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
Teen Art Gatherings • Des Moines Feb 14, 5:30 pm. Build community and release creativity with this monthly gathering at the Des Moines Art Center, coordinated by the Des Moines Queer Youth Resource Center. FMI: email dransmeier@desmoinesartcenter.org.
- PrideCon 2025 • Iowa City Feb 15, 10:00 am. A daylong summit providing interactive workshops, fun activities and more for junior high and high school students, presented by United Action for Youth. Sign up here. Parents and caretakers: check out ParentCon at the same link.
- Sunday Bingo • Cedar Rapids Feb 16, 12:00 pm.
Gather at NewBo every Sunday for Bingo, sponsored by Collins AeroSpace and Fast-Trans for people with disabilities.
- Make Blown Spheres • Iowa City Feb 16, 1:00 pm.
If you have basic hollow glass skills, you can take this class with Tyson Whitehill guiding you on blowing boro hollow tube glass with decorative elements. Great for "holiday ornaments, yard art, or very large earrings."
- Banned Book Club • Oskaloosa Feb 17, 6:00 pm.
Gather with PFLAG Oskaloosa for a monthly book club focused on books that have been the focus of attempted bans.
- Mending Hearts • Iowa City Feb 18, 11:30 am.
This is a Valentine's Day event for those who have experienced loss, hosted by Lensing Funeral & Cremation and featuring a meal, music and more. RSVP at mandi@lensingfuneral.com or 319-338-8171.
- Workout Meetups • Marshalltown Feb 19, 5:00 pm.
Gather with Marshalltown LGBTQ+ for weekly walks.
Coming Up in Illinois
- LIAM Foundation Open House • Rockford Feb 14, 6:00 pm.
LGBTQ+ adults are welcome to gather at Rockford's LGBTQ+ center every second Friday.
- Comedy Open Mic • Rock Island Feb 19, 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 Feb 20, 10:00 am.
Gather to talk, think and connect, with membership coordinator Regina Stanley.
- The Coldest Night of the Year • Carbondale Feb 22, 4:00 pm.
Come out to walk for local charities that help address "hurt, hunger and homelessness." This event, part of a nationwide network of similar events, benefits the Carbondale Warming Center, which has provided over 300,000 meals since it opened in 2019.
- "Drag Show" • Carbondale Feb 22, 8:00 pm.
It's the first-ever drag show at this Carbondale watering hole. This adults-only event is hosted by Faim Lee Jewls and features Lumber Jill, Sofia Starz, Holly Haliwell and Jayden Licious. $7 cover.
- Comedy Open Mic • Rock Island Feb 26, 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 Feb 27, 10:00 am.
Gather to talk, think and connect, with membership coordinator Regina Stanley.
