The Des Moines Concours d’Elegance returned to the Pappajohn Sculpture Park this weekend, offering families and car enthusiasts a free, open‑air celebration of automotive heritage. More than 140 vintage, classic and specialty vehicles rolled into downtown Des Moines, turning the park into a living museum of automotive history.
Highlights of the show
Among the highlights was a special exhibit honoring Pontiac’s 100th anniversary, featuring rare models that trace the brand’s evolution from the early 1900s to its modern legacy. Visitors also enjoyed a whimsical tribute to Pixar’s beloved film Cars, with several automobiles that inspired the movie’s iconic characters on display.
“We’ve got the Good Guys Heartland Nationals, which is a national car show as well. We’ve got this one. There’s a national car show. This is a lot more about preservation, restoration, and heritage, which is really cool. There’s a lot of high‑end cars here today, which are just stuff you don’t see every day,” said Clynt Coburn, treasurer of the Modern Customs Dreamz Car Club, which helped organize the event.
Community impact
Even though a brief rain shower forced some outdoor activities to pause, organizers kept the gates open and continued to welcome visitors throughout the day. All proceeds from the Concours will benefit the Children’s Cancer Connection, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance and support services to families battling pediatric cancer. In addition, a portion of the funds will be directed to automotive education programs for Iowa high schools, helping students gain hands‑on experience in vehicle restoration and engineering.
Why the event matters to Des Moines families
The Concours d’Elegance aligns with the community’s love of tradition and family‑focused recreation. By offering a free, family‑friendly outing, the event encourages parents to bring children to learn about the craftsmanship and history behind classic automobiles. It also underscores the city’s commitment to supporting charitable causes that protect children’s health and future career opportunities.
Local businesses and volunteers contributed time and resources, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that makes Des Moines a vibrant place to live and raise a family. The event’s success demonstrates how cultural gatherings can simultaneously celebrate heritage, boost local pride, and raise vital funds for worthy causes.
Looking ahead
Organizers announced plans to expand the Concours next year, with hopes of adding more interactive exhibits and increasing the number of vehicles on display. They also intend to deepen partnerships with Iowa’s vocational schools, ensuring that more students benefit from hands‑on automotive training.
For families seeking a wholesome weekend activity that blends education, nostalgia, and community service, the Des Moines Concours d’Elegance proved to be a standout event this September.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
