Get ready to roll, Des Moines – Red Bull Soapbox Race is rolling into town this Saturday! From wild homemade vehicles to epic crashes and creative costumes, this high-energy, downhill spectacle is unlike anything you’ve seen. Here’s your crash course in everything you need to know – what to expect, how to watch, where to park, and how to cheer on our local teams as they go full send, DSM-style.

What:

A race where teams design and build soapbox cars, then send them down a course filled with ramps, sharp turns, and various obstacles. Each team performs a skit before launching their car downhill, aiming to reach the finish line. Participants are judged on creativity, speed, showmanship, and overall performance. 

When:

Saturday, May 31 at Noon 

Where:  

Iowa State Capitol Grounds 

Who is participating:

50 teams from throughout the country. Competitors applied and were selected based on ideas, designs, and more. 

How to watch:  

Red Bull Soapbox is free to attend! Head to the Iowa State Capitol Grounds to experience the thrill. If you can’t attend, several local venues will be streaming it as well. Just ask when you arrive if they have Atmosphere TV. 

Parking:  

Parking near the State Capitol is limited and expected to fill quickly, so please plan for alternative options. A free shuttle will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. just east of the Court Avenue and Water Street intersection. Limited street parking is available as well.  

Local faves:  

With over 20 local teams competing, there's no shortage of creative karts to cheer for. You might root for DSM Downhill Draft, celebrating Greater Des Moines' bar scene, or Team Freeze Frame, featuring a camera-shaped car that's "photographed" stars like Caitlin Clark and AC/DC. There's also the breakfast-themed Early Bird car, the Wayne’s World-inspired Party-Mobile, and many more. Discover all the teams here. 

Redemption teams:  

There are also a few cars coming back to Greater Des Moines to give Red Bull Soapbox another go. Revenge Against the Corn may not have made it past the starting ramp in 2023, but this time, they’re back for revenge. So You’re Telling Me There’s a Chance is returning from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is ready for more with their Dumb and Dumber themed car as well.  

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit the official website here.