Event Dates
From: Thursday, June 15, 2023
To: Sunday, June 18, 2023
50 years ago, a group of LGBTQI + students marched in the University of Iowa Homecoming parade which paved the way for Iowa City Pride.
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
- 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 17th June 2023 – The Main 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
- Saturday 17th June 2023 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 currently trending with our readers. All are close to the city’s popular attractions and pride activities:
Graduate Iowa City, Hotel Chauncey, Hyatt Place, Hampton Inn
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We have chosen hotels in Iowa City that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
The elegant rooms at the hotel are styled with wood furniture and warm colors. Each includes a coffee maker, a work desk and lounge chair. Guests have free access to the state-of-the-art gym. A full-service business center with free WiFi and a 24-hour front desk
The rooms at the hotel are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. Guest rooms at Hotel Chauncey include air conditioning and a desk. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Located in Iowa City, Iowa region
Hyatt Place has a number of amenities including a restaurant, a fitness center, a bar and free WiFi. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. Guests can have a drink at the snack bar. A buffet breakfast is available every morning at the hotel.
Featuring an on-site indoor pool and hot tub, this Iowa City hotel is across the river from the University of Iowa campus. Each guest room comes equipped with free Wi-Fi and a 32-inch flat-screen TV. A microwave, fridge, tea and coffee-making facilities
IOWA CITY PRIDE 2018
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We have chosen hotels in Iowa City that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Along with a restaurant, this smoke-free hotel has an indoor pool and a fitness center. Free self parking other amenities include conference space, dry cleaning, and laundry facilities. All 140 rooms provide conveniences like sofa beds and microwaves, plus free WiFi and flat-screen TVs
An indoor pool, self parking, and laundry facilities are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, and a front-desk safe. All rooms are individually furnished and offer free WiFi and hair dryers. TVs come with satellite channels
A restaurant, an indoor pool, and 2 bars/lounges are available at this hotel. Free area shuttle are also provided. Other amenities include a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and self parking. All 143 rooms provide free WiFi and free wired Internet, LCD TVs with cable channels
2 restaurants, a 24-hour fitness center, and a bar/lounge are available at this smoke-free hotel. Free area shuttle are also provided. Additionally, a coffee shop/café, a snack bar/deli, and a rooftop terrace are onsite. All rooms feature kitchens with refrigerators, stovetops, microwaves, & dishwashers.