Pride Amsterdam 2025: Canal Parade, Queer Arts & Culture, Parties & Tips
Karl Krause AMSTERDAM: Plan your Pride Amsterdam 2025. From the iconic Canal Parade to queer parties and travel tips, here’s how to make the most of Europe’s most inclusive Pride. The post Pride Amsterdam 2025: Canal Parade, Queer Arts & Culture, Parties & Tips appeared first on Gay Travel Blog - Couple of Men.
Mark
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 discuss our highlights of Pride Week and provide you with some tips on the best parties, as well as where and how to enjoy Amsterdam Pride at its best. We hope you will find all the answers to your questions about your gay travels to Amsterdam while soaking up the opportunity to meet queer folks from all over the world. Enjoy 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!
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When is Pride Amsterdam 2025?
Pride Amsterdam 2025 takes place from Saturday, July 26, to Sunday, August 3. The most iconic event, the Canal Parade, will take place on Saturday, 2 August 2025.
Main events you shouldn’t miss:
- Pride March (26 July 2025): A protest and celebration starting at Dam Square and ending in Vondelpark.
- Pride Park (26 July 2025): A family- and youth-friendly kickoff in Vondelpark with music, info booths, and performances.
- Street Parties (1-3 August 2025): Free outdoor parties will take place throughout the city, with a focus on Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amstelveld, and at Westermarkt, including Pink Point and the Homomonument.
- Canal Parade (2 August 2025): Over 80 boats float through the Prinsengracht canal from 12:00 to 18:00.
Other Pride Amsterdam highlights 2025 to check out:
- Drag Olympics: Hilarious and fabulous event held at Homomonument the week before Pride March
- Senior Pride & Youth Pride: Programming for all generations
- Pride at the Beach: Worth noting if you’re heading to Zandvoort for a day
What makes Pride Amsterdam different?
Pride Amsterdam stands out as one of the unique LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world because its main event floats on water. Founded in 1996 as a way to celebrate diversity in the Netherlands, the event has evolved into a two-week celebration featuring community events, political demonstrations, and spectacular parties. Since 2017, the name “Pride Amsterdam” has officially replaced its former title, “Amsterdam Gay Pride,” to reflect the event’s inclusive nature. It now welcomes a broad spectrum of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, and curious travelers, emphasizing visibility, protest, and joy.
Travel Guide Amsterdam
The Dutch capital is considered to be one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world. By legalizing same-gender marriage as the first country in the world already in 2001, the Netherlands and its capital offer a diverse LGBTQ+ friendly cultural program throughout the whole year. The highlight of the Summer is (Gay) Pride Amsterdam.
Pride March & Pride Park 2025
The Pride March (the Pride Amsterdam’s sister of the Pride Walk organized by Stichting Homomonument) is a Pride demonstration, featuring a visible protest and a message of equality for all queer individuals. This year, it will take place on 26 July 2025. Everyone is invited to march peacefully together and stand up for equal human rights worldwide. Afterward, Pride Park at Vondelpark offers performances, information stalls, community spaces, and a warm welcome to locals and international visitors. At Pride Park, there will be separate areas for Junior Pride, Sport Pride, Asian Pride, and, new this year, Fetish Pride. Read more about the Pride March & Park program here >
Our tip: If possible, arrive a week before the Amsterdam Canal Parade to experience the Pride March, Pride Park, and the rest of the program. This is also the weekend of Milkshake Festival.
Pride Walk 2023
Canal Parade 2025
The Canal Parade is the heartbeat of Pride Amsterdam. It will take place on 2 August 2026. Over 80 boats representing LGBTQ+ organizations, political parties, cultural groups, and companies gather around the Scheepvaart Museum and move towards the Amstel River. Continuing from there, the decorated canal boats float along the Prinsengracht towards Westerdok. The colorful parade typically draws thousands of spectators along the route, cheering dancers, DJs, drag performers, and activists who celebrate queer visibility on the water. Find the Canal Parade 2025 program and updates here >
Viewing tips for the Canal Parade based on our experience:
- 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 registered; spectators can enjoy the parade from the side for free
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot (no later than 10 am)
- Dress in layers: Dutch summer can shift from sunshine to rain in minutes
- Bring sunscreen, water, a fan (to cool down or thwoorp), and something soft to sit on
- Use public transport, walk, or rent a bike to get to the festivities
Arts & Culture tips for Pride Amsterdam 2025
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
July 18 to August 10, 2025, at DeLaMar Theater: This 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 World War II – a bold act of resistance that is rarely recognized due to their queerness. Read more >
Queer Stories at Mezrab
Tuesday, 22 and 29 July 2025, at Mezrab (West): Two evenings of queer storytelling in one of Amsterdam’s most beloved venues. Curated by local artists, the stories touch on themes like resistance and joy – told live in front of an intimate, mixed crowd of locals and visitors. Read more >
Open Air Cinema
Wednesday 30, Thursday 31 July, and Friday 1 August 2025, at Mercatorplein & Gershwinplein: Free outdoor screenings of queer films in the open squares of Amsterdam West and Zuid. Bring your snacks, grab a chair, and enjoy the cinema under the stars. Read more >
Additional cultural tips to check out:
- Love Swim: a community swim along the Amstel River
- In the Bushes: a raw installation on queer intimacy in nature
- Lesbian Pub Quiz: hosted by Nutella Versace at Lola the Green Aardvark
- Amber Vineyard’s Queer Cabaret: a deep dive into queer expression and performance
- Rise of the Rainbow: an immersive installation of queer history and inflatable rainbows.
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.
