Event Dates
From: Friday, August 28, 2026
To: Sunday, August 30, 2026
Iowa Leather Weekend Des Moines 2026
Join the Iowa Leather family at the Iowa Leather Weekend in Des Moines for a three days of entertainment and the selection of Mr Leather Iowa.
Iowa Leather Weekend Des Moines 2026
Join the Iowa Leather family at the Iowa Leather Weekend in Des Moines for a three days of entertainment and the selection of Mr leather Iowa.
- Visiting for Leather Weekend? Stay in the East Village, home to the city’s buzzing gay bars and clubs. Stay in the Surety Hotel, one of Des Moines’ most gay friendly destinations and close to all of the popular bars and clubs in the city.
The Weekend
- Next Edition: Friday 28th August, 2026 – Sunday 30th August, 2026.
- Iowa Leather Weekend is an annual celebration of the fetish community in Iowa.
- The event is hosted at The Blazing Saddle, Iowa's oldest gay bar located in the East Village of Downtown Des Moines. It is considered as the best Gay Bar & Nightclub experience in town!
- Highlights of the event include the Cigar Smoke Out, The Grill Out, the Rubbermen Meet up, the 3 day vendor mart, the Puppies Pawlympics, Mr Iowa Bear and Mr Iowa Puppy.
- Winners go on to represent Iowa in various national competitions including the IML finals.
- Events culminate with the ILW Victory Party with guest performers and live acts.
Where to Stay in Des Moines?
- Des Moines has a vibrant gay community, with several gay bars in the East Village.
- From the village, through Sherman Hill to Drake University there are gay-friendly neighborhoods.
- Waking is a great way to see Des Moines. Downtown has a unique Skywalk system connecting you to a variety of shops and restaurants.
Host Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton, 101 E Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309, USA
- Overlooking the Des Moines River and in the heart of the city, this all-suite hotel is moments from attractions and features spacious accommodations and a free nightly reception.
Where to stay?
The following hotels are close to the city’s gay bars and leather weekend festivities:
Surety Hotel, Staybridge Suites, Hilton, Hampton Inn & Suites
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Where we stay!
Surety Hotel is our editors
choice when we are in Des Moines
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Iowa Leather Weekend visit The Website
Gay Map of DES MOINES
Address: 435 Park Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- The Hilton Des Moines Downtown is a centrally located, gay-friendly full-service hotel at the Iowa Events Center.
- It offers modern rooms, a pool, restaurant, and fitness center—all with strong reviews for comfort and service.
- Ideal for LGBTQ+ travelers needing convenience and quality in the heart of Des Moines. Website
Address: 201 East Locust Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Staybridge Suites Des Moines Downtown is a gay-friendly, all-suite hotel nestled in the East Village near major event venues.
- Suites include full kitchens and comfy living spaces, and amenities like breakfast, social reception, pool, and fitness center add convenience.
- Guests consistently commend the welcoming staff and prime location.
- A practical and inclusive choice in Des Moines. Website
Address: 206 6th Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Surety Hotel is a gay-friendly boutique in a historic 1913 skyscraper, blending elegant décor with classic architecture.
- Guests will appreciate the downtown location, cozy coffee bar, stylish tavern, and comfortable, well-appointed rooms.
- A refined, inclusive choice for LGBTQ+ travelers visiting Des Moines.
- Website
Address: 120 SW Water St, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown is a gay-friendly hotel with modern rooms, an indoor pool, and a complimentary hot breakfast.
- Gay travelers will appreciate its prime downtown location near nightlife and attractions.
- A reliable, well-reviewed choice for comfort and convenience in the city. Website
Address: 525 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- The Garden Nightclub is a longtime gay bar and show lounge in Des Moines’ East Village offering drag performances, dinner theater, and rooftop socializing.
- LGBTQ+ visitors will find diverse weekly entertainment, affordable eats and drinks, and a welcoming environment with a strong legacy in the community.
- A go-to for vibrant nightlife with theatrical flair.
- Open: Daily 3pm-2am (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Address: 416 East 5th Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309
- The Blazing Saddle is a historic gay bar in Des Moines known for its vibrant drag shows, Latin Nights, karaoke-style Bingo, and welcoming, “Gay Cheers” atmosphere.
- LGBTQ+ visitors can expect strong drinks, warm hospitality, and a deep-rooted legacy in the city’s gay nightlife. A true staple of Des Moines’s LGBTQ+ scene.
- Open: Daily 2pm-2am, Saturday & Sunday 12pm-2am
Recommended Hotels in Des Moines By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Des Moines that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Surety Hotel
4 Star – Central Location
- 4-Star, Restaurant and Fitness Center
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Elegant, modern rooms
- Central location, exceptional service, comfortable & modern ambiance for a memorable stay
Staybridge Suites
4 Star, Luxury
- 4-Star Luxury, Fully Equipped Kitchen
- Close to the gay district
- Spacious, modern suites
- Perfect for extended stays, luxurious amenities, prime location in vibrant East Village
Hilton
4 Star – Great Amenities
- 4-Star, Indoor Pool, Excellent Restaurant
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Comfortable, well-appointed rooms
- Upscale experience, excellent amenities, close to major attractions
Hampton Inn & Suites
3 Star – Comfort
- 3-Star, Indoor Pool, Comfortable Rooms
- A short taxi ride to the gay bars
- Cozy, well-equipped rooms
- Comfortable & affordable, convenient access to downtown attractions
Video Of About Des Moines
Des Moines. The S's Are Silent. Our Attractions Scream
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