Where to Celebrate Iowa's LGBTQ Community at 2021 DSM Celebrations

Capital City Pride is gearing up for 30 days of Pride next month in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The typical three-day Pride Fest Weekend Celebration is spreading out its 30+ events over the course of the entire month, with the chance to attend major events like the Pride Parade, Silent Disco and more in a mix of livestreamed and in-person events.

30 Days of Pride

Take part in 30 Days of Pride to support DSM’s LGBTQ community. The Opening Ceremony will kick off the festivities from 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1 at the Krause Gateway Center in Downtown DSM. Below we’ve compiled a few of the highlights for the festival. For a complete listing of events, visit capitalcitypride.org.

Week 1 Highlights

Mr Ms. Mx. Pageant

The pageant will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 2 at The Garden Nightclub in its new location in the Historic East Village. Categories include eveningwear, talent and creative presentation.

Comedy Night Pride

Comedy Night will take place at Teehee’s Comedy Club. See the LGBTQ+ lineup of local talent beginning at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 3.

Scavenger Hunt

Take part in the free Scavenger Hunt by searching for rainbows hiding downtown. Clues will be released at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 4. The first 100 teams to finish will get a swag bag prize!

Drag Brunch

The Hall in West Des Moines will host a Drag Brunch at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 5.

Week 2 Highlights

Drag Bingo

The Blazing Saddle’s Drag Bingo is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 9.

Iowa Cubs Pride Night

See the Iowa Cubs play the Columbus Clippers at 7 p.m. Friday, June 11 at Principal Park. Fireworks will take place after the game.

Silent Disco

The annual Silent Disco will take place at Peace Tree Brewing Co.’s parking lot. The event starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 12 in Downtown DSM.

Week 3 Highlights

Drag Night

Once again, The Blazing Saddle will play host to a drag event. Drag Night begins at 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 16.

Rainbow Safari

A safari in DSM? Blank Park Zoo makes it possible with this family-friendly event for all ages at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 18.

Week 4 Highlights

Broadway Singalong

A Broadway Singalong is the perfect event for karaoke enthusiasts! Join in on the fun at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 23.

Pet Parade

The annual Pet Parade will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 26 at Principal Park in order to socially distance and maintain safety for people and pets.

Car Parade + Outdoor Concert

Following a Car Parade at 3 p.m. in Waterworks Park, hang around for a KISS 107.5 outdoor concert at 5 p.m. Sunday, June 27.

Drag King DSM Show

The Drag King DSM show celebrates individuality and serves as the closing event for 30 Days of Pride. See the show at 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 30 at Wooly’s in the Historic East Village.

Registration for certain events can be found on the Capital City Pride Facebook event pages. If you’re interested in volunteering to help with 30 Days of Pride, email volunteeradvisory@capitalcitypride.org.

Other LGBTQ Events Taking Place During Pride Month

June is a time for reflection on the LGBTQ community’s progress and is a chance to consider how individuals and businesses can be allies for LGBTQ members in DSM. Consider attending the Capital City Pride events above, as well as other events in 2021! For older LGBTQ adults, One Iowa will hold a virtual social event at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. This is a way for older members of the LGBTQ community to connect and get involved. Attend the June First Friday Breakfast Club virtually to hear from Towne View Baptist Church Reverend Jim Conrod on being an open and welcoming congregation in Georgia.

You can also find resources for the region’s businesses on creating an inclusive environment, as well as a list of organizations that provide advocacy and education on LGBTQ issues on The Partnership’s website. Or, consider applying for the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission LGBTQ Advisory Council. Applications are open until Monday, July 5.

Greater Des Moines (DSM) welcomes diverse talent to the region. As one of the fastest growing business communities, inclusion and attracting diverse talent in the workplace is a key strategy of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Learn more here.