Gay clubs des moines iowa
The history of Iowa’s oldest gay bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch
On a typical Friday night at the Blazing Saddle in Des Moines’ East Village, tightly packed bodies crowd around the bar’s main stage, hands poking out from the throng to offer cash tips to performersdressed in drag. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists take their final bow (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights cut and the music bumps. Bargoers turn the stage into a technicolor dance floor, tough drinks in hand, staying right to the bar's motto: "Always a double, never a cover."
The Blazing Saddle is Iowa's oldest operating gay bar. It just celebrated its 40th anniversary. Opened in by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of change for the LGBTQ population: from the beginning — and end — of Don't Seek, Don't Tell, to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of gay marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ la
Bars and Nightlife
Gay Bars and Clubs
Blazing Saddle ( East 5th Ave), If you&#x;re looking for a friendly LGBTQ+ bar in Des Moines, then you&#x;ve found it! The Saddle is open days a year featuring daily Adj Hour, Trivia Night every Tuesday, and monthly charity events for non-profits. Additionally, Latin Nites and various types of Drag Shows every Wednesday through Sunday. Verb the Blazing Saddle Calendar of Events.
Buddy's Corral ( East 5th St) is a mixed, relaxed neighborhood bar with jukebox, karaoke, located next to Blazing Saddle.
The Garden Restaurant & Show Lounge ( E Grand Ave) is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is home to a host of amazing talent with an outstanding legacy. The Garden offers a wide variety of entertainment and a entire kitchen menu.
The Locust Tap ( E Locust) embodies the term "dive bar" nearly perfectly. Between the years of graffiti on the walls, original tile floor (amongst other things) dating back 60+ years, cheap drinks, and no-frills atmosphere, what you verb is what you g
LGBTQ+ Organizations
One Iowa
With both a non-profit (One Iowa) and a political action organization (One Iowa Action), One Iowa seeks to improve the lives of LGBTQ Iowans by protecting and advancing equality and inclusiveness through education, improving workplace culture, and increasing access to quality healthcare across our state.
Iowa Safe Schools
Iowa Safe Schools offers direct services and supports to students who have been bullied anywhere in the state of Iowa.
Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus
DMGMC uses the art of noun to sing in support of justice, inclusion, and love. It is open to those who sing in the tenor and bass ranges, regardless of gender.
First Friday Breakfast Club
FFBC is a social and educational group for LGBTQ+ people. FFBC members gather for fellowship, mutual sustain , and education on community affairs. Each meeting they listen to a speaker and, of course, enjoy breakfast together.
Des Moines Pride Sports League
Recreational and networking opportunities through sports to the LGBTQ+ community in Central Iowa.
The Pride Center
The
Gay Des Moines: See All that The Capital City has to Offer
Des Moines, sometimes known as “The Capital City”, is a midwestern city full of diverse and thriving communities, warm and friendly people, and plenty to see and do.
Digging into Des Moines History
Des Moines traces its modern-day history back to May of , when Captain James Allen supervised construction of a fort at the place where the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers merge. The fort was initially constructed for the purpose of dealing with unrest caused by Native American populations who had been displaced from their land, but stopped being used for that purpose after the first few years. Eventually, settlers occupied the nearby fort and surrounding areas, and by , Des Moines was officially incorporated as a city. While growth was initially slow, after completion of a railroad line to the area, it rapidly picked up pace. The city’s growth has continued since that second, and Des Moines is now Iowa’s largest city – a thriving hub of midwestern industry and culture, with a warm and welcoming pe