Cedar Rapids is proud to welcome all visitors to our vibrant community.
In the Cedar Rapids area our differences are celebrated throughout the business, non-profit and hospitality communities. We are a welcoming community with a nationally-recognized culinary scene, world-class arts and culture, hip entertainment districts, and endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Upcoming LGBTQ+ Events
CR Pride Festival - We're back to celebrate Pride Saturday, July 8, 2023! Please join us for a day filled will events, local vendors and fun! We look forward to seeing you in NewBo and celebrating Pride with all of you! Find more information here.
CR Pride Parade - CR Pride is proud to host the second annual CR Pride parade, Saturday June 10, 2023. Please check out the parade page for information on how to submit an entry.
Check out our Points of Pride itinerary to help plan your visit!
Cedar Rapids has one main LGBTQ hot-spot for nightlife, Basix, but there are plenty of additional nightlife and entertainment options throughout the area.
We hosted Aequalitas Media in 2021 as they filmed two shows including Joe Eats World and The Gaycation Travel Show with host Ravi Roth - learn more here. Plus, they wrote about Cedar Rapids in Gaycation Magazine - The Fun, Friendly, and Culturally Interactive Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
If art and a side of mystery are of interest, view this piece on artist Grant Wood by CBS Sunday Morning, then visit his quirky studio and the Museum of Art in Cedar Rapids and form your own opinion.
Lavender Magazine writer Randy Stern visited Cedar Rapids in 2019, read more about his visit here. And a recent Lavendar article about Cedar Rapids and Iowa here.
Cedar Rapids Is Welcoming
We’re pleased to share that Cedar Rapids received a perfect score on the HRC Municipal Equality Index, which is compiled annually by the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBTQ advocacy organization. Our score reflects the City’s anti-discrimination policies, inclusive employment opportunities, law enforcement practices, municipal services and equality leadership. Learn More
Cedar Rapids is proactive in protecting all individuals with the assistance of the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission, an administrative law agency. Their mission:“To secure for all individuals within the City of Cedar Rapids freedom from discrimination because of age, color, creed, disability, familial status, gender identity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.”
Progressive Business Community
Several area companies with a large presence and/or headquarters in Cedar Rapids were named to the HRC Best Places to Work for LGBTQ Equality including: Alliant Energy Corp., Cargill, General Mills, GoDaddy, PepsiCo, and Transamerica.
Our small businesses are also supportive. Look for LGBTQ welcoming stickers throughout the community.
Cedar Rapids is Engaging
The Cedar Rapids Tourism Office is a member of IGLTA, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association, the world's leading network of LGBTQ+ welcoming tourism businesses. We are listed in Pride Journey's LGBQT Travel Directory.
If Cedar Rapids may be a fit for your next event, Julie Stow, Associate Director and Director of Meetings & Conventions, would be happy to share more information and answer any questions. Phone: 319-731-4558 Email: j.stow@tourismcedarrapids.com
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