Pride 2026 Europe: The Complete Calendar You Need to Book Now

We're already getting DMs about Pride 2026. Hotels are disappearing. Flights are climbing. Amsterdam WorldPride is selling out faster than Berghain on a Saturday night.

Here's what nobody tells you about planning Pride season in Europe: the early bird doesn't just get the worm. They get a canal-view hotel for half the price, direct flights instead of three connections, and first dibs on the circuit parties that actually matter.

After attending 20+ Pride events across Europe (yes, we've genuinely lost count), we're laying out every major Pride happening in 2026, with confirmed dates, insider booking tips, and honest takes on which events are worth flying across the continent for.

Quick Navigation

• Why 2026 Is Different: Amsterdam WorldPride
• The Complete Pride 2026 Calendar
• Germany's Pride Season
• Major European Prides by Month
• WorldPride & EuroPride Through 2028
• Booking Strategy & Tips
• FAQ

Why 2026 Is Different: Amsterdam WorldPride

Let's start with the big one. Amsterdam will host WorldPride and EuroPride from July 25 to August 8, 2026, marking the first time the city has hosted WorldPride. This isn't just another Pride. This is a once-in-a-decade event.

Why Amsterdam WorldPride 2026 Matters

The celebration coincides with 25 years since the world's first same-sex marriages took place in Amsterdam in 2001. That's massive. The symbolism alone will draw crowds from every continent.

When Amsterdam hosted EuroPride in 2016, they pulled 500,000 people. WorldPride? We're expecting 2-3 million across the two weeks. Hotels within walking distance of the Canal Parade route are already 70% booked. We checked.

What to Expect:

• 14 days of events (not the usual week)
• The legendary Canal Parade on steroids
• International performers and DJs
• Parties that'll make Madrid's circuit weeks look tame
• Every major LGBTQ+ organization showing up

Critical Booking Advice:

We started booking our Amsterdam accommodation in October 2025. Not joking. By the time you're reading this, anything under €200/night near the centre is probably gone.

Alternative strategy: Book Rotterdam or Utrecht (30-40 minutes by train) and commute. Seriously. We've done this for sold-out events before and saved hundreds.

The Complete Pride 2026 Europe Calendar

Here's every major European Pride with confirmed or expected dates. We've organized this by month because timing your trip matters if you're trying to hit multiple events.

May 2026

Maspalomas Pride (Gran Canaria, Spain)

• Dates: Early May (TBC)
• Why Go: Europe's first major Pride of the season. Beach weather guaranteed. Strong bear and leather scene.
• Vibe: Relaxed, resort-town Pride with pool parties
• Book: 3-4 months ahead for decent hotel rates

June 2026

Stockholm Pride (Sweden)

• Expected Dates: Late June (TBC)
• Attendance: 50,000+
• Why Go: Scandinavia's largest Pride. The park festival is genuinely excellent.
• Vibe: Political but friendly. Very family-oriented.

London Pride (UK)

• Expected Dates: Late June / Early July (TBC)
• Attendance: 1+ million
• Why Go: Massive diversity, excellent organization, Soho's year-round scene
• Vibe: Celebratory, multicultural, expensive
• Book: 4-6 months ahead. London hotels aren't cheap even off-season.

Brussels Pride (Belgium)

• Expected Dates: Mid-June (TBC)
• Attendance: 100,000+
• Why Go: European spirit. You'll see as many EU flags as rainbow flags.
• Vibe: International, political, surprisingly fun

July 2026: The Big Month

July is Pride season in Europe. Four massive events happen, and timing gets tricky if you're trying to visit multiple.

Cologne Pride / CSD Cologne (Germany)

• Dates: July 3-6, 2026 (Parade on Sunday July 5)
• Attendance: 1-1.4 million
• Events: CSD Street Festival (Friday), Parade (Sunday), multiple circuit parties
• Why Go: One of Europe's largest Pride events. Political but joyful. Insane fetish scene.
• Where to Stay: Old Town or near Schaafenstraße (gay district)
• Insider Tip: The parade kicks off at noon from Deutzer Brücke, working through the old town to Komödienstraße, with over 120 floats
• Read More: Check our comparison in Is Berlin Pride the Best in Europe?

