The world-famous Canal Parade will be part of Pride Amsterdam and WorldPride Amsterdam 2026. The parade takes place on Saturday 1 August 2026 from around noon to 6 pm through the Amsterdam canals. Pride Amsterdam 2026 is extra special because Amsterdam is hosting WorldPride from 25 July to 8 August 2026. This year’s theme is UNITY, a celebration of connection, diversity and equal rights. With hundreds of events, international performers, global delegations and special Pride zones, 2026 will set a new standard for inclusion and visibility.
Theme of Pride Amsterdam and WorldPride 2026: UNITY
UNITY stands for coming together, empowering each other and creating space for all voices within the LGBTQIA-plus community. The theme highlights collaboration between countries, cities and communities. Global LGBTQIA organisations, activists and artists will travel to Amsterdam for debates, performances, exhibitions and meetups.
Multiple Pride Ambassadors represent different groups, including people with disabilities, BIPOC queer communities, trans youth, queer seniors and international activists. UNITY connects personal stories with global emancipation.
Canal Parade 2026: route, times and practical info
The Canal Parade takes place on **Saturday 1 August 2026** from around noon to 6 pm.
Route 2026
- Start: Oosterdok
- Nieuwe Herengracht
- Amstel
- Prinsengracht
- Finish: Westerdok
Along the route you’ll find official bars and food trucks. There are also multiple viewing zones with clear sightlines of the boats. Without a Pride vignette you are not allowed to navigate the area with your own boat in 2026. Vignettes will be issued via a lottery system in early July.
Tips for a good viewing spot
- The quietest part of the route is usually around Nieuwe Herengracht.
- The busiest areas are the Amstel near the Magere Brug and the Noordermarkt.
- If you want good photos, go to the Amstel early.
Wild swimming is prohibited and will be monitored more strictly in 2026. Bicycles are diverted in many areas.
WorldPride Amsterdam 2026: a two-week global event
For the first time in history, WorldPride will take place in the Netherlands. The programme runs from **25 July to 8 August 2026** and includes hundreds of activities. Amsterdam becomes the global centre of LGBTQIA-plus culture, art, activism and celebration.
Key WorldPride events
- WorldPride Opening Ceremony on 25 July with performances by international artists
- WorldPride Human Rights Conference featuring speakers, panels and workshops on global LGBTQ rights
- Pride Park WorldPride Edition in Vondelpark with stages, sports and a Rainbow Market
- WorldPride Arts Festival across the city
- WorldPPRide Sports with tournaments and inclusive events
- WorldPride March on Saturday 8 August as the final highlight
- Closing Ceremony on 8 August at a major outdoor venue
The city expects over a million visitors, so booking ahead and arriving early is strongly recommended.
Pride Street Parties and the closing weekend
During Pride Amsterdam 2026, major street parties take place in the final weekend and days leading up to it at well-known locations such as:
- Reguliersdwarsstraat
- Zeedijk
- Amstelveld
- Rembrandtplein
- Homomonument and Westermarkt
On Sunday 2 August, the closing event features a large city stage with performers, dance groups, drag artists and community speakers.
Pride at the Beach in Zandvoort 2026
From **29 to 31 July 2026**, Zandvoort celebrates Pride at the Beach. The programme includes:
- A parade from the station to the boulevard
- Beach parties with local and international DJs
- Art installations and performances
- A Sunset Stage directly by the sea
Zandvoort is about 25 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central.
Accessibility during Pride Amsterdam 2026 and WorldPride
In 2026 there will be extensive measures to ensure Pride is accessible to everyone:
- Wheelchair-friendly stands along the Canal Parade
- Deaf and hard-of-hearing zones with sign language interpreters
- Accessible toilets at designated locations
- Mobility support teams at busy areas
- Accessible maps and apps
Safety during Pride Amsterdam 2026
The city and organisers provide:
- Extra crowd control in busy areas
- First aid posts along the route
- Water stations on hot days
- Enforcement of bans on glass, public urination and unsafe swimming
Parties and nightlife during WorldPride 2026
The party scene will be larger than ever with special WorldPride editions of well-known events such as:
- Ladz
- Rapido and Funhouse
- XXL and various international circuit parties
- 3X NYX
- BOP Amsterdam
- Bear Necessity
New stages and open-air events will also appear across the city.
Booking a hotel during Pride Amsterdam and WorldPride 2026
The city fills up quickly during the two Pride weeks. Staying in or near:
- City Centre
- Jordaan
- Oosterdok and Kadijken
- De Pijp
- Amsterdam Noord (a good alternative with ferry access)
Booking early is essential, especially around the Canal Parade and the Closing Ceremony.