2026 Pridefest.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 & SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
PLUS, AFTER PARTY EVENTS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
PLUS, AFTER PARTY EVENTS ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Join us for exciting changes as we move to RiverLoop Expo Plaza for 2026.
This move will give us access to more usable space for food, information and merchandise vendors, plaza infrastructure and power, the RiverLoop Public Market Building and more!
This move will give us access to more usable space for food, information and merchandise vendors, plaza infrastructure and power, the RiverLoop Public Market Building and more!
We're excited to welcome back some of our fan favorites as well as some new fun acts.
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FRI | AUG 28
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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 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. Website | Instagram |
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ALSO
F E A T U R I N G |
MAIN STAGE
6:30 PM ALLEGRO HERNANDEZ Allegro Hernandez is a musician and guitarist from Des Moines, IA. Their music is layered with intricate dynamics and rich, melodic, guitar on top of heartfelt vocals. Allegro lets the music speak for itself onstage, with an organic and loud performance. With elements of rock, melodic hooks, and splashes of technical skill, Allegra taps into a realm of musical versatility. Strong songwriting and vocals are combined with exceptional guitar playing, big chunky distortion, searing leads, and first-person vignettes. Aside from being an artist, Allegro also is a music educator and teaches guitar and bass lessons independently. Additionally, they also studied music at McNally Smith College of Music and Berklee College of Music, where they graduated from in 2020. They also work with a local non-profit, Girls Rock! Des Moines. Website |
MAIN STAGE
8:00 PM PAISLEY FIELDS Born and raised in rural Iowa, Paisley Fields channels queer identity into a unique and authentic brand of outlaw country. Steeped in the style from an early age, he was drawn to the twangy sounds and dramatic storytelling the music had to offer. Despite his earnest and unabashed love for the genre, he recognizes that the broader cultural conception of country music was not always one of inclusivity. “I never saw anyone like myself in country music, so I want to be a person who can empower people, and let them know they belong.” He now sees himself as a part of a growing current within country music, creating a version of the music he loved that now includes queer people. Website | Instagram |
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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 29
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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 ALISABETH VON PRESLEY 
“Alisabeth is more than just a performer, she's a force of nature” says one reviewer after watching AVP put on a 3 hour, high energy show. “Her music is a fusion of dance, pop, and rock that will have you dancing along from the first beat, and this audience of over 1,500 would agree.”
Website | Instagram |
MAIN STAGE
10:45 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.
Website | Instagram |
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MAIN STAGE
7:45 PM REBEL QUEENS Rebel Queens is a powerhouse band of women honoring the past while creating the future of rock ’n’ roll. Blending dynamic interpretations of classic tracks with explosive original music, this band channels the spirit of rock’s golden era with a modern edge. Rebel Queens ignites every stage with the iconic elements of old school rock n roll: the screaming guitars, big choruses, and fun-loving stage presence, while creating a recharged sound of their own. Based in Minneapolis and touring nationwide, Rebel Queens delivers an electrifying high-energy show that keeps fans coming back for more. |
A L S O F E A T U R I N G
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MAIN STAGE
1:15 PM GET UP, GET DOWN Get Up! Get Down! is a jazzy funk band formed in 2022. The band's name reflects their energetic and groovy sound, which blends jazz harmonies with the funk rhythms of the '70s. Don and Jon had been talking about forming this band for years, and when they finally did, they knew they had something special. Their repertoire includes original tunes as well as covers from some of the biggest names in jazz-funk, such as Lettuce, Soulive, The Meters, John Scofield, Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, and Herbie Hancock. The band's ability to seamlessly blend these influences into their own sound has made them a favorite among local music lovers. Website | Facebook |
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MAIN STAGE
2:30 PM ABBY & TRAVIS TURPIN |
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MAIN STAGE
3:30 PM SUN CENTAURI Sun Centauri is a future pop/R&B collaboration featuring wavy production from Jim Swim and soaring vocals from Alyx Rush. Whether writing summer bops or midnight laments, the duo prioritizes emotion through experimental sound design, harmony stacks, and live instrumentation. With two standout EPs already released under their individual names (Fruit to the Knife and After the Last Time), their first official Sun Centauri single, “Two Shots,” will be out on August 2nd ahead of a fall EP release. |
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MAIN STAGE
4:45 PM CEDAR VALLEY PRIDE CHOIR This community choir showcases queer and ally singers who gather together to express inclusion through music. The group gathers to practice together for the month of August and shares their talents in ensemble, small group and solo musical selections. Directed by Casey Tecklenberg |
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MAIN STAGE
6:15 PM THE MEANYS The Meanys are a husband and wife duo that have been playing in the Cedar valley for 18 years. We play an acoustic mix of pop, rock, and country. A little bit of everything, for everyone! |
Drag Performances
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MAIN STAGE
1:05, 2:20, 3:20, 4:30, 6:00, 7:25, 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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WELLNESS
NEXT TO FORCIER LAW
405 COMMERCIAL SATURDAY 12:00 - 5:00 PM Take some time to focus on your personal wellness this Pride with Hula fitness, meditation, mental health, CV SportsPlex membership information and more. Vertical Divider
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ARTS
NEXT TO THE PUBLIC MARKET BUILDING
SATURDAY 12:00 - 5:00 PM There are lots of arts activities at Pride to get and keep your creative heart beating with family & kids craft activities, a custom-painted piano and a free community art dispenser. Vertical Divider
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Sunday, Aug 30
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CEDAR VALLEY ARBORETUM
1927 E Orange Rd, Waterloo, IA
SUNDAY, AUG 30 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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