed to highlight the artistic, technological and historical significance of each vehicle.
Many visitors enjoy finding cars they remember from childhood, vehicles once owned by family members or rare models they have previously seen only in photographs, movies or video games.
Family activities planned for the 2026 event include:
- Radio-controlled cars from Hobby Haven
- Iowa LEGO Users Group displays
- A Money Mammals SmartCar children can climb inside
- Coloring sheets and oversized games
- Des Moines Soapbox Derby display
- Area 515 Makerspace
- Miniature engine displays
- Automotive education and apprenticeship displays
- Military vehicle display
- Model T photo opportunity
Activities may change as the event approaches, so check the official schedule before traveling.
Where should you park?
Public parking is available throughout downtown Des Moines, including parking garages and street parking near the show area.
Because streets immediately surrounding Pappajohn Sculpture Park will be closed for the event, plan to park a few blocks away and walk to the show. Watch for temporary “No Parking” signs and other event-related restrictions.
Can you take photographs?
Yes. Photography is allowed and encouraged.
The vehicles are displayed around the perimeter of Pappajohn Sculpture Park, creating opportunities to photograph classic automobiles with downtown buildings and public art in the background.
Arriving close to the 10 a.m. opening may give you a better chance to photograph the cars before the largest crowds arrive. Please stay behind any barriers and avoid touching or leaning against the vehicles.
Who benefits from the Des Moines Concours?
The event is produced by the Iowa Automotive Heritage Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes the automotive heritage of Iowa and the Midwest.
Proceeds from the 2026 event will support two causes:
Children’s Cancer Connection
Children’s Cancer Connection provides programs and opportunities that help Iowa families affected by childhood cancer build relationships and strengthen their community.
Des Moines Concours Automotive Heritage Grant
The new Automotive Heritage Grant provides financial assistance for tools, equipment, training and automotive projects supporting high school automotive education across Iowa.
The Des Moines Concours attracted more than 22,000 visitors in 2025. Over the years, the organization has also contributed more than $185,000 to Children’s Cancer Connection.
Des Moines Concours Charity Gala
The Concours weekend begins with a ticketed Charity Gala on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Krause Gateway Center.
The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. and features rare Porsche automobiles, cocktails, dinner by Allora, entertainment, silent and live auctions and guest speaker Kip Wasenko.
Wasenko spent approximately 40 years with General Motors and held design leadership positions with Saturn, Chevrolet, Oldsmobile and Cadillac. He is especially known for designing the Cadillac EVOQ concept car, which helped introduce Cadillac’s Art and Science design direction.
Gala tickets are separate from Sunday’s free public exhibition. Tickets and current availability can be found on the official Des Moines Concours website.
Check out the classics at American Dream Machines
American Dream Machines is located at 1500 Locust Street, directly across from Pappajohn Sculpture Park.
The showroom specializes in classic, muscle and collectible vehicles. During previous Concours events, visitors have been able to view the showroom and restoration areas. Check with American Dream Machines before the 2026 event to confirm whether the business will offer public access during this year’s show.
Before you go
Event details and activities can change. Visit the official Des Moines Concours d’Elegance website or its Facebook page for final announcements before traveling.
