2025 Pridefest.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 23
PLUS, AFTER PARTY EVENTS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
PLUS, AFTER PARTY EVENTS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
We're excited to welcome back some of our fan favorites as well as some new fun acts.
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FRI | AUG 22
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5:30 PM to MIDNIGHT
6 Hours of Live Entertainment on the Main Stage from 6:00 pm to Midnight |
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HEADLINER
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MAIN STAGE
10:00 PM ADA VOX Ada Vox isn’t messing around. She put judge Katy Perry, and America, on notice: she is in this life to win it! A San Antonio based drag queen who sang her heart out on ABC’s “American Idol,” Ada became a Semi-finalist, something that would have been unheard of several years ago. Her appearance marks a first for the show, and people still talk about her performance of The Animals “House of the Rising Sun” as one of the stand-out auditions of the season. Website | Instagram |
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ALSO
F E A T U R I N G |
MAIN STAGE
6:30 PM STRANGERS OF NECESSITY Half the duo is in Iowa, the other half is in Illinois, but Strangers of Necessity is an Iowa hip-hop gem. If you’re looking for something fresh in the hip-hop world, look no further. Tracks like “Pussy Cat,” “I Can See It (ft. Jim Swim),” “Fundamental” and “Drip” are great introductions to the duo. |
MAIN STAGE
8:00 PM LOST WAX Lost Wax is the premier Mashup Party Band, known for our high-energy performances and genre-blending sets that span everything from classic rock to modern hits. Based in Kansas City and performing nationwide, they've earned a reputation for turning events into unforgettable experiences. |
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PLUS...
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MAIN STAGE
6:00, 7:40, & 9:15 PM DRAG SHOWS & DRAG SHOWCASE See some of your local favorite drag impersonators as well as visiting talent on the main stage. MAIN STAGE
11:00 PM DJ DANCE PARTY — XRAY Get ready to move—XRAY DJ ignites the night with beats and nonstop energy that’ll keep you dancing. |
Check out this line up of awesome musical acts and performers!
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SAT | AUG 23
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NOON to MIDNIGHT
12 Hours of Live Entertainment on the Main Stage from Noon to Midnight |
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HEADLINERS
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MAIN STAGE
9:30 PM SIENA LIGGINS 
Siena Liggins has been recognized as a top rising artist (Billboard) and has been billed on stages alongside Lizzo, Doja Cat, King Princess, Baby Tate, Tkay Maidza, and Dréya Mac. Fresh off her highly anticipated album "FLOOZY," (June 29) Siena Liggins showcases immense growth and artistic evolution. Her infectious discography surpassed 5 million streams, featuring on popular playlists across various streaming platforms such as Spotify's Hyperpop, Pop Frequency, Fresh Finds, BBE, SALT, and New Music Friday.
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MAIN STAGE
10:30 PM ZEE MACHINE 
Zee Machine is an LA-based pop/rock/electronic singer songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. With infectious hooks, soaring vocals, cutting lyrics, and empowering live sets they have brought a brand of arena-ready pop/rock bombast to iconic venues around the country, a sold-out international tour, and crowds of thousands at Pride festivals across the country. Having caught the attention of Mark Ronson and collaborated with Grammy-winning producers.
Zee Machine was nominated for Breakout Musical Artists at the 2023 Queerties, was featured in a profile for People.com, debuted in the top 25 on the Tunes pop charts with their 2018 EP "Brainchemistry", was named by The Advocate on their list of 7 queer artists changing the game, established a strong online presence and fan base, and has amassed millions of streams across all platforms. Hot on the heels of their sold out Tears & Gearz world tour, they just released their sophomore EP "CAN I BE HONEST..?" Streaming now on all major sites! |
A L S O F E A T U R I N G
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MAIN STAGE
7:45 PM LOST WAX Lost Wax is the premier Mashup Party Band, known for our high-energy performances and genre-blending sets that span everything from classic rock to modern hits. Based in Kansas City and performing nationwide, they've earned a reputation for turning events into unforgettable experiences. |
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PLUS...
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MAIN STAGE
1:15, 2:20, 3:20, 4:30, 6:00, 7:20, 9:00 & 10:20 PM DRAG SHOWS & DRAG SHOWCASE See some of your local favorite drag impersonators as well as visiting talent on the main stage. |
PLUS, DON'T MISS.... ALL THIS TOO...
Activities for all.
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YOGA & HULA
RIVERLOOP AMPHITHEATRE
WEDNESDAY - YOGA 6:00 PM Before Pride, start your Pride Week off with some stretching, relaxation and yoga with our friends at GrayLane Yoga on Wednesday, Aug 20 at 6 PM. Vertical Divider
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ARTS
INSIDE THE WATERLOO CONVENTION CENTER
SATURDAY 12:00 - 6:00 PM There are lots of arts activities at Pride to get and keep your creative heart beating: family & kids arts activities; curated art exhibit; art mural; cap decoration; and a free community art dispenser. Vertical Divider
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Sunday, Aug 24
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CEDAR VALLEY ARBORETUM
& BOTANIC GARDENS 
1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA
SUNDAY, AUG 24 ONLY 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Keep your wristband on to receive FREE ENTRY into the beautiful gardens at Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens. Enjoy the wonders of the natural world and connect with nature in over 20 gardens and 40 acres of scenery. Vertical Divider
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LOST ISLAND
WATER PARK 
2225 East Shaulis Road, Waterloo, IA
SUNDAY, AUG 24 ONLY 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM Keep your wristband on and get $6 OFF your ticket (must purchase your ticket at the Lost Island Ticket Booth). Surround yourself with palm trees and island music while you relax in our lazy river, race your friends and family down one of our 11 major waterslides, take the little ones through our four kids areas, and finish your day with a race at Monaleo speedway and a round of adventure golf. Vertical Divider
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