Event Dates
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To: Awaiting dates
Iowa City Pride Festival 2026
50 years ago, a group of LGBTQI + students marched in the University of Iowa Homecoming parade which paved the way for Iowa City Pride.
Iowa City Pride Festival 2026
Over 50 years ago, a group of LGBTQI + students marched in the University of Iowa Homecoming parade which paved the way for Iowa City Pride.
- Stay close to all the Iowa pride activities in the Downtown District. Book your stay at the Graduate Hotel Iowa City featuring spacious rooms in the heart of town.
Iowa Pride
- Next Edition: Friday to Sunday – mid June.
- Iowa City Pride Festival is one of the city’s most colorful events featuring Drag King and Queen pageant winner performances, local celebrity performers, live music, vendors of pride merchandise/arts and crafts/local business and action group promotions.
- The event culminates in the Iowa City Pride Parade followed by the official Pride After Party.
- Englert Civic Theater hosts a series of shows and performances throughout the weekend.
The Main Parade
- Saturday – Awaiting dates – The Veridian parade takes place on the Saturday of the event. The parade line up kicks off at noon.
- From noon to 1pm floats and marchers will make their way through the streets of Iowa City, winding its way through downtown from Clinton and Jefferson to Gilbert and College. The parade ends at College & Linn.
- Stay close to the parade at the Element Iowa City, rated “Fabulous” by guests with comfortable rooms, a large indoor pool and great in-room amenities.
Iowa Pride Fest
- Awaiting dates – The Pride Village opens from noon to 10 p.m. The festival features a full stage line up in the village on Washington. Guest performers, local celebrities, drag acts and tribute bands will take to the stage throughout the afternoon.
Gay Iowa City
Long lauded for its progressiveness, Iowa City attracts members of the LGBTQ community as a destination for its gay nightlife and multitude of cultural opportunities. As in most cities that have a major university, Iowa City has no shortage of lively bars, funky coffeehouses, and reasonably priced restaurants.
- Studio 13 (13 S. Linn St., 319-594-5198) is the official gay club of the city. The bar is right downtown, steps from the campus of the University of Iowa.
- Deadwood Tavern (6 S. Dubuque St., 319-351-9417) is an old-fashioned saloon with a few sidewalk seats, a cool jukebox, pool tables, and a mellower scene. The bar is gay friendly and very popular with gay locals.
- The cool indie bookstore, Prairie Lights (15 S. Dubuque St., 319-337-2681), which is open until 9 pm most evenings (till 6 on Sundays) and has a lively little cafe that serves good food, wine and beer.
Where to stay in Iowa City?
The following hotels are all close to the city’s popular attractions and pride activities:
Graduate Iowa City, Hotel Chauncey, Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn
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Where we stay!
Graduate Iowa City is our editors
choice when we are in Boston
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Iowa City Pride Festival The Website
Gay Map of IOWA
Address: 4 Sturgis Corner Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52246
- Graduate Iowa City is a gay-friendly boutique hotel located on the Ped Mall, walking distance from the University of Iowa and downtown attractions.
- Its collegiate-themed decor, comfortable rooms, and helpful staff create a fun and relaxed stay.
- Amenities like a café, terrace, fitness center, and pet-friendliness make it a welcoming base for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting Iowa City.
- Website
Address: 4 Sturgis Corner Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52246
- Hampton Inn Iowa City is a gay-friendly hotel near the University of Iowa, offering comfy rooms, free breakfast, an indoor pool, and fitness center.
- LGBTQ+ visitors will appreciate its proximity to campus and welcoming staff.
- A pleasant, practical pick for a reliable stay in Iowa City. Website
Address: 255 East Court Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
- Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown is a gay-friendly hotel with a walkable location in the heart of the city.
- It offers modern, spacious rooms, free breakfast, and amenities like a pool, gym, and 24/7 café. LGBTQ+ visitors will appreciate the clean, comfortable stay and helpful service. Website
Address: 404 East College Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
- Hotel Chauncey is a gay-friendly boutique hotel in the heart of Iowa City, offering modern rooms with kitchenettes and terraces plus in-house amenities like a restaurant, bowling alley, and movie theater.
- Visitors will appreciate its central location, stylish comfort, and entertainment without stepping outside.
- A strong choice for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking convenience and character. Website
13 South Linn Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240
This is the only gay bar in town offering Drag shows, DJs & karaoke Nights, A frenidly and fun bar to spend the night in
Recommended Hotels in Iowa City By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Iowa City that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Graduate Iowa City
4 Star – Central Location
- 4 Star – Stylish Wood Furniture, Warm Colors
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Coffee maker, work desk
- Central location with elegant rooms, state-of-the-art gym, business center, and 24-hour front desk.
Hotel Chauncey
3 Star, Location
- 3 Star – Comfortable Seating Area, Flat-Screen TV
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Air conditioning, desk, free WiFi
- Equipped with seating areas, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, desks, and offers private parking.
Hyatt Place Iowa
3 Star – Great Amenities
- 3 Star – Restaurant, Full Fitness Center, Bar
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Free WiFi, snack bar, breakfast
- Features restaurant, fitness center, bar, free WiFi, 24-hour front desk, and buffet breakfast availability.
Hampton Inn
3 Star – Cozy
- 3 Star – Indoor Swimming Pool and Hot Tub
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Wi-Fi, 32-inch TV, microwave
- Offers an indoor pool, hot tub, rooms with free Wi-Fi, 32-inch TVs, microwaves, fridges, and tea/coffee facilities.
Video Of Iowa City Pride Festival
Highlights of the Pride celebrations in Iowa City.
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