WATERLOO, Iowa (KGAN) — Downtown Waterloo comes alive with messages of diversity, inclusion and celebration on Friday during the 12th annual Cedar Valley Pridefest. The two-day event features more than 18 hours of entertainment, educational programs, arts and local vendors.
Organizers expect thousands of people to attend the event, which last year attracted more than 10,000 people from across Iowa and 20 other states.
This year’s headliners include 2008 American Idol runner-up and 2024 GLAAD Media Award winner David Archuleta, original Pussycat Doll CARMIT, The Voice duo Bell Bastien and Iowa’s Alisabeth Von Presley from NBC’s American Song Contest. Other artists include Chicago DJ Lady D, Springboard Music Festival artist Alyx Rush and other acts from Minneapolis, Des Moines, Iowa City and the Cedar Valley.
“It’s really cool to see their diversity and the good feeling that the whole community is coming together for this is really cool,” said headliner JeromeBell-Bastien.
“Why wouldn’t you want to come?” asked headliner Adam Bell-Bastien. “It’s the end of summer, it’s a festival, there’s amazing food, amazing live entertainment, wonderful people and everyone is so nice.”
In addition to performances on the main stage, Pridefest will feature over 100 vendors, information booths and activities such as art, fashion and educational speakers on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Waterloo Convention Center.
“Our goal is not just to celebrate our differences, but to come together as a community through acceptance,” said event organizer Michelle Simon. “We are here to highlight Cedar Valley as a place of diversity and unity.”
Cedar Valley Pridefest is organized by a group of all-volunteers who work year-round to bring the event to life.
For the festival, the 200 and 300 blocks of West Fourth Street will be closed, including the intersection at Jefferson Street.
Friday’s events last until midnight and Saturday’s festivities take place from noon to midnight.
For more information about the event, tickets, volunteer opportunities and the full schedule, visit CedarValleyPride.com.
