This blog was written by special contributor Sara Middleton-Downing from Capital City Pride.
Capital City Pride is smack dab in the middle of our 30 Days of Pride festivities, and it’s been thrilling to share this wonderful time with so many in Des Moines. We switched to this format (as opposed to our traditional street festival that will return in 2022,) in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we seized the opportunity to think outside the box. Pride 2021 added celebrations that are more inclusive of families and younger folks and spread activities around the community. But don’t worry if you haven’t made it out to an event yet, there’s plenty more to come!
Mindful Mondays have online meditations and art tours, and each week you can find us in Partnership with The Art Center, hosting sunset yoga classes on the museum’s grounds (6/14) or at The Pappajohn Sculpture Park (6/21 & 6/28.) Before each class, museum staff will be teaching about art and architecture on the grounds as well.
Tuesdays we come together online for a virtual dinner party and cooking class. Check the event ahead of time for grocery lists and recipes so you can cook along at home and watch for value wine pairings suggested during the broadcast!
Wednesdays aren’t a drag during pride month, they’re made for drag in June! Head down to The Blazing Saddle for an always entertaining show (6/16), join us at Noce for a Broadway Singalong (6/23), and you really don’t want to miss out on Drag King at Wooly’s (6/30).
Thursdays are informative and educational, as we host our monthly Speaker Series (6/17) and our always popular Storytellers night. The June speaker is Jane Elliott, an Iowa native who’s gone on to become an internationally known educator, lecturer, diversity trainer, and recipient of the National Mental Health Association Award for Excellence in Education. This event will be streamed online. Our Storytellers will come together to share their stories, their vulnerabilities, their fears, and their hopes with the community. This is always a powerful and moving evening of connection, and we need that in 2021 more than ever.
Fridays are our family night, and we have some great stuff in store! Find us at Blank Park Zoo for the Rainbow Safari (6/18) where we’re hosting free temporary tattoos, carousel, and train rides! Or head down to the Science Center for a Ride in Movie night (6/25) on their lawn!
On the weekends, we have a variety of activities! From a Silent Disco (6/12) to a Progressive Worship Service (6/20), a Fun Run on a day of Health & Fitness (6/13), or a Covid-19 Online Remembrance (6/26). Check out our Pet Parade at Principal Park (6/26), and finally, get to Waterworks (6/27) for a day of live music at our outdoor concert, as well as our Drive Through Parade!
There’s so much to celebrate with Capital City Pride, and this year there are so many ways to do it! Check out our website at capitalcitypride.org for all the details and mark your calendars; we can’t wait to celebrate with you.
