Below, check out top events happening in the next few days. Use buttons for more extensive regional and themed calendars, and to look farther ahead.
Coming Up in Iowa
Pride + Protest: 'Zines as Art • Dubuque May 24, 1:00 pm. In this is a two-hour workshop, taught by artist and University of Iowa Professor Elizabeth Rodriguez Fielder, an artist and a professor at the University of Iowa, guides this workshop on creating one-page books and pamphlet stitch books. "Generate words that speak to our contemporary moment or to curate others’ words and images to make a unique art object." All skill levels welcome at this event presented by DBQ Pride; refreshments provided. Tickets are $25; get yours here. To inquire about a free scholarship, email s.eliot.steuer@dbqpride.org.- Saddle King Show • Des Moines May 25, 10:00 pm. Enjoy drag kings and male-presenting drag performers every fourth Sunday at The Blazing Saddle, the Midwest's oldest LGBTQ+ bar."Always a double, Never A cover!"
- Workout Meetups • Marshalltown May 28, 5:00 pm.
Gather with Marshalltown LGBTQ+ for weekly walks.
- "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything: Film For a Cause • Davenport May 29, 6:30 pm. Help raise money for two Quad Cities nonprofits at this event sponsored by Iowa State Rep. Ken Croken (D-Davenport). "To Wong Foo" is the legendary "camp with meaning" film featuring the late Patrick Swayze and three other actors traveling cross-country as drag artists. Tickets are $30 apiece; order yours here. Proceeds are divided between The Project of the Quad Cities' gender-affirming care for youth program, and Clock Inc.'s transgender and gender-expansive youth services.
- Odd Opulence • Davenport May 30, 9:00 pm.
Help support The Project of the Quad Cities at this special "early Pride" event featuring featuring Moira Mayhemm and August Vandeleau.
- 'Twas the Night Before Pride • Cedar Rapids May 31, 5:00 pm.
This special night of music, dancing, food and awards is hosted by CR Pride will raise money for Lavender Legal Center.
Coming Up in Illinois
- PrEPing for Pride • Peoria May 25, 2:00 pm. DeCevia Mann is the special guest for this annual event focused on spreading word about PrEP, the HIV prevention drug. No cover; free snacks!
- Comedy Open Mic • Rock Island May 28, 7:00 pm.
Try your hand at stand-up comedy, and enjoy Quad City comedians James Draper, Kassandra Johnson, and Chris Starman, at this adults-only, BYOB event. Admission is $5.
- Mugs & Musings • East Peoria May 29, 10:00 am.
Gather to talk, think and connect, with membership coordinator Regina Stanley.
- Pride Kick-off • Mount Vernon May 31, 10:00 am. Enjoy vendors, food, and entertainment.
- Jacksonville Pride • Jacksonville May 31, 12:00 pm.
Jacksonville Pride presents this annual free, family-friendly festival featuring a story hour, games, vendor fair and live DJ.
- Y'All's Brunch Pride Kickoff • Chicago Jun 1, 12:00 pm. This drag brunch features a country-western theme and is hosted by Coco Sho-Nell and Mini Pearl Necklace. The day also features a presentation by the Second City Country Dance Association. Tickets are $20-30; get yours here. Adults Only!
