Europe is set to light up in rainbow colors in 2026, with Gay Prides more festive and engaged than ever! Whether you’re a seasoned Pride marcher or a first-time participant, these events are the perfect opportunity to celebrate pride, diversity, and love in all its forms. From Paris to Berlin, via Madrid, Amsterdam, and Stockholm, each city offers its own unique vibe: flamboyant parades, concerts, themed parties, and activist workshops. To help you plan your trip, mygayhotels.com has compiled the key dates, highlights of each Pride, and practical tips to book gay-friendly hotels and make the most of these magical moments. Ready to dance, advocate, and travel with pride?
1. Madrid (Orgullo Madrid) – June 26 to July 5, 2026
Key date: Final parade on July 4, 2026
Where? Chueca district and Gran Vía
Why go? Madrid offers 10 days of celebrations, including:
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La Manifestación Estatal, one of Europe’s largest parades (1 million participants)
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Free open-air concerts (Plaza de Colón) and an LGBTQ+ Book Fair
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Latin parties in Chueca clubs (Fulanita de Tal, Black & White)
Where to stay? Chueca (Room Mate Óscar) or Malasaña (Only YOU Boutique Hotel).
See gay-friendly hotels in Madrid
2. Paris (Marche des Fiertés) – June 27, 2026
Where? Start at Place de la Concorde, finish at Place de la République
Why go? Paris Pride blends political advocacy and celebration, with:
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A parade of 500,000 participants and music stages along the route
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An activist village at Place de la République highlighting current LGBTQ+ causes
Where to stay? Le Marais (Hôtel Monsieur Aristide) or Pigalle (Hôtel Paradis).
3. London (UK Black Pride & Pride in London) – July 3–4, 2026
Where? Hackney Wick (UK Black Pride) and Trafalgar Square (Pride in London)
Why go? London combines two major events:
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UK Black Pride: Europe’s largest Black LGBTQ+ gathering, with debates and Afro-Caribbean performances
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Pride in London: A massive parade (1.5 million people) and free concerts at Trafalgar Square
Where to stay? Soho (The Nadler Soho) or Shoreditch (The Hoxton).
4. Berlin (CSD Berlin) – July 18–19, 2026
Key date: Parade on July 18, 2026
Where? Kurfürstendamm to Brandenburg Gate
Why go? Berlin, Europe’s queer capital, offers:
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A parade of 800,000 participants, one of the largest worldwide
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Legendary techno nights (Berghain, KitKatClub)
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An open-air LGBTQ+ film festival at Mauerpark
Where to stay? Schöneberg (Hotel Axel) or Kreuzberg.
5. Cologne (Cologne Pride) – July 4 to 12, 2026
Key date: Parade on July 11, 2026
Where? Heumarkt (parade) and parties along the Rhine
Why go? Cologne attracts over 1 million participants for:
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A colorful parade and huge street party
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Rhine cruises with DJ sets and the ColognePride Award ceremony
Where to stay? Schildergasse (Ruby Lotti Hotel).
6. Stockholm (Stockholm Pride) – July 27 to August 2, 2026
Key date: Parade on August 1, 2026
Where? Tantolunden Park and city center
Why go? Stockholm blends nature and pride with:
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A family-friendly and activist parade (500,000 participants)
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Workshops on trans rights and boat trips in the archipelago
Where to stay? City center (Hotel Skeppsholmen) or Södermalm.
7. Amsterdam (WorldPride 2026) – July 31 to August 9, 202
Key date: Canal Parade on August 1, 2026
Where? Amsterdam canals and Reguliersdwarsstraat
Why go? Amsterdam hosts WorldPride 2026, a unique global event:
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Canal Parade: 100 decorated boats featuring drag queens and international organizations
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Pink Market, concerts at Museumplein, and LGBTQ+ rights conferences
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Exceptional parties in top clubs (Club NYX, Shelter)
Tip: Book your accommodation early — WorldPride attracts millions of visitors.
Where to stay? Near the canals (The Hoxton) or the Red Light District (W Amsterdam).
See gay-friendly hotels in Amsterdam
Tips for Planning Your Trip
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Book early: Gay-friendly hotels (especially those certified Travel Proud) fill up fast, particularly for WorldPride Amsterdam
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Use public transport: Cities often organize special Pride shuttles
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Support local LGBTQ+ businesses: Buy your goodies and enjoy queer bars and shops
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Check local rules: Some Prides ban glass bottles for safety reasons
FAQ: Your Questions About Gay Prides 2026
Q: Why is Amsterdam hosting WorldPride 2026?
A: Amsterdam was chosen for its pioneering role in LGBTQ+ rights, its inclusive atmosphere, and its proven success with the Canal Parade.
Q: What’s the difference between WorldPride and a regular Pride?
A: WorldPride is an international event featuring global conferences, artists from around the world, and greater media visibility.
Q: Can I attend multiple Prides in one trip?
A: Yes! For example, you can easily combine Berlin (July 18–19) and Amsterdam (from July 31) by train or low-cost flight.
Q: Where can I find gay-friendly hotels near Pride events?
A: Use the Travel Proud filter on mygayhotels.com or Booking.com to find certified inclusive accommodations.
