Based in Denver,
Rainbow Dome is a queer-centric hub that gathers people across differences to experience joy-in-motion through art and activities. We are a community venue for roller skating, entertainment, and art. We are engaged in a social cohesion project that invites our audience to be unapologetically themselves and be received as such. We center joy, because we believe it is a vital state of being that supports physical and mental health and increases our resiliency.
Join Us!
Rainbow Dome’s goal has been to open a permanent space dedicated to Queer Joy, centered around sober-friendly social gathering. In 2023, Rainbow Dome’s investors acquired 1660 N Federal Blvd, which will be our future home. Located in Sun Valley, the 29,000 sq ft property has the potential to be a catalyst for nurturing social cohesion and creative placemaking along Denver’s growing entertainment corridor connecting Meow Wolf, the Platte River walk, and Empower Field at Mile High (the Bronco Football Stadium).
We are fundraising the final $1M to support the heart of Rainbow Dome. Your support in this crowdfunding campaign is an important piece in reaching our larger goal.
These funds will support the inaugural art installation, theatrical audio/visual equipment, and modular seating and stage platforms. These elements are essential to our core programming, producing events that invite our audience to experience joy-in-motion:
- Theatrical equipment to support the artistic practice of DJs, music, sound, film and performance artists, including vogue/kiki balls, experimental dance, and more.
- Large-scale visual art installations that capture our audience's imagination and create a portal to another world. Funds would be used for materials and artist fees for local artists to contribute to the project.
Need for Respite
Rainbow Dome formed out of a need for a social space that fosters joy, silliness, and play while being accountable to the diverse needs and desires of our equally diverse communities. Our audience shares experiences of intersectionality and marginalization within the dominant culture of the US, and includes people who identify as Queer (LGBTQIA+); Black, Brown, & Indigenous; disabled and neurodivergent; and artists and creatives. Rainbow Dome addresses the problems of isolation and loneliness and the mental and physical health inequities for our audience by creating a social space that facilitates authentic connections while being a refuge from anti-queer and anti-black hate and violence. Our greatest strength is that we are world builders. Through artmaking, compassion, creativity, laughter, and silliness, Rainbow Dome believes we can collectively facilitate a future that is more playful and just.
Impact
4050+ Attendees
43+ DJs
37+ Performers (dancers, drag queens, comedians, emcees, & roller dancers)
134+ Local Vendors (small businesses and sole proprietors) who have earned over $58,500 at our events
189 Pop-up Squad members who put in over 1073 hours of sweat and energy
Timeline
- August 2023: Investors purchase 1660 Federal Blvd, the future home of Rainbow Dome
- January 2024-March 2025: Design Phase. THE5WH designs the renovations, including identifying the strategy and approaches to create a just and inclusive design.
- April 2025-March 2026: Permitting & Procurement Phase. We will be crossing our fingers and toes for the City and County of Denver to review and approve our construction documents, while also starting to purchase the construction materials.
- March 2026: Construction & Art Fabrication: Anticipated start of construction and the beginning of art fabrication.
- Fall 2026: Rainbow Dome Grand Opening (maybe in time for Halloween!?!?!)
Connect With Us!
Want to learn more and get involved with Rainbow Dome?
- Follow us on Instagram!
- Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.rainbowdome.com/
- Share this project with others who are passionate about more spaces for queer joy and equitable world-building
- Contact kate@rainbowdome.com for more info on giving and sharing!