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Des moines gay pride parade

Iowa Pride Month events carry on as usual, despite losing some major corporate and local sponsorships

Iowa Pride events are losing some corporate and local sponsorships this year, echoing a national trend fueled by political pressure from the Trump administration to abandon diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

But organizers of Celebration events Cedar Rapids, Des Moines and Iowa Capital say other businesses, including large corporations, have increased their support, meaning their events will continue without changes this year.

In Des Moines, Capital Metropolis Pride's PrideFest, which begins Friday, is estimated to have lost nearly $70,000 in sponsorships. Long-time supporters Nationwide and MidAmerican Force are both missing from the organization's list of 2025 sponsors.

But Capital City Pride Executive Director Wes Mullins said the organization has gained advocate $80,000 - $90,000 of that lost support. The organization's annual gala saw an increased number of individual donations. Grant funding is covering some costs. Other major sponsors doubled down this year rather than stepping back, including Google.

"The gap created by the corporate sponsorships that

Capital City PrideFest celebrates in the East Village. See the Des Moines identity festival schedule

It's June, which means it's occasion for pride, the annual celebration of LGBTQ+ history and culture.

Pride was inspired by the Stonewall Riots, according to the Human Rights Campaign. "Today, we are still fighting and will do so until we have autonomy without exception, liberation without exception, delight without exception and pride without exception," according to the HRC.

What is the Capital City PrideFest schedule?

In Des Moines, Capital City Identity festival is hosting plenty of events to celebrate this June, including its annual PrideFest on June 6-8 in the East Village.

More: Capital City Pride loses sponsors as part of national pullback on DEINeed a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

You can find full event details and volunteer opportunities at capitalcitypride.org.

Friday, June 6:

  • 5-9 p.m.: Festival booths and ADA station open
  • 5-11:45 p.m.: Iowa IV Main Stage acts
  • 5-8 p.m.: Bud & Mary’s Community Stage acts
  • 8-11 p.m.: Silent Disco, Bud & Mary’s Group Stage

Saturday, June 7:

  • 6:30 a.m.: Pride Stride 5k registration opens, Iowa IV Main Stage
  • 8-9:30 a

    LGBTQ+

    A huge thank you to Capital Town Pride for their collaboration on these LGBTQ+ focused itineraries. Check out the Family Friendly and Getaway with Friends itineraries and click on the links below for show schedules and programming information.

    LGBTQ+ Family Amiable PrideFest Getaway 

    PrideFest Weekend draws thousands to Greater Des Moines for a weekend-long celebration of consciousness, achievements of our community, and normalizing LGBTQ+ individuals and families. Check out this itinerary offering the matchless opportunity to rejoice Pride while taking in some of the best family-friendly activities that Des Moines has to offer, Friday, June 6 – Sunday, June 8, 2025. 

    Day 1: Friday, June 6, 2025 

    Morning
    You have a full day planned but it’s vacation, right? Sleep in before heading out for brunch at the Breakfast Club in Historic East Village. This cold and casual hotspot has something on the menu for everyone in the family. From Smores Donut Holes to the Totchoes, they have you covered.   

    Afternoon
    Hope you remembered to pack some water and sunscreen! Next up you are headed to Blank Pa

    Explore LGBTQ+ Events and Activities

    Annual Events  

    Des Moines Pride Festival
    The 46th annual PrideFest will be held June 6 – 8, 2025 in the Historic East Village in Des Moines, Iowa. In previous years, The Des Moines Pride festival welcomed more than 40,000 attendees. To see our Pridefest itineraries, click here.

     

     

     

    Pride Walk Des Moines
    This annual event goes from the Nomade in the Sculpture Park to the Capital building, via Locust Street. It demonstrates that Pride is a celebration of people coming together in love and friendship. This year’s walk will be on June 1 starting at 6 p.m.  

    CCP Pride Parade
    The highlight of PrideFest is on Sunday, June 8 beginning at Noon. This parade starts at the Iowa State Capital and travels down Grand Avenue into the Historic East Village, full of floats and flags and people all celebrating Pride in Greater Des Moines.

    Year-Round Activities  

    Pride for the Diverse community goes beyond one month in June. Capital City Event produces authentic events and activities throughout the year for people to feel safe and welcome under the four pillars of Pride: Com