Annual Sports Events
When it comes to hosting big name sporting events, Greater Des Moines is a big winner, no contest. With recurring events like NCAA March Madness, Savannah Bananas, the Dew Tour, IRONMAN, and the AAU Junior Olympic Games, there’s always something to cheer for. Here’s a roundup of some of our gold medal annual events.
The Principal Charity Classic, a part of the PGA Tour Champions (formerly the Senior PGA Tour), is an annual golfing event with the goal of raising money for Iowa children's charities. This family-friendly event has raised over $53.7 million, and thrives on the passion of participants, volunteers, and sponsors. Held at the beautifully restored Wakonda Club since 2013, the Principal Charity Classic welcomes spectators to enjoy a day on the green for a great cause. Each year draws big name golfers to the region, with previous winners including Ernie Els, Stephen Ames, Jay Haas, and Tom Lehman. Kids 15 and under get in free and ticket options include experiences like skyboxes on hole 17, a fan village, family zone, and trophy club with complimentary food and drink.
The Iowa Speedway is an oval track in Newton, Iowa often called the “fastest short track on the planet.” Each summer it hosts the Hy-Vee INDYCAR Race Weekend in July as part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. Come for the races, stay for the big name concerts afterward that have included superstars like Luke Combs and Post Malone. And beginning in 2024, the Speedway hosted its first-ever NASCAR Cup Series Race in June as part of the NASCAR Xfinity Series. That also looks to become an annual affair, so go fast to get your tickets now before they sell out!
The Drake Relays, one of the most famous and exciting outdoor track and field events in the country, are held every April in Des Moines. Hosted at Drake University’s Drake Stadium, the event features participants ranging from elementary to master levels. Enjoy the thrill of watching events ranging from hurdles and relays to long jump and shot put over four action-packed days. The action gets started even earlier in the week, with fun kick off events like road races, a beautiful bulldog competition, and the Grand Blue Mile.
Experience a competition like never before at the National Balloon Classic, held over nine days each summer in Indianola, Iowa. This spectacular event features hot air balloon competitions, live music, and dazzling fireworks. With more than 100 balloons participating, the National Balloon Classic offers days of excitement and wonder as you witness their graceful flight. Beyond the breathtaking balloon displays, attendees can enjoy a variety of food vendors, craft stalls, and family-friendly activities, making it a perfect outing for all ages. Don’t miss this picture perfect event that brings together balloon enthusiasts from all over the country. No filter required.
Since its inception in 2002, the IMT Des Moines Marathon has welcomed runners to test their endurance, enjoy the beauty of Des Moines, and celebrate health and wellness. This annual October event features a marathon, half marathon, a 3.5-mile run, and a short kid’s race, offering something for every level of runner. Known in the running community as one of the top marathons in the Midwest, the route has been revamped so that there’s less elevation, but more of Des Moines' most enjoyable sights; including runs through downtown Des Moines, Historic East Village, Drake University neighborhood, Historic Valley Junction in West Des Moines, and more.
If you’ve ever wanted to get into disc golf (or even if you never knew you did), the TruBank Des Moines Challenge presented by the Disc Golf Pro Tour (DGPT) is your chance. Held at one of Des Moines’ premier disc golf courses designed by five time world champion Julia Korver, the challenge offers a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators. Head down to charming Indianola in July to see what all the buzz is about, and watch the top disc golfers in the country compete for cash prizes.
