Antwerp Pride

Antwerp Pride 2025 Weekend

Antwerp Pride began in 2008, it was the second city in Belgium to declare acceptance (in Belgium's history), where gays and lesbians made their voices heard loud and clear in the filled streets during International Day of Homosexuality on Saturday, May 5th, 1979. One year later, the group Rooie Vlinder, together with the Federatie Wergroepen Homofilie (FWH) and the Brussels association CCL, organized the “National Gay and Lesbian Day” also known as the modern day gay pride in Brussels.

Even though Pride weekend Antwerp is a newcomer compared to originating gay prides, Antwerp Pride is one of Belgium's favorites - with over 100,000 pride supporters - to commemorate and celebrate the long journey forward towards acceptance and equal opportunities. The Antwerpen LGBTQ+ community continues this journey for acceptance each year and this is why pride is so important!

But perhaps the most exciting part of Antwerp Pride is the incredible lineup of events and performances that will take place throughout the city. From drag shows to live music to comedy acts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. And with some of the biggest names in the LGBTQ+ community set to take the stage, you won't want to miss a moment.

Antwerp gay pride events are abound this year, so check out the full agenda, because you don't want to miss out on all the amazing festivities.

Of course, Antwerp Pride is about more than just having a good time (though that's certainly a big part of it!). It's also about celebrating diversity and promoting equality, and sending a message of love and acceptance to the world. After all this is exactly what makes pride so incredible year after year. Can't wait to see you there and continue over a decade of celebrations of what our community stands for and another fabulous celebration in Antwerp. Let your colors shine bright like a diamond in the sky!

Festival

The celebrations begin in various spots around downtown Antwerp, but many are located in Antwerp city center, close to the famous Town Square (Grote Markt) and the Museum Aan de Stroom (M.A.S.). or opt to stay in the Old Town area to be close to all the hot spots! Whether you're gay or lesbian, trans or bi, queer or questioning, friend or loved one or ally, you and yours should come as you are with the hundreds of thousands of other Pride-goers for this awesome event of love and equality.

Parade

The Pride Parade departs at Sint-Jansplein, via the Paardenmarkt, the Scheldt quays to the Gedempte Zuiderdokken as part of an effort to build a bridge to other neighborhoods within the city proper. Follow the fun-filled crowds as the parade goes around the river on the Van Meterenkaai and continues on to the site of the mega fun Love United Festival, known for being the major hub of the events for pride. So come and be proud!

Popular Bars & Clubs in Antwerp

Try out one of these - Café Twilight, Club Random, The Boots, and Cargo Club. And if you are more adventurous and looking for a gay sauna, check out Gay Sauna 't Herenhuis.