Amsterdam Pride 2025
One of the city’s biggest and brightest events of the year, Amsterdam Pride is back and set to be another glittering, rainbow-hued extravaganza.
From beach parties to walking tours, open-air cinema nights to the Drag Olympics — and let’s not forget the much-anticipated climactic Canal Pride Parade — Amsterdam Pride has it all.
Whatever floats your boat, be sure to immerse yourself in the exuberant, colourful, and diverse LGBT+ events the lively capital has to offer.
Celebrating Amsterdam Pride
Pride Amsterdam is a vibrant city-wide festival celebrating the culture and diversity of the LGBT+ community. The annual event takes place every July/August and culminates in the Canal Parade, typically on the first Saturday of August.
Amsterdam Pride is undoubtedly a joyous, feel-good party, but it’s also a way to remember pivotal events in the history of gay rights.
Like many other Pride festivals across the world, Amsterdam Pride commemorates the Stonewall riots. In 1969, these New York riots followed a police raid on the gay-, lesbian-, and trans-friendly bar, the Stonewall Inn. The LGBT+ community, enraged by the continued harassment and violence aimed at them, took to the streets in protest in six days of violent clashes.
The Stonewall uprising inspired the creation of hundreds of gay rights organisations all over the US and sparked the gay rights movement that swept across America and eventually Europe. Pride parades, inspired by the original New York marches, now take place across the world, including in Amsterdam.
Uniquely to Amsterdam Pride, “Pink Saturday” or “Roze Zaterdag” is also commemorated. On 14 April 1979, an LGBT+ activist group organised a demonstration in Amersfoot in response to homophobic statements made by the Bishop of Roermond. During the demonstration, LGBT+ people and allies were abused, spat on, and attacked by police and locals as they marched through the streets in what was a very dark day in Dutch history.
In commemoration of Pink Saturday and the Stonewall riots, and in celebration of Amsterdam’s LBGT+ community, the first Gay Pride Amsterdam was held in 1996.
This year’s Pride will be held from 26th July ‘til 3rd August. The event culminates in the Canal Parade on Saturday 2nd August and Closing Party on Sunday 3rd August.
Amsterdam Pride Parade
The highlight of Amsterdam Pride, the Canal Parade, sees thousands of revellers party along the banks of Amsterdam’s famous canals as hundreds of colourful, vibrant, rainbow-donned floats pass (or literally float!) by.
People of all sexualities, gender representations, ages, and backgrounds cheer, dance and enjoy the festivities as passing singers and dancers entertain the bustling crowd. Previous years have seen flag-waving Flyboard riders, Dutch military floats, and even dancing undertakers!
The Canal Parade kicks off at noon on Saturday 2nd August at Oosterdok. It will weave its way through Nieuwe Herengracht to Amstel, through Prisengracht and end at Westerdok. Check out the Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade Route for a more detailed look at the parade’s planned journey.
Things to do at Amsterdam Pride 2025
Amsterdam Pride parties
Women at the Beach Party
Ladies (including anyone who identifies as a woman), don your best beachy glad rags and head to Zandvoort for a night of boogie. You’ll be eased in with some relaxed lounge beats, but don’t be fooled, as the sun goes down the DJs will be ramping things up with some Pride bangers!
Monday 27th July, 6 – 11:30pm at ONS Paviljoen, Zandvoort
FunHouse Pride
Get ready for an unforgettable night at FunHouse XL – The Pride Edition, celebrating love, unity, and diversity during Amsterdam Pride 2025. With house, circuit, and techno beats filling the air, this is the perfect way to dance the night away with an epic crowd.
Saturday 2nd August at Klonneplein 6 – 1014 DD Amsterdam. The party kicks off at 10 pm and ends at 7 am. Tickets start from €40.61.
Closing Party
The party peaks on the final day of Pride as performers and famous LGBT+ faces appear on the Main Stage in Dam Square. The line-up is yet to be announced, but it’s sure to include a stellar cast – keep your eyes peeled!
Sunday 3rd August, Dam Square 1, 2 – 11 pm.
The Pride After
If the Closing Party leaves you thirsty for more, then head to Westerunie for the biggest afterparty in town. A renowned DJ will be bringing an electrifying mix to keep you partying well into the early hours.
Sunday 3rd August at Westerunie, Klönneplein 6, 1014 DD. The party runs from 11:59 pm – 7 am, and tickets start from €10.61.
Amsterdam Pride cultural events
Pride Park
The city’s beautiful Vondelpark, hosts the popular Pride Park. Peruse the merchandise at the Rainbow Market, enjoy performances at the Open Air Theatre, get sporty, or embrace your artistic side with Pride Park’s diverse activities. Stay tuned for a full schedule coming soon.
Saturday 26th July, 12 pm – 10 pm at Vondelpark.
Open Air Cinema Mercatorplein & Gershwinplein
Popcorn at the ready! Check out some LGBT+ movie classics at one of Amsterdam’s free pink cinema nights. Stay tuned for the full programme yet to be announced.
Wednesday 30th July, 6 – 8 pm, Mercatorplein.
Thursday 31st July, 6 – 8 pm, Gershwinplein.
Other fun things to do in Amsterdam
If you need a bit of respite from all the Pride festivities, or just want to weave in some other sightseeing when you’re in town, check out some of the other many fun and entertaining activities Amsterdam has on offer. Travelling on a budget? We’ve got you covered with the best free things to do in Amsterdam!
If you’re a culture vulture, you’ll find some of the best museums in Amsterdam. Take in Rembrandt’s famous Night Watch at the Rijksmuseum, embrace your cat obsession at the Kattenkabinet or delight and grimace at the macabre anatomy museum, Museum Vrolik.
To sum up
See Amsterdam at its vibrant and colourful best during Amsterdam Pride. Take in a drag show (or drag race…), learn a little LGBT+ history, wave at the passing canal floats, or party the night away at some of the biggest and best club nights. Whatever your vibe, there’s lots to enjoy at Amsterdam’s annual celebration of all things LGBT+.
For laid-back, friendly, and affordable accommodation in Amsterdam, check out one of our hostels: ClinkNOORD cheap youth hostel, ClinkMama or ClinkCoco, or if you’re travelling in a bigger group, take a look at our great, cheap group accommodation in Amsterdam.
