Amsterdam is getting ready for World Pride in 2026, but first we are celebrating Pride Amsterdam 2025 under this year’s motto, ‘The message is LOVE’. As a Dutch-German gay couple, we’ve experienced Pride in our hometown as activists, spectators, and partygoers. This 2025 guide gives you everything you need to plan a safe, inclusive, and joyful queer summer in the Dutch capital. Although the parade is the highlight of Amsterdam Pride, there are far more events and celebrations that you need to experience.
As gay travel bloggers living in the capital of the Netherlands, we have a special interest in telling you all about the Pride Amsterdam 2025 program. To add to that, we will talk about our highlights of Pride Week and provide you with some tips for the best parties and where and how you can enjoy Amsterdam Pride at its best. We hope you will find all the answers to your questions about your gay travels to Amsterdam while enjoying meeting gay, lesbian, and queer people from all over the world and seeing the Dutch capital through a couple of men‘s eyes. And don’t miss our best photos of the Pride Amsterdam 2025 Canal Parade. Happy Pride Amsterdam 2025!
What makes Pride Amsterdam different?
Pride Amsterdam stands out as one of the most unique LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world – not least because its main event floats on water. Founded in 1996 as a way to celebrate diversity in the Netherlands, the event has grown into a full week of political demonstrations, community events, and spectacular parties.
Since 2017, the name “Pride Amsterdam” officially replaced its former title “Amsterdam Gay Pride” to reflect the inclusive nature of the celebration. It now welcomes a broad spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and curious travelers, emphasizing visibility, protest, and joy. The Canal Parade can feel as “gay carnival” with many straight Dutch tourists wearing pink and drinking to much white wine BUT we rather party with them then that they vote against us.. Overall Pride Amsterdam is a beautiful example of Dutch inclusivity being the second biggest event/celebration in the capital.
What makes Amsterdam’s Pride special?
- The Canal Parade, where decorated boats glide through the historic city center
- Events tailored to youth, elders, queer people of color, and the trans and non-binary community
- A blend of celebration and political activism, with roots in the long history of the Dutch fight for LGBTQ+ rights
When is Pride Amsterdam 2025?
Pride Amsterdam 2025 runs from Saturday, July 26 to Sunday, August 3. The most iconic event, the Canal Parade, will take place on Saturday, August 2.
Events you shouldn’t miss:
- Pride March (July 26): A protest and celebration starting at Dam Square and ending in Vondelpark.
- Pride Park (July 26): A family- and youth-friendly kickoff in Vondelpark with music, info booths, and performances.
- Street Parties (August 1-3): Free outdoor parties across the city, especially in Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstelveld, and around the Homomonument.
- Canal Parade (August 2): Over 80 boats float through the Prinsengracht canal from 12:00 to 18:00.
Local tips based on our experience:
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot (10:00 latest)
- Dress in layers: Dutch summer can shift from sunshine to rain in minutes
- Bring sunscreen, water, and something soft to sit on
- Use public transport, walk or rent a bike to get to the festivities.
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Pride Amsterdam Highlights 2025
Pride March & Pride Park
The Pride March (the Pride Amsterdam sister of the Pride Walk that is organized by Stichting Homomonument) is a Pride demonstration with a visible protest and message. Everyone is invited to march peacefully together and to stand up for equal human rights all over the world. Afterwards, Pride Park at Vondelpark offers performances, information stalls, community spaces, and a warm welcome to locals and international visitors. At Pride park there are separate areas for Junior Pride, Sport Pride, Asian Pride, and new this year, Fetish Pride.
Tip: If you can, arrive a week earlier so you can experience Pride March and Park and the rest of the full program. This is also the weekend of Milkshake Festival.
Canal Parade
The Canal Parade is the heartbeat of Pride Amsterdam. The boats will gather around the Scheepvaart Museum and will move towards Amstel. From there the dressed canal boats will take the Prinsengracht towards Westerdok. It moves through the Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht, and Amstel River, drawing thousands of spectators along the way. Over 80 boats represent LGBTQ+ organizations, political parties, cultural groups, and companies. You’ll see dancers, DJs, drag performers, and activists celebrating queer visibility on the water.
