Lowa Gay Events & Hotspots
Long lauded for its progressiveness, Iowa City attracts members of the lgbtq+Q community as a destination for its gay nightlife, well-established PrideFest, and multitude of cultural opportunities. The Advocate has listed Iowa City among the “Gayest Cities in America” for being infused with intellectual curiosity. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation scored Iowa City a 100 out of 100 on the 2018 Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Scorecard.
Iowa is known for its lgbtq+Q+ community and hosts various events throughout the year that celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity.
- Capital City Pride: Held in Des Moines, Capital City Pride is one of the largest lgbtq+Q+ events in Iowa. It typically takes place over a weekend in June and features a parade, live performances, vendor booths, and community engagement activities.
- Iowa City Pride Festival: Organized by Iowa City Pride, this event celebrates the lgbtq+Q+ community in Iowa City. It typically includes a parade, live music, drag shows, art exhibitions, and educational workshops. The festival is usually held in June.
- Cedar Valley Pridefest: Taking place in Waterloo/Cedar Falls, Cedar Valley Pridefest is an annual event that aims to foster inclusivity and promote equality. It typically includes a parade, live entertainment, community resource booths, and family-friendly activities. The festival is usually held in July.
- Siouxland Pride Alliance: Siouxland Pride is a community-driven organization that hosts various events throughout the year, including a Pride festival. The festival features a parade, live music, drag performances, food vendors, and informational booths. Dates may vary, but it's usually held in the summer.
- Quad Cities Pridefest: Organized by Quad Cities Pride, this event celebrates the lgbtq+Q+ community in the Quad Cities area. It typically features a parade, live entertainment, community booths, a family-friendly area, and a beer garden. The festival is usually held in June.
Popular lgbtq+Q+ destinations in Iowa :
- Studio 13 (Iowa City): A lively gay club featuring drag shows, dancing, and themed events. It has been a popular spot for the lgbtq+Q+ community for many years.
- The Blazing Saddle (Des Moines): A well-known gay bar offering a vibrant atmosphere, drag performances, and a spacious patio area.
- The Garden Nightclub (Des Moines): This gay club is known for its energetic dance floor, themed parties, and a variety of music genres.
- The Lift (Des Moines): A cozy neighborhood bar and grill that welcomes everyone, including the lgbtq+Q+ community. It offers a laid-back atmosphere and delicious food.
- Studio 13 (Des Moines): A sister location of the Studio 13 in Iowa City, offering similar entertainment options and a diverse crowd.
- Buddy's Corral (Anamosa): A gay-friendly bar located in a small town setting, providing a welcoming space for lgbtq+Q+ individuals and allies.
- ICON Dance Club (Cedar Rapids): A gay-friendly nightclub featuring high-energy dance music, drag performances, and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Club Basix (Cedar Rapids): A popular gay bar known for its friendly staff, diverse clientele, and drag shows.
- The Garden (Burlington): A lgbtq+Q+ inclusive nightclub with live entertainment, dancing, and special events.
- The Garden (Sioux City): Another iteration of The Garden nightclub, providing a fun and inclusive space for the lgbtq+Q+ community in Sioux City.
- Studio 13 (Ames): An offshoot of the Iowa City location, Studio 13 in Ames offers a similar experience, including drag shows, dancing, and themed events.
- The Alley Cat Lounge (Davenport): A welcoming gay bar with a relaxed atmosphere, offering a variety of drinks and occasional entertainment.
- The Garden Nightclub (Dubuque): A gay-friendly nightclub featuring live music, dancing, and special events in a lively atmosphere.
- The Garden Nightclub (Waterloo): Another location of The Garden Nightclub, providing a place for the lgbtq+Q+ community to gather, dance, and enjoy live performances.
- The Stable (Cedar Rapids): A friendly neighborhood gay bar known for its welcoming atmosphere, karaoke nights, and affordable drinks.
- The Lift (Dubuque): An lgbtq+Q+-friendly bar and grill offering a comfortable setting, tasty food, and a diverse clientele.