It’s no secret that Pride in Amsterdam is one of Europe’s brightest hotspots. The city’s history of freedom, tolerance, and diversity make it a special place to celebrate Pride, where every house, shop and street joins in the festivities regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.  

When is Amsterdam Pride 2025? 

From Saturday 26 July to Sunday 3 August, Amsterdam will come together to celebrate Pride in the Dutch capital.  

The Pride Walk, which serves as the opening event, invites parade-goers to march through the heart of the city, with celebrations concluding with a glorious Closing Party at Dam Square on the following Sunday. 

What is Pride Amsterdam? 

Pride Amsterdam is a multi-day festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, diversity, and freedom in the Netherlands’ capital city. Unlike many Pride events worldwide that began as protest marches, Amsterdam Pride was initially conceived as a celebration of the city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ culture and openness. 

The festival takes place over nine days, featuring hundreds of activities including cultural events, sports competitions, film screenings, art exhibitions, debates, and of course, numerous parties. The crown jewel of these festivities is the world-famous Canal Parade, where approximately 80 decorated boats sail through Amsterdam’s historic canals, creating a unique celebration unlike any other Pride event globally. 

4 of the best Pride events in Amsterdam 

1. The Canal Parade 

The Canal Parade winds its way through the waters of Amsterdam on Saturday 2 August. Now in its 28th year, more than 500,000 participants take part in the colourful procession, waving flags and dancing their way from the National Maritime Museum, down Nieuwe Herengracht and Binnen-amstel, and along Prinsengracht past Westerkerk, finishing at Noorderkerk. 

2. Milkshake Festival 

A two-day dance festival that’s all about showing the world entertainment and music choice have nothing to do with status, gender or sexuality. Held at Westergas, there are multiple rooms to explore to see as well as plenty of wacky and wonderful stages bursting with energy.  

3. Pride Park 

4. Open Air Film Festival 

Do You Need Tickets for Pride Amsterdam Events? 

One of the best aspects of Pride Amsterdam is its accessibility. Most events, including the Canal Parade, are free to attend as a spectator. However, there are some elements that do require tickets or registration: 

• Watching from your own boat: If you want to watch the Canal Parade from your own boat (up to 10 meters in length), you’ll need to purchase a Pride Vignette. These will become available from 1 July 2025, via the official Pride Amsterdam website. The vignettes are zone-specific, determining where along the route you can position your boat. 

• Private boat experiences: Various companies offer private boat experiences during the parade, which typically include food, drinks, and prime viewing positions. These exclusive experiences require advance booking and range in price based on the level of luxury offered. 

• Special viewing areas and parties: Some venues along the canal route may offer ticketed events with good viewing positions, food, and drinks during the parade. 

Getting Around During Pride Amsterdam 

Pride Amsterdam attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors, so here are our top tips for navigating the city during this time: 

• Public transport: The best way to reach the festivities is by train to Amsterdam Central Station or Amsterdam Zuid Station (which connects to the metro line to Vijzelgracht, placing you in the middle of the parade route). 

• Walking and cycling: Amsterdam is a relatively compact city, and walking or cycling can be efficient ways to get around, though be prepared for crowds in central areas. 

• Plan ahead: On the day of the Canal Parade, certain streets along the route will be closed, and public transport routes may be altered. Check the latest information before heading out. 

The History of Pride in the Netherlands 

While Pride Amsterdam as we know it today started in 1996, the country’s journey toward LGBTQ+ equality began much earlier.  

The Dutch LGBTQ+ rights organization COC, founded in 1946, is the oldest still-operating LGBTQ+ organization in the world. Initially, COC focused on legal reforms and social acceptance rather than public demonstrations. However, influenced by global movements, the Netherlands held its first ‘Gay Liberation and Solidarity Day’ in Amsterdam on 25 June 1977. 

Pride Amsterdam emerged separately in 1996, created by gay entrepreneurs who wanted to highlight Amsterdam as a gay-friendly destination and celebrate the city’s diverse LGBTQ+ scene. The inaugural event featured a boat parade through the canals with 45 boats and attracted approximately 20,000 spectators. 

The Netherlands then made global history in 2001 when it became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, further cementing its reputation as a progressive leader in LGBTQ+ rights. 

Over the years, Pride Amsterdam has grown tremendously in both size and significance. By 2019, it had become such an important cultural event that it was added to the Inventory of Intangible Heritage in the Netherlands. 

Looking Forward: WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 

As if Pride Amsterdam wasn’t already spectacular enough, the city is preparing to host WorldPride in 2026, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of same-sex marriage in the Netherlands. This global edition of Pride promises to be even more magnificent, with a more extensive program of events and greater international participation. 

WorldPride Amsterdam 2026 will serve as both a celebration of progress and a platform for ongoing advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. The event will highlight Amsterdam’s role as a city of tolerance and diversity while acknowledging that the fight for equality continues globally.