Pride Amsterdam 2025: dates, theme, canal parade

Amsterdam Pride 2025 will take place from July 26 to August 3, filling the city’s streets and canals with nine days of celebration, activism, and culture. This year’s theme, LOVE, puts connection, solidarity, and equality at the heart of every event. Love—as protest, support, and joy—will power Pride Amsterdam’s 28th year as one of the world’s most famous LGBTQIA+ festivals.

Pride March & Pride Park

Saturday, July 26 kicks off with the Pride March through the heart of Amsterdam, ending at Pride Park in Vondelpark. Pride Park is the festival’s beating heart, featuring:

• Rainbow Market stalls offering crafts, giveaways, and info booths

• Sport Pride Festival featuring everything from boxing and cycling to chess and yoga

• Youth and Junior Pride activities including drag contests and glitter competitions

• Two entertainment stages showcasing new talent and global LGBTQIA+ stars

The park will be open from 12:00 to 22:00, offering a full day of music, art, and community events for all ages.

Open Air Film Festival

From July 29 to August 1, grab a seat at the Open Air Film Festival. Free outdoor screenings will take place at Krugerplein, Mercatorplein, and Gershwinplein, showing LGBTQIA+ films under the stars. No tickets required—but seats are first come, first served.

The Famous Canal Parade

The legendary Canal Parade returns on Saturday, August 2. Boats will float from Oosterdok, through Nieuwe Herengracht and Amstel, into Prinsengracht, ending at Westerdok.

Since 1996, the Canal Parade has been the centrepiece of Amsterdam Pride. What started as a one-off idea for the Gay Games now draws over 80 boats and hundreds of thousands of onlookers every year. The 2025 parade will mark the 28th edition, turning the canals into a moving celebration of visibility, creativity, and queer joy.

After-Parties & Nightlife

Amsterdam Pride nights are just as famous as the days. While daytime events welcome all ages, after dark the city’s clubs, bars, and pop-up parties take over. From major clubs hosting all-night raves to secret boat parties and late-night drag cabarets, the Pride nightlife scene has something for everyone. Many events are ticketed and sell out quickly, so keep an eye on announcements closer to July.

Getting Around

Public transport is the easiest way to get around during Pride week. OVpay lets you tap in and out with a debit or credit card—no need to buy separate tickets. For the Canal Parade, arrive early, as major routes fill up fast. 

• Train: Most events are near Amsterdam Central Station. For the Canal Parade, Amsterdam Amstel Station is also a good option.

• Car: Driving isn’t recommended. Many central streets will be closed during the Canal Parade, and parking is extremely limited.

• Bike: If cycling, use official Pride bike parking zones to avoid fines or bike removal.

A Brief History of Amsterdam Pride

Amsterdam Pride began in 1996, when the first Canal Parade launched with just over 45 boats. Originally intended as a short-lived celebration tied to the Gay Games, the boat parade became an instant hit and has been held annually ever since.

Over nearly three decades, Pride Amsterdam has expanded into a nine-day festival combining culture, activism, and celebration. Its themes have reflected both the LGBTQIA+ community’s challenges and triumphs—from fighting for equal rights to celebrating diversity in all its forms. Recent years have placed a special focus on unity (TOGETHER, 2024) and resilience through connection (LOVE, 2025).

Today, Amsterdam Pride stands among the world’s top LGBTQIA+ events, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors and turning the entire city into a stage for visibility, protest, and joy.

Planning to Visit Amsterdam for Pride?

If Amsterdam’s on your Pride calendar, book early. Hotels near the city centre go quickly during Pride week—especially along the canals and near Vondelpark. Check our top hotels in Amsterdam for gay travelers and secure your stay before the Canal Parade crowd rushes in.