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Like many other countries, you can celebrate Pride in the Netherlands every year. In Amsterdam, Pride Week starts with the Pride March on Saturday, 27 July. A week later, Pride ends with the famous Canal Parade on Saturday, 3 August.

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Celebrate Pride in the Netherlands this summer

Published at: 07/07/2025, 00:00

Every year you can celebrate 'Pride' in the Netherlands. Just like in many other countries. In Amsterdam the 'Pride March' is on Saturday, 26 July, a week later Pride ends with the famous 'Canal Parade' on Saturday, 2 August. Read in this article what events there are in the Netherlands.

Being proud of who you are

'Pride' is the name of the day or week when

LGBTQIA+ individuals

show that they are there. And that they are proud of who they are. It does not matter what your sexual orientation is or what you look like: it is celebrated during 'Pride'.

Although 'Pride' once began as a protest, over the years it has become more of a celebration. Still, the fight for equal rights for LGBTIA+ individuals is not over. Many LGBTQIA+ individuals still face discrimination and violence, including in the Netherlands.

In fact, in many other countries it is still illegal to be homosexual, making it too dangerous for many LGBTQIA+ people there and they often try to flee. During 'Pride', therefore, attention is drawn to the inequality that still exists.

Pride was born out of protest

The first Gay Pride was in 1970 in New York. It was a protest.

Homosexual men, lesbian women and transvestites revolted when police tried to evict them from their pubs for the umpteenth time. After years of bullying and violence, LGBTQIA+ people revolted. The riots and protests lasted 6 days. This was the beginning of the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQIA+ people.

Pride Amsterdam 2025 has the motto: 'the message is love'

For Pride 2025, the theme is LOVE, not only as a symbol of romance, but also of connection, understanding and solidarity. LOVE represents the attraction between people, the support people can give each other and the fight for equal rights that people wage together. From 26 July to 3 August, it is 'Pride' in Amsterdam.

There is lots to see and do during Pride in Amsterdam

You can attend 2 weeks of parties, exhibitions, concerts, discussion nights, films and workshops. You can listen to other visitors' stories and share your own. You can also participate in sporting events, demonstrations and parades. And of course you can meet lots of (other) LGBTQIA+ individuals. Each day has an extensive program.

Saturday, 26 July marks the start of the 2nd week: Pride Amsterdam. You can join a big parade through the city, and then party, eat and play sports in the Vondelpark.

The 'Canal Parade' concludes 'Pride' a week later.

This large, colourful boat parade attracts more than 300,000 visitors every year. Many people from abroad also come to watch. Make sure you are on time or there will not be room. Everyone stands back to back on the bridges or along the canals. There are 80 boats sailing along that you can admire. And everyone dances, celebrates, sings and waves to each other. Not only on the boats, but also on the shore.

Many cities in the Netherlands celebrate Pride

You do not have to celebrate 'Pride' in Amsterdam. You can go to Pride in many cities in the Netherlands. And in some cities, 'Pride' has already happened. Here you can still celebrate Pride this summer:

Nijmegen

The Nijmegen Pride event will take place on Wednesday, 16 July 2025: Roze Woensdag.

It is a celebration for everyone, during the Vierdaagsefeesten (four day festivities).

Every third Wednesday of July in Nijmegen is 'Roze Woensdag'.

Zwolle

Zwolle Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, 24 August.

On this day you can attend events at the Zwolle Pride Festival.

Rotterdam

From 19 to 28 September 2025, Rotterdam Pride Week will take place with various events.

The Rotterdam Pride Festival

will take place on Saturday, 27 September

at Willemsplein, concluding Pride Week.