Ames Pridefest

Ames Pridefest is the flagship event of Ames Pride, combining a vendor fair, educational programming, and a main stage of entertainment in downtown Ames and the Ames Public Library. It is held in the fall so Iowa State University students and staff can take part.

Ames Pride has organized queer community events in Ames since its founding in 2017, with a focus on giving LGBTQIA+ people chances to socialize, learn and push for positive change. Beyond Pridefest, the group holds at least one event every quarter centered on community and outreach, and it says it works to keep each event safe and welcoming for attendees and volunteers alike.

Pridefest draws an expected crowd of more than 2,000 people. More than 60 vendors set up along the festival streets, with booth types for nonprofits and campus offices, K-12 and university student groups, home-based crafters, larger businesses, political candidates and food sellers. Student groups that staff their space for the full event get their fee refunded, and food vendors must show insurance and health certificates. Vendors who apply by August 1 get priority consideration.

The day runs on volunteers who greet visitors at the barricades, point people toward programming inside the library, help build and take down the main stage, and staff the Ames Pride info tent, where merchandise is sold. Local businesses can also back the event through tiered sponsorships that include logos on flyers, the website and festival wayfinding.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

Ames Pridefest has included festival, vendor fair and education.

Ames Pridefest was first held in 2017.

The next edition is October 10, 2026. It usually falls second Saturday of October.