Amsterdam Gay Pride 2024

Amsterdam’s Gay Pride has been declared a UNESCO world heritage event, and it starts on the first Saturday in July ending on Sunday the following week. The city centre of Amsterdam will be flooded with rainbow colours highlighting worldwide love and diversity and LGBTQIA acceptance. The main event of the two-week celebration is the Canal Parade, a huge weekend party. 

Every year, over 500,000 people attend the event celebrating the fact that it’s natural to love whoever you want. Over the two-week period, Amsterdam is transformed, with numerous events held in the streets and on the club circuit. Popularly known as Pride Amsterdam, everyone should attend this event at least once in their life!

Origins

Originally it was called Amsterdam Pride, and at first, the event was not about advocating equal rights but more about showcasing the city's vibrant gay nightlife and celebrating its freedom and diversity. The idea of a canal parade emerged from the bid book for the 1998 gay games, presented in 1992. It became part of Amsterdam Pride in 1996, attracting 20,000 spectators and has steadily grown in size and popularity since that time.

History

Since 2001, Pride Amsterdam has adopted various themes to spotlight specific issues or to mark special occasions. In 2001, with the theme of "tolerance" it marked the first inclusion of boats representing Arab and Jewish communities. It also commemorated the the fact that Holland was the first country to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption rights for same-sex couples. 

The event and the remainder of the Gay Pride programme serve as a platform to advocate LGBTQ + rights and acceptance worldwide, highlighting progress and ongoing challenges. In 2005, the parade featured a barge displaying a large photo of two Iranian men executed for their sexual orientation. In 2011, the parade saw uniformed soldiers from the Dutch Ministry of Defence leading the procession, alongside former US Lieutenant Dan Choi and British naval officer Mandy McBain.

Name change for Amsterdam's gay events

In 2015, the 20th anniversary of Gay Pride in Amsterdam prompted reflection on the achievements and changes made thanks to this event. The Canal Parade spotlighted issues such as the plight of refugees and the homeless who are part of LGBTQ+. By 2017, the event was rebranded as “Pride Amsterdam”, a festival that promotes inclusivity, amplifying its scope to LGBTQIA+ minorities. The "this is my pride" theme fostered some serious discussions, featuring an Iranian boat and a suicide prevention boat.

What's going on during Gay Pride in Amsterdam: the Canal Parade

The renowned canal parade is the highlight of Amsterdam Pride. Featuring approximately 80 barges, they sail along Amsterdam's canals representing the diverse LGBTQI+ groups, from small LGBTQI+ foundations to pink organisations and multinational networks. They sail down the city's canals, adorned with elaborate decorations, celebrating the past, present, and future of the LGBTQI community and promoting inclusivity.

Pride march

Every year, Amsterdam Pride begins with the Pride Walk, a global gathering advocating equality. Inspirational speeches call out LGBTQI+ discrimination. Although the route varies, it always passes through the centre of Amsterdam, so the route goes right past NH Collection Amsterdam Barbizon Palace. Make sure you wear some colourful attire and bring flags to show solidarity for the Amsterdam Gay Parade.

LoveSwim

LoveSwim is one of the best loved pride activities, inviting swimmers to demonstrate support for the LGBTQI+ community by plunging into the Amstel River, swimming distances of up to 1,500 metres, and with the starting point just a 1 minute walk from gay friendly hotels in Amsterdam such as NH Amsterdam Schiller and NH Amsterdam Caransa. This afternoon event features a lot of cheering for participants, local vendors offering refreshments, and speeches and DJs for added excitement and fun.

Street parties

Amsterdam Pride also holds some lively street parties throughout the city, lasting for several days from afternoon until midnight. These free events provide opportunities to connect with others, enjoy live music, and local food and drinks. For late-night revelry, LGBTQI+ friendly clubs like Club NYX, Club Church and Taboo, are all handily close to the NH Collection Amsterdam Flower Market.

Cultural events

If cultural events are more your thing, Amsterdam Pride also offers a vast array of options. From film screenings and exhibitions to book events and concerts scattered across the city, the week showcases a range of cultural events tailored to the LGBTQI+ community.

Closing party

The Closing Party concludes Amsterdam Gay Pride with a truly grand spectacle. Held annually in front of the Royal Palace at Dam Square, close to the NH City Centre Amsterdam, it features international artists and performers. Thousands gather to commemorate equality, love, and the significance of Pride in Amsterdam.

Summer in Amsterdam: Besides Gay Pride there are plenty more reasons for you to visit Amsterdam!

While you’re staying in your Amsterdam hotel for the Gay Pride event, there are many more festivities and attractions worth a visit. Further information and recommendations can be found in our Amsterdam travel guides, with everything you need to know about Holland’s top city. In the summer months, the green parks are particularly popular with both tourists and local residents alike, as they usually host a number of fun activities. 

Also, the Rijksmuseum is an absolute must, even when it’s sunny outside! This museum is home to the world famous work The Nightwatch by Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt. In between all these activities you can relax and have a few drinks in one of Amsterdam’s many bars. You will probably find that just one weekend visiting Gay Pride in Amsterdam is not enough to experience the city in full!

Stay with NH Hotels & Resorts if you are coming to Amsterdam Gay Pride 2024.

Make sure that you have a first-rate really comfortable stay, so that you'll have plenty of energy for all the parties!

NH Hotels & Resorts offers 14 hotels in Amsterdam many of which are in prime central locations, so you’ll always have a wide range of hotels to choose from, depending on whether you prefer a quieter neighborhood or if you want to be in the midst of the partying with all the fun on your doorstep! Our 4* hotels for Gay Pride Amsterdam 2024 have excellent facilities and offer an extensive breakfast buffet for you to start the day full of energy. Want to book a hotel that takes care of your every need? In that case our three NH Collection hotels in Amsterdam are your best pick. These magnificent 5* hotels are located in historic buildings and have every comfort and luxury you could possibly need, so that you can rest and refresh for some non-stop partying at Amsterdam Gay Pride. 

To conclude this article, we offer below some tips to enjoy the city. 

Explore the summer in Amsterdam 

Routes along the canals in Amsterdam 

Amsterdam nightlife