CR PrideFest

CR PrideFest is Cedar Rapids's Pride festival, held at NewBo City Market. It is organized by CR Pride, which also runs year-round LGBTQIA+ events, a gala, and an affirming business registry for Linn County and nearby counties.

CR Pride traces its history to 1992, when about 30 Cedar Rapids residents formed the GLRC of Cedar Rapids. The group gathered books, films and information about gay, lesbian and bisexual people to share with the public, kept a free space where people could meet and find resources, and published a list of friendly businesses and nonprofits. Today its mission is to create awareness, inclusion and visibility for LGBTQIA+ people in the community.

The Pride parade is a New Orleans-style walking parade that winds through the NewBo campus with local community groups, faith communities, performing ensembles and businesses. Motorized vehicles are not allowed, though motorized mobility aids are, so entries use hand-pulled wagons and carts as floats. Candy cannot be thrown, alcohol is not allowed, and entries must be family-friendly. Prizes go to the best costumes, wagon or cart, theme and Pride spirit.

CR Pride aims to keep its events low-cost or free so they are accessible to everyone. It also runs a community calendar of local LGBTQIA+ events and a membership circle that supports its programs.

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.

CR PrideFest has included festival and parade.

The organizer has not announced dates for 2027 yet. In 2026 it was held June 27, 2026. It usually falls last Saturday of June.