What Special Events Are Coming Up?
A showcase of the best LGBTQ affirming, intersectional special events in Illinois and Iowa
Use 11 different filters. Multiple selections allowed. “Clear” returns full calendar. Themed calendars below.
NAMI WALKS YOUR WAY Bettendorf IA
Veterans Memorial Park 1645 23rd St., BettendorfRaise money for the National Alliance for Mental Illness. In-person and virtual participation available! #NotAlone
THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION SHOW Dubuque IA
The Holiday Inn Hotel 450 Main St., DubuqueSix drag performers join to raise money for Key City Pride, and to honor Key City Pride co-founder Corey Young.
PRIDE ORANGE CITY BENEFIT SHOW Sioux City IA
Eclipse Nightclub 412 Jones, Sioux CityHelp raise money for Pride Orange City and celebrate local drag performers. Hosted by Pride Orange City board member Vanessa Divine.
BACK TO SCHOOL BEER BUST Des Moines IA
The Blazing Saddle 416 E. 5th St., Des MoinesHelp Iowa Leather Weekend and its title-holders raise money for Iowa Safe Schools, Iowa's pivotal nonprofit group for students. Title Family as they host a benefit for Iowa Safe Schools. Proof of COVID vaccination required.
CRPRIDEFEST FALL SOCIAL Cedar Rapids IA
Noelridge Park Splash Pad 4388 Golf St NE #4328, Cedar RapidsEnjoy meeting other community members in the new pavilion. Light snacks and water provided; face masks and social distancing required.
C-U PRIDEFEST: TO SURVIVE ON THIS SHORE Urbana IL
Spurlock Museum 600 South Gregory, UrbanaTalk with photographer Jess T. Dugan and social worker Vanessa Fabbre, creators of To Survive on This Shore: Photographs and Interviews with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Older Adults.
QUEERING SEX DETERMINATION Online
A talk that pushes back on oversimplified conceptualizations of sex determination through wildlife ecology, genetics, human development, and social sciences. Led by Jaz Routon and Nathan Alexander.
UP PRIDEFEST TRIVIA AT COMMON GROUND COOP Urbana IL
Common Ground Food Coop 300 S Broadway Ave, UrbanaFood and drink from Common Ground at this outdoor trivia event. Masks and social distance enforced. Maximum 6 players per team! Prizes available. Order by Sept. 20 at link below.
C-U PRIDEFEST: MAKING THE INVISIBLE VISIBLE Online
OnlineHow have the previous HIV pandemic and the current COVID pandemic affected under-supported individuals and communities? Talk about it here, including suggestions for how to "create more equitable, just, compassionate and healing communities." Streamed through Uniting Pride’s Facebook and Youtube pages.
2021 CU PRIDEFEST Champaign-Urbana IL
Parade, vendor fair, workshops, presentations, drag shows, live performances and more.
WERQ! CHICAGO LGBTQ JOB FAIR Chicago IL
Center on Halsted 3656 N. Halsted St., ChicagoJob fair of LGBTQ+ employers seeking LFBTQ+ employees!
IN-PERSON BBQ BASH Coralville IA
Antique Car Museum 860 Quarry Rd., CoralvilleHelp raise money for Johnson County's Shelter House, which serves people experiencing homelessness. In-person event Friday, with online options available Saturday and Sunday. Vegetarian options available, too.
C-U PRIDEFEST SHOW UP AND SHOW OUT PRIDE PARTY Urbana IL
NOLA's Rock Bar 119 W. Main St., UrbanaBurlesque show, "dance-tastic tunes" and more kick off Pride weekend. Featuring Uniting Pride, Pygmalion, Carnival Debauche, and Defy Gravity. Proof of vaccination and masks required.
2021 CU PRIDEFEST Champaign-Urbana IL
Parade, vendor fair, workshops, presentations, drag shows, live performances and more.
GSA CON Des Moines IA
Lincoln High School 2600 Southwest 9th St., Des MoinesThis is a chance for middle and high school youth to celebrate LGBTQ diversity, "collaborate across the spectrum of identities and experiences," and help each other learn to build successful student organizations. Advocacy, leadership and expression are the key thees. Contact Kaylyn at kaylyn@iowasafeschools.org for more information.
VOICES OF THE STONES TRUNK SHOW Iowa City IA
Beadology Iowa 220 E. Washington St., Iowa City"Carole and Mary" of the Catskills' Voices of the Stones return for two days. Masks are required
C-U PRIDFEST PRIDE PARADE Urbana IL
Downtown UrbanaMask-mandated celebration, starting at S. Busey and Green; on Green, Cedar, Elm, and Broadway; and ending at Broadway and Water. These this year: "What the Health? Thriving, Surviving, Thriving."
MISS GAY GODDESS IOWA USofA Davenport IA
Varieties Nightclub 822 W. 2nd St, DavenportEnjoy drag competition featuring eight top contestants in this preliminary to Miss Gay Iowa USofA 2022
2021 CU PRIDEFEST Champaign-Urbana IL
Parade, vendor fair, workshops, presentations, drag shows, live performances and more.
RIDE 4 YOUTH Coralville IA
University of Iowa Medical Education and Research Facility (MERF) 375 Newton Rd., Iowa CityAnnual fundraising bicycle ride for United Action for Youth, which serves thousands of youths throughout Johnson County. Click link for info or email alyssa-drewelow@uiowa.edu. Ride continues through Oct. 3, with routes posted on the site!
