Canal Parade, or Gay Parade, is part of Pride Amsterdam 2025: The world-famous boat parade will sail through the canals of Amsterdam on Saturday, August 2, 2025. Looking back on 25 years of Canal Parade and with 50 Pride ambassadors, each with their own story and struggle, 2025 is a perfect year to take stock. The support of all participants, visitors, and partners of Pride Amsterdam is invaluable. This year’s theme is TOGETHER. We show the world how unique Amsterdam is, how everyone matters, and how we fight together for a safe future.
Theme Pride Amsterdam 2025: LOVE
The theme of Pride Amsterdam 2025, TOGETHER, marks the beginning of preparations for an inclusive and festive celebration of diversity and love. With the selection of participants for the 27th edition of the Canal Parade and the introduction of six new Pride Ambassadors, the diversity and richness of the rainbow community are highlighted.
This year, 80 boats, inspired by the theme TOGETHER, will participate, representing a wide spectrum of stories and experiences. Special attention is given to accessibility, including boats specifically for the deaf and hard of hearing, people with mild intellectual disabilities, youths, and the elderly.
The new ambassadors, Nickie Nicole, Inge Lamboo, Karen de Lathouder, Rikkie Kollé, André Donker, and Haroon Ali, enrich Pride with their unique stories, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and love. With a budget of €150,000 for empowerment initiatives and boat decorations, Pride Amsterdam highlights the importance of collaboration and community spirit in making Pride 2025 a memorable celebration.
Canal Parade Amsterdam Route at Pride 2025
The route starts on saturday 3 august from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. The start will be from Oosterdok to Nieuwe Herengracht, Amstel, Prinsengracht, and Westerdok. Along the route, there will be licensed bars where beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available, as well as snack trucks selling burgers, fries, hot dogs, satay, or a ham sandwich.
These vendors make it possible for us to organize the boat parade, so we hope you will realize this and buy your drinks and snacks from them as much as possible.
Street Parties 2025
From Saturday, July 26th to Sunday, August 3th, 2025, the Pride street parties will once again take place at numerous locations in Amsterdam. The rooftops will be lifted both literally and figuratively at each of these venues. Here are the participating locations:
This year’s Senior Pride Concert will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Nieuwmarkt in Amsterdam.
A Week of Extravaganza
Amsterdam Pride is more than just a parade. It’s a week-long extravaganza filled with exhilarating events that cater to various tastes:
- Ladz on Saturday: An energetic dance and cruise party for men, featuring music, sport enthusiasts, and more.
- BOP Amsterdam: A queer pop/house party with a twist.
- Rapido and Funhouse Pride Nights: Renowned gay events, including the Pervert Party, late-night gatherings, and afterparties.
- Bear Necessity Pride Edition: An event for bears, admirers, and fans.
- 3X NYX: A special Pride Edition party in the heart of the gay district.
Pride by the Beach
Amsterdam Pride extends to the beach in Zandvoort, offering a vibrant festival complete with beach parties. The Pride at the Beach event culminates in a grand beach party, celebrating diversity with music and laughter.
Grand Canal Parade
The pinnacle of Amsterdam Pride is the Canal Parade, a world-renowned spectacle that dazzles and delights. The parade takes place on August 2, 2025, winding its way through the city’s canals. Magnificently adorned boats, music, and themes create an unforgettable show, making this parade one of a kind.
Street Parties and Grand Finale
Pride spills into the streets with lively celebrations on Friday and Saturday, with locations like Amstelveld, Spuistraat, Damplein, and more hosting vibrant street parties. The event culminates in a spectacular finale on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at Damplein, offering a night of artistry, world-class performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Senior Pride Concert
It is a free and open event for senior members of the LGBTQ+ community. But of course is everyone welcome to attend, including young people. This intimate and colorful concert is a tribute to and appreciation of our LGBTQ+ pioneers for their contributions to the community. Additionally, it is a warm gathering for the neighborhood, residents, and nearby businesses. With a range of entertainment and dance performances on stage, from Dutch music to well-known ballads, host “Mario Magic” will guide the audience through the evening.
A variety of music, a relaxed atmosphere, and recognizable songs at the concert will surround the square. Cold drinks, a DJ, and the scorching summer evening will take care of the rest.
In the full schedule of Pride Amsterdam 2025… This Concert on the Square is a small gem that you won’t want to miss.
Hotels Pride Amsterdam 2025
Toilets at Gay Parade 2025
Toilets are available. Sometimes require walking a bit further or standing in line for paid and clean facilities. We are aware of this and try to create as many toilet facilities as possible. However, it shows little respect to urinate against a car, in a doorway, or other inappropriate places.
It is strictly forbidden to urinate on trees or through letterboxes, and penalties will be issued. Wild peeing is prohibited in Amsterdam by the General Local Regulations (APV) and can result in a fine of €140. At the bottom of this page, you will find a map indicating all toilet facilities, including those for disabled visitors.