Capital City PrideFest
About This Event
Capital City PrideFest is Iowa's largest annual LGBTQ+ gathering. It is run by Capital City Pride, a Des Moines nonprofit, and 2026 was its 47th PrideFest. People come from across Iowa and the neighbouring states, which matters in a region where most towns have no gay scene.
It is a three-day weekend in mid-June in the Historic East Village, the walkable district of bars and shops below the State Capitol. There are music stages, food vendors and family programming, along with a Pride 5K, drag story time and a pet pageant. The parade is on the Sunday.
The 2026 edition ran 12-14 June, with Brooke Eden and David Archuleta headlining on the Friday. The parade stepped off at noon on Sunday 14 June and went through the East Village. Attendance figures from the organizers have varied a lot from year to year, so we aren't quoting one.
The 2027 dates hadn't been announced when we checked.
Where to stay during Capital City PrideFest
via Stay22Schedule & Sub-Events
+ Add EventDetailed schedule coming soon.
Check the official website for the latest programme.
Videos
Sarah Brunner Olympia Pride 2026
