Top 5 festivities of Amsterdam Pride 2017

Amsterdam holds the title of “Gay Capital of Europe”—some even call it the “Gay Capital of the World”. So it comes as no surprise that visitors flock to the city for the annual Amsterdam Gay Pride festival. Read on to learn more about the 2017 event lineup.

The canal parade is one of the most anticipated Amsterdam Pride events. Parade participants, many of them active members of Amsterdam’s large LGBTQ community, dance or perform live music aboard colorful floats. The 80 floats are sponsored by gay-friendly groups ranging from local businesses to global corporations. Enthusiastic spectators, including throngs of visitors from around the world, line the canals along the Prinsengracht hours before the scheduled start time. Even if you can’t snag a prized spot at the canal railings, you’ll find plenty of photo ops. If you’re lucky enough to have a boat (less than 10 meters long), you can “park” at the sides of the canal before the route closes for the parade. The parade route now starts at the Scheepvaart Museum and ends at Westerdok.

When: Saturday 5 August 2017, 13:30 to 18:00 (1st boat is at 14:30)

Where: Scheepvaart Museum, Kattenburgerplein 1, 1018 KK Amsterdam

HeBiHo is an outdoor party held at Amstelveld, a square in the city center where flower markets are held during the day. This lively Pride bash is a great chance to meet new people over drinks and music. Take in live acts and dance to mixes by some of the best DJs around. Socialize, network, or just get into the spirit of Amsterdam Pride 2017 at this exciting yearly event.

When: Friday 4 August 2017, 16:00 pm to 23:00

Where: Amstelveld, 1017 JD Amsterdam

Be part of the fun at the second annual Pride street party by PRIK, the self-described “best gay bar in Amsterdam.” Inside the bar, enjoy their famous cocktails and prosecco on tap. Outside, fuel up with fabulous food-truck fare and tasty drinks from the outdoor bars. On the stage opposite PRIK, The G-Team, Miss Bunty, Popsnob, and other DJs and MCs keep the energy going and the crowd moving. Spuistraat is closed off for the entire 2 days, and the party moves inside at the end of each night.

When: Friday 4 August 2017 at 19:00, Saturday 5 August at 16:00

Where: PRIK, Spuistraat 109, 1012 SV Amsterdam

Known as a great walking street, Reguliersdwarsstraat is also home to plenty of amazing restaurants and gay bars. The street becomes even more of a gay-friendly destination during Amsterdam Pride events. Although no official events are planned, Reguliersdwarsstraat will be specially decorated and filled with music. Visit any of the gay bars located here for a great time during Amsterdam Gay Pride 2017.

Since 1987, the Gay Monument in Amsterdam has given the LGBTQ community and its friends a place to honor lost loved ones. The Homomonument Amsterdam is also a place to look forward to while promising never to forget. During Amsterdam Pride, the monument becomes the location of a different kind of activity: the must-see Drag Queen Olympics. Cheer on contestants as they compete in the Handbag Toss, 100m Stiletto Sprint, Bitch Volleyball, and the hula hoop event. Beauty professionals will be on hand, and anyone in drag wearing heels can participate.

When: Friday 4 August 2017 at 19:00

Where: Homomonument, Westermarkt, Amsterdam

From competitive handbag-tossing to music events with DJs and dancing, Amsterdam’s LGBTQ community knows how to throw a party. This year’s incredible lineup of activities makes it easy to celebrate gay pride in the city, so prepare for a fun time with this guide.