Madrid Pride / Orgullo (Spain)

• Dates: June 25 to July 5, 2026 (Parade on Saturday July 4)
• Attendance: 2-3 million
• Why Go: Europe's largest Pride. 10 days of events. Circuit party heaven.
• Vibe: Massive, loud, celebratory. Less political than Berlin or Cologne.
• Where to Stay: Chueca is Pride central. Book 6-12 months early or you're priced out.
• Insider Tip: The High-Heel Race is absurd and essential. Don't miss it.

Berlin Pride / CSD Berlin (Germany)

• Dates: Pride Month June 26 to July 25, Parade on July 25, 2026
• Attendance: 1+ million
• Why Go: Political, techno-fuelled, unapologetically queer. Walk IN the parade, not watch it.
• Vibe: Protest party. The activist DNA is real.
• Where to Stay: Schöneberg (traditional gay district), Friedrichshain (younger scene), or Mitte (central)
• Insider Tip: Canal Pride on the Spree happens the Thursday before the parade. Over 16 ships party on the river
• Read More: Our Complete Berlin Pride 2025 Guide

Hamburg Pride / CSD Hamburg (Germany)

• Dates: Late July / Early August (TBC)
• Attendance: 200,000+
• Why Go: Northern Germany's biggest Pride. Month-long celebration.
• Vibe: Cultural events, activism, and a solid gay scene near Reeperbahn

August 2026: WorldPride Month

Amsterdam WorldPride & EuroPride (Netherlands)

• Dates: July 25 to August 8, 2026
• Attendance: Expected 2-3 million
• Why Go: THE Pride event of 2026. Canal Parade is one of the world's most unique Pride experiences. 25 years of marriage equality celebration.
• Vibe: Massive, international, once-in-a-decade event
• Where to Stay: Anywhere near the canal route (Prinsengracht, Keizersgracht). Book NOW.
• Insider Tip: The Canal Parade is usually the first Saturday, but with WorldPride, expect multiple water events across two weeks.
• Critical: Hotels are already 70% booked. Consider Rotterdam or Utrecht as backup.

Barcelona Circuit Festival (Spain)

• Dates: Early August (TBC, usually overlaps with Barcelona Pride)
• Attendance: 70,000+
• Why Go: Europe's biggest gay circuit party week. WE Party, Matinée, massive pool parties.
• Vibe: Circuit party marathon. Bring stamina.

Reykjavik Pride (Iceland)

• Expected Dates: Early August (TBC)
• Attendance: 100,000+ (quarter of Iceland's population)
• Why Go: Small but mighty. Incredibly inclusive. Entire city turns rainbow.
• Vibe: Community celebration with genuine warmth

Sitges Bear Week (Spain)

• Dates: Early September (but trips often start late August)
• Attendance: 8,000+ bears
• Why Go: Europe's biggest bear event. Beach town takeover.
• Vibe: Bears, beaches, and supremely good vibes

September 2026

Belgrade Pride (Serbia)

• Expected Dates: Mid-September (TBC)
• Attendance: 10,000-20,000
• Why Go: One of Europe's most politically charged Pride events. Experience Pride as protest
• Vibe: Brave, defiant, meaningful. Police protection required.
• Safety Note: Be aware. This isn't Western Europe. The activism here matters.

November 2026

Winter Pride Maspalomas (Gran Canaria, Spain)

• Dates: Early November (TBC)
• Why Go: Europe's final Pride of the year. Beach weather when the rest of Europe is freezing
• Vibe: Resort relaxation meets Pride celebration

Germany's Pride Powerhouse Season

Germany doesn't mess about with Pride. While everyone fixates on Berlin, Germany runs a full Pride season with multiple cities hosting major events.

