Amsterdam Gay Pride events

Amsterdam: gay capital

Amsterdam's famous liberal-mindedness over the years has encouraged a welcoming and safe environment for gays, lesbians and transgenders to both visit and live in.

Amsterdam's gay rights history, from early-day tolerance to modern Mayoral celebrants has meant Amsterdam has always been at the world forefront in striving for equality for the gay community.​

We are proud

As a result Amsterdam Gay Pride remains one of the best celebrations of its kind around the globe, taking place in the first weekend of August every year, and drawing over 350,000 gay and straight participants and visitors to stay and play in Amsterdam.

The city is a rainbow of events in gay and straight venues alike, from dance parties to film festivals, sporting events, culture and more.

Whatever floats your boat

The canal parade is the festival's centrepiece, where lavishly decorated barges give the term 'float' a literal meaning. On Saturday 6 August same-sex skin soak up the Dutch sun and put on a show for those on the banks of the Prinsengracht and Amstel River with onboard DJs, ridiculous themes and plenty of smiles.

Meanwhile smaller boats line the canal walls and at the mouths of adjoining canals, enjoying the party by shimmying up to each other, forming a flotilla of fun.​

Do be a drag!

An annual spectacle is the Drag Queen Olympics with events like the Stiletto Sprint, Handbag discus and the 'Tug of Love', like a dressage competition looks are as important as sporting prowess. Kings and queens welcome on this rearranged yet even playing field. Friday 5 August at the homomonument. More information visit Drag Queen Olympics​.

For more information on Gay Pride, visit We Are Proud

For more information about GLBT tourism, visit GAYtic

All photos by Tineke van der Pouw Kraan.

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