Street party tips for Pride Amsterdam 2025
Expect street parties throughout the weekend of August 1-3, 2025, all over the city, featuring some with stages and performances, while others will have bars and DJs. Here is a list of the main street events that are 100% free:
Pride MainStage
Friday 1 to Sunday 3, August 2025, at Dam Square: Pride MainStage with a packed program. You come here when you want to see a variety of acts and celebrate diversity and freedom on our main square. Especially the closing party on Sunday, we would recommend. Read more >
Crash – Fetish Street Party
Friday 1 and Saturday 2, August 2025, at Beursplein: Home of the fetish party Crash, so come in your gear! The cool thing about this street party is that it is right in the city center, and everyone is free to enter. However, a security check is in place at the entrance to keep the space safe. Read more >
Street Party at Café Saarein
Saturday, 2 August 2025, at Elandsstraat: The outdoor party at café Saarein, the oldest and most famous feminist queer café in the Netherlands. The Saarein is situated in the Jordaan, which is also a great neighborhood to celebrate Pride in Amsterdam. Read more >
Additional street parties to explore:
- Reguliersdwarsstraat: Amsterdam’s rainbow street, extremely busy during the weekend
- Zeedijk: in the center of Amsterdam “lekker op zn Hollands”
- Spuistraat: the outdoor party at gay Bar Prik
- Stoperaplein: Love Pride for everyone by Who run the world festival
- Marnixstraat: the outdoor party at Waterkant
Ticketed party tips for Pride Amsterdam 2025
Amsterdam’s nightlife during Pride is wild, joyful, and unapologetically queer. You’ll find everything from sing-along pop nights to sweaty warehouse raves. Here are a few highlights from the many parties that will take place over Pride. These events require tickets. Buy them early, as they tend to sell out.
BOPS
Friday, 1 August, at The Other Side: Queer dance and pop night with a retro twist. The feel-good party, where your favorite tunes from the past and present come by. Queer joy and pop perfection all in one! Bonus points: wheelchair accessible & accessible toilet. Read more >
Bear Necessity
Saturday, 2 August at Panama Amsterdam: The go-to for bears and their admirers. This is one of our favorite gay parties in Amsterdam. It is sexy but still fun and friendly. Bring just your gear and jockstrap, as it is going to be warm. If interested, take a look at the play balcony. Read more >
Raum x Pamela
Saturday, 2 August at Club Raum: Underground techno with an inclusive queer crowd. On Saturday, RAUM hands the reins to Amsterdam’s beloved Pamela to curate a fun, triple-room journey of sonic adventure. Read more >
Other parties to check out:
- Queer Caribbean Party at Club Up: with delicious catering and warm party vibes
- Janey at Paradiso: a powerful mini festival for queer women and non-binary folks
- Sweetie Darling x OUTLOUD at W Amsterdam: the best view in the city center
- FunHouse XXL at Westergas: massive circuit party with international DJs
- Glitter Garbage Hospital at Ruigoord: alternative radical expression for and by Queers
Gay cruising parties
During Pride Amsterdam 2025, these gay cruising clubs and bars are open for business: Dirty Dicks, Eagle, Bears Amsterdam, 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.
Tips: LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations in Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ friendliness extends far beyond parades and parties — it starts with where you choose to stay. With these three hotels, you can’t go wrong during Pride. Go for canal-side luxury, a social vibe with an extensive Pride program, or a local queer hotspot/green escape near the water.
W Amsterdam ★★★★★
Located just behind Dam Square, W Amsterdam blends historic architecture with a sleek, modern interior. Known globally for its LGBTQ+ inclusivity, the W Amsterdam hosts fabulous rooftop parties and participates in the Canal Parade with its own float. Read more >
The Social Hub Amsterdam City ★★★★ & Amsterdam West ★★★
These hybrid hotel-community spaces aim to bring locals, students, creatives, and travelers together. During Pride, they transform into The Pride Hub, hosting panels, workshops, and parties, creating connection and visibility. Read more >
Pension Homeland
Housed in a restored 1960s naval building, Pension Homeland has a vintage charm and relaxed hospitality. Each summer, the grassy field next to the water becomes a hot spot for LGBTQ+ locals, affectionately called “Amsterdam’s gay beach.” Read more >
Other hotels to stay at during Pride Amsterdam 2025:
- INK Hotel: changes into the PINK Hotel during Pride
- Supper hotel: keep on partying in the disco or darkroom suite
- Sofitel Legend The Grand: for the queer travelers who seek sophistication and luxury
- Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht: rooms with views of the Canal Parade
- Amsterdam the Crane by Yays: get the best panoramic views of the IJ River
Travel Proud Properties
While most hotels in Amsterdam are LGBTQ+ friendly, you can make your choice even easier by checking the Travel Proud Properties on Booking.com. Hotels that have the ‘Travel Proud’ badge have completed the training to offer a more profound understanding and welcome service to their LGBTQ+ guests. Look for the badge (Travel Proud rainbow suitcase) right above the name of the hotel. Read more >
Practical Travel Tips for Amsterdam Pride 2025
Amsterdam, especially in the summertime, 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
- Let’s do a river cruise for Pride Amsterdam
- Tips for your gay travels around the Netherlands
- Our Tips: What to do in Amsterdam during a City Trip?
LGBTQ+ Safety
Amsterdam is widely recognized for its open-mindedness and LGBTQ+ visibility. While it’s generally a haven for queer travelers, it helps to be aware of the resources available. In our Pride Amsterdam Travel Guide, we have listed all essential organizations and services that help ensure Pride Amsterdam is as inclusive, secure, and celebratory as it is. All about LGBTQ+ safety during Pride Amsterdam here.
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? The first Canal Parade was held in 1996, intended as 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 our program highlights
Official Website: pride.amsterdam
Facebook: facebook.com/prideamsterdam
Instagram: instagram.com/prideamsterdam
Best of 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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