Why Germany Dominates European Pride

Berlin and Cologne are Europe's first and second-largest Pride events in Germany, both pulling 1+ million people. But the scene runs deeper:

Additional German CSD Events in 2026:

• Stuttgart CSD: Mid-July, 200,000+ attendance
• Frankfurt CSD: Mid-July, 50,000+ attendance
• Munich CSD: Mid-July, 300,000+ attendance
• Dresden CSD: June, 20,000+ attendance
• Hanover CSD: June, 40,000+ attendance
• Düsseldorf CSD: June, 100,000+ attendance

Why Visit Multiple German Prides?

If you're spending 2-3 weeks in Germany anyway, hitting Cologne (July 5) and Berlin (July 25) is completely doable. They're three weeks apart. Add Munich or Stuttgart in between and you've got a proper Pride tour.

Plus, Germany's affordable compared to London or Amsterdam. Beer is €3-5. Hotels are reasonable. Trains are efficient (mostly).

Monthly Breakdown: When to Visit

If You Can Only Go Once: July 25 to August 8

Amsterdam WorldPride is the no-brainer. It's the biggest European Pride event of the decade. Book everything now.

If You Want Maximum Pride Density: Late June to Early July

Hit London Pride (late June), fly to Madrid or Cologne (July 4-6), then catch Berlin (July 25). That's three of Europe's top five Prides in a month.

Hotels will destroy your budget, but the experiences are worth it.

If You Want Affordable + Political: Cologne & Berlin

Skip Madrid and Amsterdam. Focus on Germany's two giants. Both are significantly cheaper, more political, and the nightlife (especially Berlin) is unmatched.

Plus you can explore Germany between events. Win-win.

If You Want Warm Weather Guaranteed: Madrid or Maspalomas

Germany and Amsterdam in July can be rainy and 18°C. Madrid and Maspalomas guarantee sun. Plan accordingly.

Global Pride Calendar: WorldPride & EuroPride Through 2028

Looking beyond 2026? Here's what's confirmed:

WorldPride Locations

• 2025: Washington DC, USA (May 23 to June 8, 2025)
• 2026: Amsterdam, Netherlands (July 25 to August 8, 2026)
• 2027: TBC (Bangkok is rumoured favorite)
• 2028: Cape Town, South Africa, the first WorldPride in Africa

EuroPride Locations

• 2025: Lisbon, Portugal
• 2026: Amsterdam, Netherlands (combined with WorldPride)
• 2027: Turin, Italy (June 18-26, 2027)
• 2028: West of Ireland (confirmed October 2025)

Cape Town WorldPride 2028 is massive. It will be the first time WorldPride is held in Africa. South Africa is the only African country with constitutional LGBTQ+ protections. This will be historic.

Booking Strategy: Don't Be That Person

We've attended 20+ Pride events. We've made every booking mistake possible. Here's what we've learned:

Amsterdam WorldPride: Book Yesterday

Seriously. We checked in November 2025, and central Amsterdam hotels were already 60-70% full for WorldPride dates. By the time you're reading this, expect prices to have doubled.

Alternatives:

• Rotterdam: 30 minutes by train. Half the price.
• Utrecht: 35 minutes by train. Canal vibes without Amsterdam prices.
• Haarlem: 20 minutes by train. Charming town, easy access.
• Airbnb outer neighborhoods: Amsterdam Noord, Oost, or West. Use bikes or trams.

When to Book:

• Accommodation: 6-12 months ahead for Amsterdam WorldPride. 3-6 months for other major Prides.
• Flights: 4-6 months for best rates. Budget airlines add routes closer to dates but fill fast.
• Circuit Party Tickets: These sell out. Buy when they drop (usually 3-6 months ahead).

Multi-City Pride Tours: Strategic Booking

If you're doing Cologne → Berlin → Amsterdam:

1. Book Amsterdam first. It's the most limited.
2. Book trains now. Deutsche Bahn gets expensive close to dates. Amsterdam-Berlin is 6 hours by train, €50-150 depending on timing.
3. Use loyalty programs. Radisson Rewards works across Berlin and some Amsterdam hotels. We've saved hundreds using our VIP status.

Budget Strategies That Actually Work

Stay Outside City Centers:

• Berlin: Friedrichshain or Neukölln are cheaper than Mitte and better connected.
• Madrid: Malasaña is cheaper than Chueca and only 10 minutes walk.
• Cologne: Stay near the Rhine, use public transport.

