To kick off Pride Month, celebrate the local LGBTQIA+ community and its allies by saving the date for these Iowa Pride events.
June 9 to June 11: Pride Fest
Des Moines
Enjoy a full week of Iowa Pride events in the heart of the East Village during Pride Fest, presented by Capital City Pride. Fest-goers can enjoy the likes of Main Stage and Community Stage performances, a street festival, a fun run, shows, a pet zone, a family/kid’s zone, a wellness area, yoga, a parade and so much more, across three days. For more information and a full schedule lineup, visit www.capitalcitypride.org.
June 10: CR Pride Parade
Cedar Rapids
Taking place at the NewBo and Czech Village Districts, the CR Pride Parade is back–and promises to be even bigger than last year! This family-friendly Iowa Pride event kicks off at 1 p.m. Applications are now open for those wanting to take part. For more information, visit crprideia.com/parade.
June 17: Iowa City Pride Festival
Iowa City
Join Iowa City Pride for a parade, entertainment and a vendor fair June 17, with the parade starting at noon. The mainstage lineup kicks off at 1 p.m. and features performances from Rachel Saint, Bawdy Bawdy Ha Ha, I.C. Kings and drag headliners like Frisbee Jenkins, Myling Belle and Chey Boi from RuPaul’s Drag Race. For more information and a full schedule lineup, visit www.iowacitypride.org.
All Month Long: Pride Movies at the Figge
Davenport
On the second, third and fourth Sundays during the month of June, QC Pride hosts Pride Movies at the Figge. (Figge Art Museum is located in Davenport.) This month’s lineup includes: “Holding the Man,” “Four Moons” and “Tomboy.” Admission is free. For more information on QC Pride Week events, visit qcunitypride.org/unity-pride-week.
Save the Date
Sept. 30: Ames Pridefest
Ames
This Sept. 30, Ames Pridefest marks its return–for the first time since 2020. Event-goers of the street festival at Fifth Street and Douglas Avenue can expect an open-air vendor fair, local entertainers and educational opportunities held in partnership with the Ames Public Library. This Iowa Pride event is currently seeking sponsors and vendors. For more information, visit www.amespride.org/pridefest.