Ames Pridefest offers day of celebration, learning and entertainment

Ames Pridefest returns Saturday, Oct. 10, bringing a full day of family activities, education, live performances and community celebrations across Ames. The day starts at Ames Public Library with a 10 a.m. panel discussion on supporting LGBTQ+ children, followed by Rainbow Storytime and Kids' Crafting at 10:30. Author L.T. Thompson speaks at 11 a.m. on queer authorship in Iowa, with Crafting & Candy for Teens at noon. A Kid & Teen parade begins at noon to the Ames Pride Stage. Entertainment runs along 5th Street and Douglas Avenue, with vendor fair hours from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Evening events include board game night, Pride Bag Charm Bar, Queer-aoke and a dance party at Studio 13, leading into afterparty drag shows. Pride Sunday continues at Iowa State University at 10 a.m.