Use Hostels for Central Locations:

• We're too old for dorm rooms, but private hostel rooms in central locations beat expensive hotels in suburbs. Seriously.

Fly Budget, Upgrade Accommodation:

• Ryanair and EasyJet have absurd deals to Berlin, Cologne, Madrid. Use the savings for better hotels.

What to Book First: Priority List

1. Amsterdam WorldPride accommodation (if going)
2. Flights to main destination
3. Circuit party tickets (if applicable)
4. Trains between cities
5. Other accommodation

Critical: Travel Insurance

Pride season means crowds, expensive bookings, and potential cancellations. Get travel insurance that covers cancellations, medical, and delays.

We use World Nomads. It's saved us twice when flights got cancelled during Pride week.

Why This Year Matters

2026 isn't just another Pride season. It's Amsterdam's first WorldPride, celebrating 25 years of marriage equality. It's Germany maintaining its position as Europe's Pride powerhouse while far-right politics rises. It's Cape Town preparing for 2028, Africa's first WorldPride.

Pride isn't just a party (though the parties are excellent). It's a statement that we're still here, still fighting, still refusing to be silent.

The theme of Berlin Pride 2025 was "Never be silent again." That wasn't tourism marketing. That was a warning.

Every ticket you buy, every hotel you book, every parade you march in, it all matters. Queer spaces are shrinking. Far-right politicians are banning rainbow flags. Pride attendance is a political act, whether you think of it that way or not.

So book your 2026 Prides. Go to Amsterdam WorldPride. March in Berlin. Dance in Madrid. Support Cologne's scene.

And for the love of all that's holy, book your Amsterdam accommodation now before it's too late.

FAQ

When should I book Amsterdam WorldPride hotels?

Yesterday. Seriously. We checked in November 2025 and 70% of central options were gone. Book now or stay in Rotterdam.

Can I visit multiple Prides in one trip?

Yes, but timing's tricky. Cologne (July 5) and Berlin (July 25) are three weeks apart. Madrid (July 4) overlaps with Cologne. Amsterdam WorldPride (July 25-Aug 8) overlaps Berlin's end. Plan carefully.

Which Pride is best for first-timers?

Amsterdam for accessibility and organization. Berlin if you want immediate immersion and don't mind chaos. Madrid if you want guaranteed sun and massive scale.

Are there affordable Pride options?

Berlin and Cologne are half the price of London or Amsterdam. Accommodation €70-120/night. Beer €3-5. Food reasonable. Skip the expensive cities if budget matters.

Do I need to speak German for German Prides?

No. Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg are all extremely English-friendly, especially in LGBTQ+ spaces. You'll have zero communication problems.

How crowded is Amsterdam WorldPride going to be?

Insanely. EuroPride 2016 drew 500,000. WorldPride 2026 will likely hit 2-3 million across two weeks. Plan accordingly.

What's the best way to get between European cities for Pride season?

Trains for Germany (Berlin-Cologne 4 hours). Flights for longer distances (Madrid-Amsterdam). Budget airlines add summer routes. Book early for best rates.

Is Pride safe in Belgrade?

Belgrade Pride is one of Europe's most politically charged events. Police protection is heavy. It's safe to attend, but be aware this is activism-first Pride in a conservative country.

When will Pride 2027 dates be announced?

Most European Prides announce dates 6-12 months ahead. Expect 2027 dates to start appearing by mid-2026. Turin EuroPride 2027 is already confirmed for June 18-26.

Should I really book Amsterdam now?

Yes. Stop reading. Go book. We're not exaggerating. WorldPride is a once-every-few-years event in a city that's already tourism-saturated. Book now or pay double later.

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Related Reading:

• Is Berlin Pride the Best in Europe? Comparing Every Major Pride
• Berlin Pride 2025: Our Complete Guide After 15+ Visits

Follow our Pride season travels: @sightsflightsandbfs

Planning Pride 2026? Bookmark this guide. We'll update dates as they're confirmed.

Travel with us, always with love and a little luxe 🌈✈️