Pride Amsterdam is one of the biggest and most joyful events of the Dutch summer. For nine days the city hosts parties, talks, sport, film and street festivals, and the whole thing peaks with the Canal Parade: around 80 decorated boats sailing through the canals past hundreds of thousands of cheering spectators on the bridges and quays. It is inclusive, loud, colourful and completely free to watch.
- When: Saturday 31 July to Sunday 8 August 2027, with the Canal Parade on Saturday 7 August
- Where: across Amsterdam; the Canal Parade sails through the canals of the city centre
- Tickets: the Canal Parade and most street events are free; some parties are ticketed
- Getting there: trains from Haarlem to Amsterdam Centraal take about 15 minutes. On parade day, trams in the centre are diverted, so plan to walk.
Good to know: the Pride Walk (Pride March) usually happens a week before the main festival; I amsterdam lists it for Saturday 24 July 2027. For the Canal Parade, stake out a spot along the Prinsengracht or Amstel early, and bring water and sunscreen.
Planning your year? See everything on the events calendar.
