DES MOINES, IA – Capital City Pride (CCP) will kick off its 40th PrideFest on June 7-10. As Iowa’s largest LGBTQ event, PrideFest brings together the Des Moines community, LGBTQ people, and allies to show unity and celebrate equality.
“For the last 40 years, Capital City Pride has been a celebration of what makes us unique, while recognizing the common goals that bring us together,” said Justin De Vries, President, Capital City Pride. “We’re excited to continue that tradition this year with many new events and stage performances, while building on the powerful platform that our founders created.”
Thursday, June 7:
PrideFest starts off with the continuation of Capital City Pride’s monthly Speaker Series at the Des Moines Art Center with guest speaker, Dr. Raynard S.Kington, President of Grinnell College. Beginning at 6:30p.m., Dr. Kington will share words of empowerment and encouragement, and the stories of his successes. The event is free to attend.
Friday, June 8:
Capital City Pride and Iowa Safe Schools proudly presentthe first annual PrideFest Silent Disco. This event located at E. 5th & Locust is open for all ages to celebrate the diverse LGBTQ community and culture with local DJs. Things kick off from 7 to 9 pm for parents and students, with the adults owning the floor from 9 to midnight. $10 rental fee and $10 deposit required.
Saturday, June 9:
As a way to celebrate the diverse LGBTQ community, CCP is hosting its first 5k Pride Fun Run/Walk. This festive run will be held at Brenton Skating Plaza with packet pick up at 7 a.m. and the race at 8 a.m. To register for the race, visit: http://www.capitalcitypride.org/run.html.
As a way for LGBTQ members and allies to show off their four-legged companions, CCP will host its first Pride Pet Parade, sponsored by Meredith Corporation and Tito’s Vodka. CCP will be awarding Best in Show, Pet/Owner Look-a-like, and Best in Pride. The parade begins at 9 am, and Meredith will provide rainbow bandanas for the first 200 pets. Tito’s Vodka will also be serving human participants bloody marys and screw drivers at a cash bar.
Vivette Perry will lead Pride Yoga following the Pride Pet Parade. All levels are welcome to this free class held at 10 a.m. at the Brenton Skating Plaza. Simply show up, bring a mat, and celebrate good vibes.
Saturday night CCP will celebrate with 2018 PrideFest headline act, Kimbra. Best known for her Grammy Award winning single with Gotye, “Somebody that I Used to Know” she will put on an amazing free show with her unique blend of pop, R&B, and jazz.
Sunday, June 10
Sunday morning, CCP will start the day with an uplifting, progressive, non-traditional service led by Pastor Debbie Griffin and the Downtown Disciples. Griffin, who was awarded Capital City Pride’s 2018 Ally of the Year, established Downtown Disciples as a progressive Christian community that is LGBTQ + affirming and proclaims #BlackLivesMatter. Worship begins at 10 a.m. at E. 5th & Locust and is free to attend.
A favorite Pride tradition begins at noon as Capital City Pride commemorates our 40th anniversary by continuing the tradition of the Pride Parade from the Statehouse and traveling west on Grand. This free event is not to be missed!
CCP will have many local talents performing throughout the weekend at its stages located at E. 5thSt and Locust. For a complete listing of events and registrations, visit www.capitalcitypride.org.