The Canal Parade, also known as the Gay Parade, is part of Pride Amsterdam 2025. The world-famous boat parade will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM, sailing through the iconic canals of Amsterdam. This year’s theme is LOVE. With 64 Pride ambassadors, each sharing their own story and struggle, Pride 2025 is a powerful reminder of inclusivity, visibility, and community. Amsterdam shows the world how everyone matters and how we fight together for a future filled with love and acceptance.
Theme Pride Amsterdam 2025: LOVE
The theme LOVE symbolizes connection, freedom, and acceptance. Pride Amsterdam 2025 will feature 80 boats during the 27th edition of the Canal Parade, all inspired by this theme. Eight new Pride Ambassadors have been announced, including Janey Jacké, Sem Jansen, and Sarah Trecia, who enrich the event with their inspiring stories.
Accessibility is a major focus, with dedicated boats for the deaf and hard of hearing, people with intellectual disabilities, youth, and seniors. A budget of €150,000 has been allocated to support empowerment projects and boat decorations, emphasizing inclusivity and collaboration.
Canal Parade Amsterdam Route
The Canal Parade will take place on Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The route starts at Oosterdok and continues via Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, and Prinsengracht, ending at Westerdok.
Licensed bars and food trucks will be stationed along the route, offering drinks and snacks. Please support these vendors, as they help make this event possible.
Note: You need a Pride boat vignette to enter the parade area by boat. These go on sale on July 1, 2025, through a lottery system. Wild swimming is prohibited and strictly enforced. A dedicated viewing area for visitors with disabilities is available along the route (advance registration required).
Pride Street Parties & Closing Weekend
From Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, 2025, the city will come alive with festive street parties at Amstelveld, Reguliersdwarsstraat, Zeedijk, Rembrandtplein, Damplein, and more. On Sunday, August 3, the grand finale will take place at Damplein, featuring music, art, and world-class performances.
The Senior Pride Concert will be held on Saturday, August 2, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Nieuwmarkt. This free concert is open to everyone and celebrates the LGBTQ+ pioneers who paved the way.
A Month of Pride
For the first time, Pride Amsterdam 2025 spans an entire month, from July 3 to August 3. Over 300 events will take place across the city, from exhibitions and debates to sports and film.
The official Pride March (formerly the Pride Walk) takes place on Saturday, July 26, and ends at Vondelpark, where Pride Park will offer music, youth activities, sports, and a rainbow market.
Pride Parties and Nightlife
During the Pride week, a wide variety of parties light up Amsterdam’s nightlife:
- Ladz: An energetic cruise party for men.
- BOP Amsterdam: A queer pop/house experience.
- Rapido & Funhouse: Legendary club events with international DJs.
- Bear Necessity: A night for bears, admirers, and fans.
- 3X NYX: Pride Edition of the beloved club night.
Pride at the Beach
From July 27 to 29, 2025, Zandvoort aan Zee will host Pride at the Beach. Events kick off with a beach parade from the station to the boulevard, followed by performances, art, and beach parties. Zandvoort is easily accessible from Amsterdam Central Station.
Accessibility & Safety
Pride Amsterdam emphasizes accessibility for all. A dedicated viewing area for people with disabilities is available along the parade route. At Pride Park, sign language interpreters will be present. The city provides crowd-control measures, additional sanitation, first aid posts, and safety staff.
Please note: public urination is strictly prohibited and punishable by a €140 fine. Use the indicated toilet facilities throughout the city.
Hotels for Pride Amsterdam 2025
Toilets during Pride Amsterdam
Toilets are available throughout the city. Expect some queues or walking to reach the facilities. Clean and paid options will be widely accessible. Please do not urinate in public; it’s disrespectful and illegal. Fines of €140 apply for wild peeing. A toilet map will be available on this page, including locations for accessible toilets.