6th Annual Central Iowa Trans Lives Festival

In honor of the International Transgender Day of Visibility, this 6th annual all-ages festival showcases the creative work of transgender, nonbinary, genderqueer, and gender-nonconforming adults and youth from around Iowa. Work includes visual art and crafts for sale, food trucks and booths, live music, poetry, literature, dance, drag, and comedy performances. Local nonprofit and community organizations providing support and resources to the trans community will also be on hand. Last year, nearly 1600 people from across Iowa attended the festival.

The festival is public and open to everyone, admission and parking are free, and the facility is ADA accessible. LGBTQ+ affirming security will also be provided so that everyone can experience a safe and fun event. Hosted by the Queer & Transgender Action Group of First Unitarian Church of Des Moines, an LGBTQ+ Welcoming Congregation. Email: translivesfestival@ucdsm.org

NOTE: This year’s festival was postponed from the previously announced date of March 28, 2026, due to unanticipated construction delays with a major remodeling project of our building. We anticipate returning to our usual festival date of the last Saturday in March in 2027.