If you’re looking for things to do in Des Moines, Iowa this summer, checking out the Downtown Des Moines Farmers’ Market is a must! Now open every Saturday from 7am to noon throughout the summer and into the fall, come visit Des Moines’ Historic Court District downtown to shop from an incredible selection of local vendors.
Continue reading “Visit the Des Moines Farmers’ Market”The Creative Scene in Des Moines
Summer in Des Moines: Festivals and Free Art Activities to Look Forward to
Continue reading “The Creative Scene in Des Moines”Top Places to visit in Des Moines
Des Moines, the capital city of Iowa, may not be as well-known as some of the bigger cities in the United States, but it certainly has plenty to offer visitors. From its vibrant downtown to its expansive parks, Des Moines has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to go in Des Moines.
Here Are The Top Places You Should Visit When In Des Moines!
Continue reading “Top Places to visit in Des Moines”Des Moines Pride 2022
Celebrate pride month by attending the city’s biggest pride fest of the year! Des Moines will be hosting the 44th Capital City PrideFest from June 9th – 11th at East Village.
About PrideFest
Since 1979, Capital City Pride’s PrideFest has welcomed members of the LGBTQ community, friends, family, and allies to join together in unity. This festival celebrates the year round work of promoting diversity and inclusion in the Des Moines community. Events
Events
June 9th 8 am – 10 am – Pride 5k Stride! $40 race fee + 3.40 sign up fee. Registration deadline is May 26th. You can donate here.
June 9th 12pm – 5pm – Poolside Party! Check out the website for detail updates
June 11th at 12 pm – Pride Parade! Come show off your pride at this annual event. If you’ve really got spirit, you can also compete in the float parade contest! The top 3 best floats will earn prizes and the winner gets TWO VIP tickets to 80/35 music festival and four tickets to the Blank Park Zoo’s Rainbow Safari!
Entertainers- TRIXIE MATTEL, SHEILA E. and SHANGELA will be performing! Trixie Mattel and Shangela are former contestants on Rupaul’s Drag Race. Sheila E. is an award winning percussionist, who has collaborated with many artists such as Prince, Pharrell Williams, and Snoop Dogg.
Support LGBTQ
Donate. Capital City Pride is a non-profit organization that contributes back to the LGBTQ community.
Volunteer. Capital City Pride offers a variety of volunteer opportunities to support the community.
Pride Flag Project. Help display LGBTQ flags on street poles around Downtown Des Moines during Pride Month.
Speaker Series
Each month, members of the LGBTQ community speak and educate about their experience of being part of the LGBTQ community, and how it has shaped their lives. This series is supposed to be a safe space for those that need comfort and support in their lives.
Pride Book Club
LBTQ+ literature and stories are shared in a safe and inclusive space. These stories are meant to educate others about the history and achievements of the LGBTQ community. A book will be nominated each month to be read.
Drag Events
May 13th – May 14th CCP Board Drag Benefit– See the board members get glammed up in Drag! It will be a fun and glamorous event that donates all proceeds to Capital City Pride. So go grab some dollar bills!
June 3rd Pride Mrs. Mr. Mx. Pageant- Hosted at The Garden, this Drag show will have three categories: Pride Wear, Formal Wear, and a talent and question section.
June 4th Drag Brunch at Tonic.
Breaking Records and Making History: Inside the Excitement of the 2023 Drake Relays
The 2023 Drake Relays is an outdoor track and field competition, known to be “America’s Athletic Classic.” The annual event is considered to be the most exciting event at Drake and it’s just around the corner. Just 2 more weeks from today and athletes from all over the country and world will be toing the line, jumping and throwing. The event will take place at Drake University, in the Drake Stadium on the 26-29th of April. One of the biggest track and field events in America is held in Des Moines – why not get around the track and field spirit and see what the hype is all about!
Schedule Overview
The Drake Relays kicks off with the road races on Sunday the 23rd, offering a half marathon, 10km and the 5km. On Tuesday 25th, the Grand blue mile and USATF MILE championship is being held, which featured some of Americas best mid-distance athletes. Heptathlon events kicks off the official relay events on Wednesday; Thursday night is the distance carnival where college athletes will battle it out in the 800m, steeplechase, 5000m, 10,000m, and Friday and Saturday feature sections of high school, college and professional athletes (many of which are Olympians).
Athlete Overview
At this time, only professional athletes from the shot-put event have been announced. World champion and record holder Ryan Crouser will be attempting a new world record in the Drake Field House on Wednesday night. Crouser has won the last 4 titles at the relays and will be back to claim his 5th. Along with Crouser, Chase Ealey – Women’s World Champion and American record holder will be teaming up in an 8-thrower competition.
The Drake athlete’s to look out for is Isaac Basten. Basten is a 4 x All-American, who recently placed runner-up at the NCAA Indoor championships, in the Mile, missing out on the NCAA title by just .03 seconds. Basten won the 1500m title at last years Drake Relays. Anthony Barmes will be competing in the hammer throw. Barmes is Drake’s hammer throw school record holder and placed 21st at the 2022 NCAA outdoor championships. On the women’s side, Brooke Mullins will be competing in the 3000m steeplechase Thursday night. Brooke is the school record holder for the steeplechase and the indoor mile. Chandler Height – fresh off her new PR in the shot put, will be looking to improve her own school record Saturday afternoon.
Although not confirmed, Drake will submit a distance relay team on the men’s and women’s side. Unsure of what relay exactly, whichever they toe the line in they will be looking to bring home a relay title. The women’s will be in the mix to place high in whatever the race in.
Looking For Tickets?
Head to the Draketix.com to purchase your tickets. You don’t want to miss it – they are selling out fast!
