15 Pride Events to Attend This Month in DSM

Pride month is here, and we’ve got so many fun events for you to attend in Greater Des Moines (DSM). From Pride Storytime to cheering on the Iowa Cubs baseball team, you won’t want to miss any of the celebrations coming up in Downtown Des Moines (DSM) and around the region. Some events require registration, so sign up now to ensure you have a ticket to the event!

15 Pride Events in Greater Des Moines

1. Stop in this month to The Slow Down Coffee Co. in Des Moines to see LGBTQIA+ artists showcased during the Pride Month Group Art Show.
2. Head to the Des Moines Public Library’s Central Library to I Spy: Pride Month activity now through Saturday, June 8. You can also attend the Family Pride Party on Tuesday, June 4 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Central Library.
3. On Friday, June 7, attend a Pride Storytime at Waukee Public Library at 10 a.m. A craft will follow the LGBTQ+ children’s stories and songs.
4. Capital City Pride’s annual PrideFest celebration will take place June 7 – 9, 2024. The 45th annual event will include a Drag Queen Storytime, Pet Parade and PrideStride 5K! Stop by the Teen Zone where you can hangout at the Selfie Station, play Corn Hole or get a Drag Queen Makeover Tutorial. The Family & Youth Zone will host Cupcake Decorating, Balloon Animals and a Little Rainbow Maze Challenge, among other highlights, while the Pet Zone will offer a the Zoo to You Animal Show and Meet the Thera-pets from Animal Rescue League. Headlining entertainment includes Rebecca Black and Shea Couleé.
5. When you purchase tickets to the 15th Annual One Iowa Gala on Friday, June 14 from 6 – 11:30 p.m. at Vibrant Music Hall in Waukee, you’ll be part of making a difference in the state of Iowa. The event focuses on ways to preserve LGBTQ equality and raise money for One Iowa’s mission.
6. On Saturday, June 15 at The Garden in the Historic East Village, attend the Showtune Mania Drag Brunch at 11 a.m. Doors open at 10 a.m. so don’t be late! See The Garden’s website for a full Drag Brunch schedule.
7. The June Capital City Pride Book Club meets on Tuesday, June 18 from 6 – 7 p.m. at Reading in Public Bookstore + Café in West Des Moines. Read and then discuss this month’s book choice “On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong before you attend.
8. Sign up for the Des Moines Pride Volleyball Tournament on Friday, June 21 from 6 – 11 p.m. at The Sands Volleyball Club in Des Moines. Entry is $100 per team. Choose between recreational and competitive play.
9. On Saturday, June 2 from 4 – 9 p.m., head to the Ankeny Market Pavilion for Ankeny Pride. See the Talent Showcase, Pet Parade and more.
10. Attend the Capital City Pride Drag Brunch on Sunday, June 23 at Decades Event Center in West Des Moines. Your ticket includes brunch and a homemade juice pouch.
11. Pride Night with your paw-some furry friends will take place on Sunday, June 23 from 3 – 6 p.m. at Paws & Pints at the dog park in Des Moines. Entertainment from DJ Chase Martin and pride swag is available at check-in.
12. Skateland will host Rolling Into Pride on Tuesday, June 25 from 6 – 8 p.m. in Des Moines. This event requires registration.
13. Head to Pride Night with the Iowa Cubs on Friday, June 28 from 7 – 9:30 p.m. A tailgate will take place beginning at 4 p.m., the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus will sing the national anthem and colorful fireworks will celebrate the night, too!
14. Celebrate at Valley Junction Pride on Sunday, June 30 from Noon to 4 p.m. in West Des Moines. This first-ever Pride event will be held in Railroad Park.
15. Next month, DM Young Artists’ Theatre performs “The Prom” at Stoner Theater in Downtown DSM. Buy your tickets now to see the show during its run from Friday, July 19 through Sunday, July 28.

From Pride to Juneteenth to the Latino Heritage Festival, big, inclusive events are par for the course in Greater Des Moines (DSM). But there are smaller events celebrating diversity here, too. Attend one of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Multicultural Receptions, an event celebrating veterans or a sensory-friendly event in the region. Learn more here.