Our Canal Parade tips:
- Best viewing spots: Magere Brug (Skinny Bridge), Amstelveld, Prinsengracht near the 9 Streets
- Bring snacks, drinks, and a fully charged phone
- Boats need to be registrated; spectators can enjoy the parade free from the sidelines
Other Pride Amsterdam highlights to check out:
- Drag Olympics: Hilarious and fabulous event held at Homomonument
- Senior Pride & Youth Pride: Programming for all generations
- Pride at the Beach: Worth noting if you’re heading to Zandvoort for a day
Gay (Nude) Beach in Zandvoort
Long enough in Amsterdam to get out of the city’s summer heat? All while still enjoying the thrill of getting lucky in the most unexpected of places? Our guide to the gay beach in Zandvoort has all the information.
Pride at the Beach
In 2017 for the first time ever, Gay Pride Amsterdam organized a Pride event at the beach, and it will happen this year again! Everyone is invited to celebrate Pride at the Beach, a colorful three days LGBTQ+ festival in Zandvoort as part of Pride Amsterdam. Join the parties in Zandvoort, for fun, sun & diversity. There will be a parade, music, culture like the Art With Pride: Pride & Prejudice exhibition at the Zandvoorts Museum, a beach walk, art, drag queens, yoga, films like the movie RIOT at Circus Zandvoort, the Queen of the Beach: Songtrafestival and more. All about the Event: Official Facebook Pride at the Beach Page >
- Opening Date: 2021
- Closing Date: 2021
Open Air Cinema
Pride Amsterdam invites you to visit the Mecatorplein (western part of Amsterdam) to attend the Open Air Cinema days 2021. There are 400 seats at your disposal, so don’t be late! Please note, this year we have changed location, this year for the first time the Open Air Cinema on the Mercatorplein in West. More Infos: Official Facebook Event Page >
Opening Program:
2021 (OBA, Mercatorplein)
New York LHBTIQ+ activist Victoria Cruz talks to activists from Amsterdam, led by day chairman and NRC columnist Clarice Gargard. Look for more information on the event page ‘LHBTIQ + activist Victoria Cruz opens Pink Film nights‘.
Main Program
• xx pm: Openings address Victoria Cruz, Councilor Rutger Groot Wassink, and district chairman Fenna Ulichki
• xx pm: Special Ballroom-act (dance)
• xx pm: Short film ‘Happy birthday, Marsha!’
• xx pm: Award-winning Documentary ‘Paris is Burning’
Senior Pride Concert
SeniorPride Productions presents “To friendship such an endless desire”. A concert where troubadours will occur with Dutch songs. Because every generation seeks friendship, love, intimacy, affection and a community, the SeniorPride Concert wants to be this community where friendship is experienced and celebrated, where different generations meet in the songs that are played by the artists Lenny Kuhr, Mieke Stemerdink, Jan Rot, Mariska van Kolck, Jordy van Loon, and Merel Moistra and where parties are celebrated with Ria Valk, De Poppers, girl group BB Bootleg and our DJs Bo Monde and Ronnie Retro. The whole event is connected by choreographies by Raoulala and the Dumas Dancers and Mario Magic who present the concert. In addition to the concert, SeniorPride is now the largest reunion of Pride Amsterdam. The concert is given on one of the most enchanting squares in Amsterdam: the Nieuwmarkt. And is specially organized for pink senior
Drag Olympics Homomonument
This year’s Pride Amsterdam Drag Olympics will mark the 15th edition of the International Drag Olympics, the world’s premier sporting event for drag queens and kings in the heart of Amsterdam at the Westerkerk / Homomonument starting at 7 pm. The crème de la crème of the drag athletes will battle it out for Olympic Gold. We are excited because traditional sports like the Stiletto Sprint and the Handbag Toss will be supplemented by new events. Qualified beauticians will be available to assist competitors and to be on hand for any cosmetic emergency. At 9 pm it will be time for The Afterparty with some of the finest drag DJs, MCs & performers! Free entrance and bring friends and gay-friendly allies for even more fun! Our Tip: Be on time for a good spot! More Infos: Official Facebook Event Page >
Program 16th edition International Drag Olympics 2021
Hosted by Lolo Benzina and Evalyn Eatdith:
xx: Opening Ceremony, introduction of the contestants
xx: Arrival of Jennifer Hopelezz with Olympic Flame
xx: Stiletto Sprint
xx: Handbag Toss
xx: Show
xx: Hula Hoop
xx: Bitch Volleyball
xx: Ahow
xx: Surprise game
xx: Awarding the Gold Medal 2021 Drag Olympic
Be on time to get a good spot! The party will start at 6 pm until midnight, while the Drag Olympics will take place from 7 pm to 9 pm.
