Pride Amsterdam: what to know

Every summer, towards the beginning of August, Amsterdammers and visitors to the city rejoice in all things LGBTQ+. Originally a one-day march, Pride Amsterdam has grown in scale since its founding in 1977, becoming ever more inclusive and jubilant.

There have been crises to commemorate, like the AIDS pandemic that ravaged the gay community throughout the 80s and 90s, and milestones to celebrate, like the Netherlands becoming the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001.

Today, Pride Amsterdam is a beloved tradition, combining the capital’s anything-goes attitude with the Dutch everyone-is-welcome ethos for a week of joyful and hedonistic festivities. As official sponsors of Pride Amsterdam, we’ve rounded up the highlights of Pride Week (running from 27 July – 4 August 2024 with the theme TOGETHER) to help you plan the most vibrant itinerary possible.

Pride Week starts with the Pride March – and everyone is welcome, including LGBTQ+ allies, youngsters and even furry friends. The one-hour walk follows a route from Amstelveld Square to Vondelpark, with marchers gathering from 11:00 and setting off at noon.

Get your crew together to paint signs and cobble up costumes, decorate your face with bold colours, eco-glitter and gems or just show up as yourself to soak up the atmosphere. Be prepared to make friends along the way, because Pride is all about good vibes, big smiles and sunshine – assuming the notoriously fickle Dutch weather gets the memo.

But even if a quick squall from the North Sea blows through, think of it as an opportunity to spot a rainbow in the wild, an auspicious sign for Pride celebrations.

Known as Vondelpark some 364 days of the year, Amsterdam’s beloved green space transforms Cinderella-like into Pride Park for the day of the march. The leafy haven’s Openluchttheater (or open-air theatre) plays host to Pride Week’s official opening party – a vibrant festival scene featuring DJs, live music, dancing, spoken word, drag acts and more.

You’ll also find a Rainbow Market on-site and sub-events like Sports Pride and Junior Pride, organised by local LGBTQ+ groups. Visit the official Pride website for more details on the itinerary, as they’re added.

The expansion of Pride Amsterdam in recent years has drifted in a westerly direction, all the way to Zandvoort. This utterly charming seaside town has created a more laid-back Pride festival laced with nostalgia and family-friendly vibes – a three-day Pride at the Beach event.

Expect a parade (of course), music, dance, drag, art, a beach walk, yoga and more. Zandvoort is a 25-minute train ride from Amsterdam, making for an easy and fun day trip – bucket and spade are optional, while swimwear and rainbows are practically mandatory.

For the Open Air Film Festival, outdoor hotspots like Mercatorplein and Gershwinplein squares and Oosterpark will welcome 400 cinephiles per venue to screenings of films with LGBTQ+ themes, ranging from the poignant to the light-hearted.

Admission to these ‘Pink movie nights’ is free, but we recommend arriving early to be sure of a seat. Bring your favourite cinema snacks and drinks along and settle in for the metaphorical curtains up at 21:30, after twilight has sufficiently darkened the city.

Because two parades are better than one, Amsterdam’s iconic waterways open the floodgates to a procession of boats decked out in eye-catching colours and themes on 3 August, with participants running the gamut from international corporations (including Booking.com) to niche NGOs.

If you don’t manage to board one of the floats as a party-ready stowaway, worry not – you can still nab a front-row seat to the action by positioning yourself canal-side or on one of the capital’s many bridges.

With their air of spontaneity and anything-can-happen vibe, it’s little wonder the myriad street parties are a highlight for many Pride attendees. Numerous neighbourhoods and beloved venues will act as central hubs for these rip-roaring celebrations where partygoers can dance and mingle till midnight, with Friday’s parties running from 16:00 and Saturday’s from 15:00. You can find the full lineup of locations on Pride Amsterdam’s dedicated Street Parties page.

On Sunday 4th, the official Pride Closing Party takes place at Dam Square, a fitting location where Dutch residents traditionally gather to raise their political voices, with performances on the main stage and the lineup soon to be announced.  

We've highlighted the biggest events happening during Pride Amsterdam, but you’ll find plenty of smaller activities throughout the city, covering a wide range of interests. Here are a few more to watch out for:

• The Queer Meet-Up at the Boom Bar, 28 July: The Sunday-night Queer Meet-Up is an ideal way to meet new LGBTQ+ folk and allies in a relaxed environment, where the colourful chaos of parades and parties is dialled down a little and you can focus on making meaningful connections.
• The Kiki Kiki Ball, 29 July: Firmly rooted in the black gay and trans communities, the legacy of ballroom culture lives on in the LGBTQ+ folk of today, and the Kiki Kiki Ball is a celebration of individuality and talent. Local ballroom houses will walk in different creative categories, while performers and workshop hosts add to the entertainment throughout the evening.
• Vogue workshop, 31 July: Embrace your inner (or outer) femme and learn how to Vogue like a professional under the guidance of global Vogueing expert Typhoon Angels.
• Exhibitions: Throughout Pride Week, the city will host exhibitions that broaden cultural horizons. Works will range from thought-provoking photographic projects to curated art displays and historical retrospectives.

Amsterdam’s most coveted accommodation hotspots are sure to book up quickly when Pride sashays into town, so stay one step ahead and book yours early. Check out our selection of Travel Proud properties to inspire your search.

Beyond the revelry, the capital is an ideal place to spend a few contemplative hours reflecting on LBGTQ+ history, how far society has progressed in places like the Netherlands and the work that still remains towards acceptance and equality for all sexualities and gender identities across the world. In the linked article, we round up five Amsterdam locations to explore the impact and heritage of the Dutch LGBTQ+ community.