Cedar Rapids Tourism Office Cedar Rapids Tourism Office
Cedar Rapids Tourism Office
Cedar Rapids Tourism Office

LGBTQ

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

NGPA The Worldwide LGBTQ Aviation Community "Wings Over Iowa" Event -  NGPA is landing in Cedar Rapids for their "Wings Over Iowa" event, June 3-5, 2022! While here, the group will partner with CR Pride to participate in the first ever CR Pride Parade while also hosting an aviation block party with live music, a static aircraft display, local food trucks and vendors at the The Eastern Iowa Airport. The public is invited to take part in the event. More information to be annouced soon.

 

CR Pride Parade - Join us for our inaugural parade on June 4, 2022! The board is excited to add this long requested event to our line up. Parade route will be through NewBo District. Please check out the parade page for information on how to submit an entry.

CR Pride Festival - We're back to celebrate 30 years of Pride Saturday, July 9, 2022! 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. 

 

 

Entertainment and Things To Do

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. And 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.

LGBTQ Events 

CRPrideFest is typically an annual week-long celebration (end of June-July) of the LGBTQIA+ community located in Cedar Rapids, IA. Featuring vendors, artists, entertainment, delicious food and more! It is a free, family friendly event that is open to all. This event is supported by dozens of local businesses, non-profits and individuals. In 2021, CRPrideFest is hosting a Poster Parade June 1-15 in the NewBo & Czech Village neighborhoods and a picnic this fall. Learn More

Cedar Rapids Pride Ride - Sunday, June 13, 2021. Informal bicycle ride meeting at NewBo City Market at noon. All are welcome! Learn more.

Eastern Iowa LGBTQ Health and Wellness Conference (January 29, 2021) - This VIRTUAL conference is a collaboration between the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, the College of Public Health, and One Iowa. Learn More

LGBTQ Presidential Candidate Forum (September 2019) - As of August 2019, Former Vice President Joe Biden, former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, former Pennsylvania representative Joe Sestak and author Marianne Williamson were all scheduled to speak at the forum on the lives of LGBTQ people and other civil rights issues impacting them in the heartland and rural America. All Democratic presidential candidates were invited to participate. Learn More or view a recap from The Advocate here.

Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor LGBTQ Workplace Culture Summit 2019 - This event provides resources and networking opportunities for employers and LGBTQ employees to cultivate safe and inclusive workplaces. Employers will learn more about the LGBTQ community, how to make more inclusive policies, and retain LGBTQ talent. Learn More

Contact

If Cedar Rapids may be a fit for your next event, Julie Stow, Director of Meetings & Conventions, would be happy to share more information and answer any questions. 
Phone: 319-731-4558

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