Queer Nightlife & Pride Parties in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s nightlife during Pride is wild, joyful, and unapologetically queer. You’ll find everything from outdoor DJ sets to sweaty warehouse raves. Here are a few highlights from the many parties that will take place.
Street parties
Expect stages and dancefloors all over the city. Here is a list of the main events that are 100% free.
- Dam: Pride MainStage with a packed program
- Reguliersdwarsstraat: our rainbow street that will be extremely busy
- Zeedijk: lekker op zn Hollands
- Spuistraat: the outdoor party at gay Bar Prik
- Homomonument: volunteer based parties and events from a queer perspective (check the dates)
- Beursplein: home of the fetish party Crash so come in your gear!
- Stoperaplein: Love Pride for everyone by Who run the world Festival
- Marnixstraat: the outdoor party at Waterkant
- Elandsstraat: the outdoor party at queer café Saarein
Ticketed events
These events require tickets. Buy them early, as they tend to sell out.
- BOPS at The Other Side: Queer dance and pop night with a retro twist
- Bear Necessity at Club Panama: The go-to for bears and their admirers
- Raum x Pamela at Club Raum: Underground techno with an inclusive queer crowd
- Janey at Paradiso: A powerful party for queer women and non-binary folks
- FunHouse XXL at Westergas: Massive circuit party with lasers, muscle queens, and international DJs
Gay sex parties
During Pride Amsterdam 2025 several gay sex parties will take place at Dirty Dicks, Eagle, Club Church, and the NZ gay sauna.
Cruising in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is definitely not a city that inspires abstinence, with plenty of bars, clubs, and outdoor spaces to meet guys. Enjoy our Amsterdam gay cruising guide for the best cruising experience in the Dutch capital with tips for gay bars, gay clubs, and safe outdoor cruising.
Arts & Culture Highlights During Pride Amsterdam
Pride Amsterdam is more than parades and parties. It’s also a time when queer creativity, reflection, and storytelling come to the forefront. If you want to engage with LGBTQIA+ life in Amsterdam on a deeper level, these cultural events offer something special:
Willem & Frieda: Roze Verzet
18 July to 10 August – DeLaMar Theater. This powerful musical tells the story of queer resistance heroes Willem Arondéus and Frieda Belinfante. Set in 1949 Hollywood, the two reflect on their courageous attack on Amsterdam’s population registry during WWII—a bold act of resistance rarely recognized because of their queerness.
Pink Sunday at Kwaku
Part of the multicultural Kwaku Festival, Pink Sunday brings queer energy to Nelson Mandela Park in Zuidoost. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant Pride moments, blending Afro-Caribbean culture, dance, food, and LGBTQIA+ celebration. Sunday 20 July – Nelson Mandela Park
- Willem & Frieda: Roze Verzet: This powerful musical tells the story of queer resistance heroes Willem Arondéus and Frieda Belinfante. Set in 1949 Hollywood, the two reflect on their courageous attack on Amsterdam’s population registry during WWII—a bold act of resistance rarely recognized because of their queerness. 18 July to 10 August – DeLaMar Theater
- Pink Sunday at Kwaku: Part of the multicultural Kwaku Festival, Pink Sunday brings queer energy to Nelson Mandela Park in Zuidoost. It’s one of the city’s most vibrant Pride moments, blending Afro-Caribbean culture, dance, food, and LGBTQIA+ celebration. Sunday 20 July – Nelson Mandela Park
LGBTQ+ Safety during Pride Amsterdam 2025
Amsterdam is widely recognized for its open-mindedness and LGBTQ+ visibility. While it’s generally a safe haven for queer travelers, it helps to be aware of the resources available. The following organizations and services help ensure that Pride Amsterdam is as inclusive and secure as it is celebratory:
- COC Amsterdam: One of the oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in the world, offering community events, support programs for youth (Jong&Out), and social gatherings for LGBTQ+ seniors. www.cocamsterdam.nl/en | veiligheid@cocamsterdam.nl
- Switchboard: A confidential helpline and information platform for LGBTQIA+ people in the Netherlands, operated by COC Nederland. switchboard.nl +31 20 623 6565
- Politie Roze in Blauw (Pink in Blue): A dedicated LGBTQ+ police team addressing hate crimes and discrimination. They’re visible and active throughout Pride. politie.nl/roze-in-blauw +31 88 169 1234 rozeinblauw@politie.nl
- Transgender Netwerk Nederland: Advocacy and support for transgender and non-binary individuals, with resources for health, legal rights, and community connection. transgendernetwerk.nl +31 20 205 0915 (weekdays)
- Meldpunt Discriminatie Regio Amsterdam: Reporting centre for discrimination covering all areas in the greater Amsterdam region. mdra.nl/en +31 20 638 5551 regioamsterdam@discriminatie.nl
- GGD Amsterdam: Municipal Health Service offering LGBTQ+ inclusive sexual health support, STI testing, and information. ggd.amsterdam.nl +31 20 555 5911
- Jellinek: Trusted centre for addiction prevention and treatment with LGBTQ+ specific services. jellinek.nl/english +31 88 505 1220
- Pink Point at Homomonument: A community-run information kiosk and safe space for LGBTQ+ visitors. A great place to ask questions and connect. pinkpoint.nl
- Emergency: Call 112 for police, fire brigade, or ambulance.
