Pride Month is a time to celebrate love and acceptance for all people. In June, Pride Month in Des Moines kicks off with big, bold, and beautiful events that bring together members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies to continue pushing for equality. One of these events is the annual PrideFest, which will be held June 7-9, 2024 in Des Moines’ historic East Village, marking its 45th anniversary.
You can show your support for the LGBTQ+ community this Pride Month at family-friendly events happening around the Des Moines metro. While some celebrations are for grown-ups only, Pride Month is brimming with happenings appropriate for kids. From taking in a baseball game to a pet parade to the kids and family zone during Pride Fest there are plenty of activities where you can proudly show your kids what Pride is all about.
To find even more events and activities happening in Des Moines this summer, check out our Summer Fun Guide and sign up for Weekend Fun Guide.
Here’s where you can celebrate Pride Month in Des Moines:
June 1, 2024 – Pride Walk
People coming together in love and friendship to celebrate how far LGBTQ+ rights have come and recognize the work that still needs to be done is at the heart of Pride. The Pride Walk will start at the Sculpture Park and proceed down Locust to the Iowa State Capitol.
June 2 – Children’s Book Launch Party for From Here & Queer: A Love Letter to LGBTQIA+ Youth
Join Past Present Future Publishing for the launch of the new children’s book “From Here & Queer: A Love Letter to LGBTQIA+ Youth” that celebrates the rich history of queer and trans people in Iowa. Enjoy free cookies and crafts, a drag story time featuring Blaq Heart Complex and Loretta Stone, and even meet the author! Signed copies available for purchase at the event. 11:00 am at Big Grove Brewery.
June 4 & 7, 2024 – Waukee Public Library Pride Events
The Waukee Public Library will host two special events in celebration of Pride Month: a Pride Friendship Bracelets workshop on June 4th and a Pride Storytime on June 7th. Registration is required to attend.
June 7-9, 2024 – Pride Fest Weekend
Multiple events will be taking place throughout the weekend, with the main festival located in the East Village. A few highlights of the weekend include the Silent Disco on Friday and Saturday; Fun Run, Pet Parade, and Teen Zone on Saturday and the Pride Parade on Sunday.
June 7, 2024 – Clive Public Library Pride 2024 Celebration
Celebrate Pride with the Clive Public Library in the Harbach community room. This is a drop-in event for all ages. Enjoy rainbow-themed snacks and crafts and create a Pride button. Let’s get together and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people and their allies.
June 22, 2024 – Ankeny Pride Celebration
Attend the third Annual Ankeny Pride Event held at the Ankeny Market Pavillion! Start the day with a Rainbow Run followed by the Pride Pet Parade. In the afternoon, enjoy free entertainment, food, and vendors. Take advantage of exclusive discounts from Ankeny Uptown partners.
June 23, 2024 – All Ages Drag Brunch
Serv’d Events is thrilled to partner with Capital City Pride for their third annual all ages drag brunch! Bring the whole family out for an unforgettable experience that will help you close out pride month with a bang! Celebrate Pride season and enjoy entertainers as they perform a family friendly show while you enjoy a delicious breakfast!
June 25, 2024 (Rescheduled) – Rolling Into Pride Skate Party
To kick off Pride month, join LGBTQ+ parents, families, kiddos, and allies for a roller skating party! Central Iowa’s queer community organizations are coming together to bring you this fun, family-friendly event at Skateland. The event is free but registration is required.
June 28, 2024 – Iowa Cubs Pride Night
Join Capital City Pride (CCP) as the featured guest for a fun evening at the ballpark. CCP and the LGBTQ+ community will be celebrated throughout the evening in various ways from the progressive rainbow flags flying high to throwing out the first pitch. There will be a free tailgating party before the game in the parking lot and be sure to stay after the game for the Friday night Fireworks show!
June 29, 2024 – Des Moines Menace Pride Night
Des Moines Menace will take on River Light FC during their Pride Night, where the first 500 fans will receive a special Menace Pride T-shirt. Proceeds from the ticket sales for this match will benefit the Iowa LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, supporting their efforts to promote business interests, economic growth, and workplace equality for Iowa’s LGBTQ business community and its allies. The Iowa LGBTQ Chamber is an affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), reflecting its commitment to fostering inclusivity and support within the broader business landscape.
June 30, 2024 – Valley Junction Pride
Valley Junction’s first-ever Pride celebration will take place in Railroad Park. The event will feature a pet parade, drag story time, a maker’s market, entertainment, and more, promising a fun and inclusive experience for all attendees.
Kid Friendly Pride Events Hosted by the Des Moines Public Library
The Des Moines Public Library and it’s branches will be hosting a number of events and activities focused on Pride Month and LGBTQ+ issues throughout June. Registration may be required for some of the events.
June 1-14, 2024/ All Branches – DIY Mini Pride Parade Float
June 3-15, 2024/ South Side Library – Pride Month Scavenger Hunt
June 4, 2024/Central Library – Family Pride Party
June 7, 2024/Forest Avenue – Pride Party
June 10-12, 2024/Forest Avenue Library – Take and Make: Pride Window Star
June 10, 2024/ Franklin Avenue Library – The Art of Expression: Pride Craft Extravaganza
June 10, 2024/ South Side Library – Pride Month Mini Banner: Take and Make Bags
June 25-July 1, 2024/Forest Avenue Library – Pride Month Scavenger Hunt
How will you and your family be celebrating Pride Week?
