Gay clubs in iowa
The history of Iowa’s oldest gay bar has been made into a documentary. Here's how to watch
On a representative 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 propose cash tips to performersdressed in drag. It’s the Saddle Gurls & Friends show, and once the artists take their ultimate bow (or more commonly, dip into their most impressive split), the spotlights cut and the harmony bumps. Bargoers turn the stage into a technicolor dance floor, strong 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 1983 by Bob “Mongo” Eikleberry, it’s been referred to as the “Gay Cheers” and has seen Iowa — and the nation — through decades of alter for the LGBTQ population: from the beginning — and end — of Don't Ask, Don't Reveal, to the outbreak of the AIDs epidemic, to the legalization of homosexual marriage and the more recent passing and signing of anti-LGBTQ laws in the state.
That history will soon be joint in the form of a six-episode do
Post announcements on sporting events, sports teams, meetings, concerts, dining reviews, new restaurant announcements, nightlife, show and local media here.
By 4starcashier - Sun Mar 15, 2015 4:12 pm
Hey there, everyone. Rumor has it that Le Boi Lock has been bought, and will be opening as "The View". Can anybody provide input on this? It'll be nice to hold a fourth homosexual bar in Des Moines again!
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, 2015 3:25 am
I've heard that but also heard there was an accident last darkness and a auto hit the building. Also heard this is the second time that this has happened recently. Will try and post pics I saw on Facebook tomorrow.
By Ingersoll1978 - Mon Mar 16, 2015 6:48 am
By wmjindsm - Mon Mar 16, 2015 4:56 pm
By BJazz
Before âThe Gayborhoodâ
Des Moines Forgotten
By Kristian Day
6/5/2024Bob Eikelberry at the Barn Door in 1981. Photo courtesy of Gary Moore
With another Parade month here, I have dug deep into the history books of the gay lore of Des Moines. In November of 2022, I wrote a column on the Blue Goose and the P&S Lounge, two queer bars with origins dating assist to the late 1960s and early 1970s.
The P&S Lounge was located at 301 Second Ave. and owned by two lesbians, Peggy and Shirley. P&S eventually sold to Chuck Brooks (brother to Des Moines city councilman Archie Brooks) who went on to open many gay bars including the famous City Disco Park.
The Blue Goose was located at 206 Third St. and was owned by Marlys Watson and her husband, Marty.
The 1960s and 1970s was a uncontrolled time for âGay Des Moines.â There were usually five or six gay bars in the heart of downtown around Court Avenue at any given period along with multiple dirty bookstores separating the store fronts.
The deal with of 1200 Grand Ave. was home to three different bars including the M-2 (owned by Tim Mumma and Steve Anderson), Stardust (Tim Mumma and Alan Hammond), and th
Bars and Nightlife
Gay Bars and Clubs
Blazing Saddle (416 East 5th Ave), If you’re looking for a friendly LGBTQ+ lock in Des Moines, then you’ve initiate it! The Saddle is open 365 days a year featuring daily Cheerful Hour, Trivia Darkness every Tuesday, and monthly charity events for non-profits. Additionally, Latin “Nites” and various types of Drag Shows every Wednesday through Sunday. See the Blazing Saddle Calendar of Events.
Buddy's Corral (418 East 5th St) is a mixed, relaxed neighborhood lock with jukebox, karaoke, located next to Blazing Saddle.
The Garden Restaurant & Reveal Lounge (525 E Grand Ave) is an LGBT+ owned and operated business that is dwelling to a host of amazing talent with an exceptional legacy. The Garden offers a extensive variety of fun and a packed kitchen menu.
The Locust Tap (434 E Locust) embodies the term "dive bar" nearly perfectly. Between the years of graffiti on the walls, original tile floor (amongst other things) dating assist 60+ years, budget drinks, and no-frills atmosphere, what you see is what you get. It attracts an incredibly wide variety of clientele. It's tru