Practical Travel Tips for Amsterdam Pride
Getting Around:
- Public transport: Trams, metros, and ferries are reliable (use GVB app)
- Bike rentals: Great way to move around the canal rings but only if you are a good biker
- Walking: The city is compact and walkable, especially with Pride road closures
Where to Stay:
- Book at least 6 months ahead. Look for accommodations in:
- Jordaan (charming & central)
- De Pijp (trendy, residential)
- Oud-West (calmer but walkable)
- Sloterdijk (cheaper and further away but near public transport hub)
- LGBTQ-friendly hotels:
What to Pack:
- Rainbow looks, bio-degradable glitter or no glitter
- Sunscreen, phone charger, power bank, bank pas
- Light jacket or hoodie, umbrella or cheap rainponcho
Language & Local Etiquette:
- Dutch people speak excellent English
- Public affection is widely accepted, especially during Pride
- Be respectful with photos – ask before taking close-ups of others
Amsterdam, especially in the summer time, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Besides the variety of museums and churches, wandering around the city’s canals and enjoying the canal boats cruising by is one of the things that makes the Dutch city in Noord-Holland so special, so magical. But can you run your own canal cruise boat? Where are the best places to go on a bike tour? What are the gay-friendly places all around Amsterdam? You can find the answers to these and more questions in our gay travel articles about Amsterdam and the Netherlands:
- Our Gay Couple City Weekend Amsterdam
- All about the Gay Couple Travels to Amsterdam
- Tips for your Gay Travels around the Netherlands
- Our Tips: What to do in Amsterdam during a City Trip?
Good to know about traveling to Amsterdam for Pride 2025:
All you need to know about Amsterdam Canal Gay Pride Program Highlights Tips! But do you know when it was first organized? It was in 1996 when the first canal parade was held and it was meant to be a festival to celebrate freedom and diversity. Knowing this, you should never forget why we still need Gay Pride Parades all over the world. Although Amsterdam and the Netherlands are considered to be the most gay-friendly places on earth, we still need to stand up for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community worldwide. When and where is your next Gay Pride Parade?
Plan your trip to Amsterdam for Pride 2025 with these Websites:
– Official Website 1: pride.amsterdam
– Official Website 2: amsterdamgaypride.nl
– Facebook: facebook.com/prideamsterdam
– All about Scar Tissue: coupleofmen.com/scar-tissue
– Roze Filmagen: coupleofmen.com/rozefilmdagen
– Euro Pride 2016: coupleofmen.com/europride2016
Want to learn more about travel news from the LGBTQ+ community? Follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook! See you at a Pride or CSD march somewhere in this beautiful, diverse, and colorful world!
Karl & Daan.
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Shadi
Wednesday 23rd of May 2018
Great post!, this helped me to make my decision to participate in the 2018 pride!!, really looking forward for it and for your post and tips for this years pride! thank you guys, love your blog :)
Daniel Cohen
Monday 24th of July 2017
Stefan Thiele, George Fanzio, Eliahu Cohen
George Fanzio
Monday 24th of July 2017
Eliahu Cohen
Monday 24th of July 2017
⚡️
Stefan Thiele
Monday 24th of July 2017
Thanks =)
Diederik Broekhuizen
Monday 24th of July 2017
Oh dank voor de vermelding van Rosario - Gay Pride XXL - Festival Edition <3
Couple of Men
Monday 24th of July 2017
Sure! we hope to see you there! <3