Cedar Valley Pridefest: “Amazing food, amazing entertainment, beautiful people”

WATERLOO, Iowa (KGAN) — Downtown Waterloo will came alive with messages of diversity, inclusion and celebration on Friday during the twelfth annual Cedar Valley Pridefest. The two-day event will feature more than 18 hours of entertainment, educational programs, art and local vendors.

Organizers expect thousands to attend the event, which drew over 10,000 people from across Iowa and 20 other states last year.

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 own Alisabeth Von Presley from NBC’s American Song Contest. Additional performers include Chicago’s 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 the variety that they have and the good feeling that the whole community comes together for this is really cool,” headliner JeromeBell-Bastien said.

“Why would you not want to come?” headliner Adam Bell-Bastien said. “It’s the end of summer, it’s a festival, there’s amazing food, amazing live entertainment, beautiful people and everyone is so kind.”

Alongside the main stage performances, Pridefest will host more than 100 vendors, information booths, and activities like art, fashion, and educational speakers on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. at the Waterloo Convention Center.

“Our goal isn’t just to celebrate our differences, but to come together as a community through acceptance,” said event organizer Michelle Simon. “We’re here to highlight the Cedar Valley as a place of diversity and unity.”

Cedar Valley Pridefest is organized by an all-volunteer group, which works year-round to bring the event to life.

The festival will close the 200 and 300 blocks of West Fourth St., including the intersection at Jefferson St.

Friday’s events run until midnight, and Saturday’s festivities are from noon to midnight.

For more information on the event, tickets, volunteer opportunities and the full schedule, visit CedarValleyPride.com.