Rotterdam Pride 2026: dates, Pride March & festival

HAPPENING 17 TO 27 SEP 2026 | Rotterdam Pride returns for eleven days of visibility, community, art, culture, activism and celebration across the city. The 2026 programme is shaped by Queertopia, Rotterdam Pride's artistic vision of a city where queer creativity, freedom and inclusion form an ordinary part of cultural life.

Rotterdam Pride brings together dozens of events organised by Rotterdam Pride, cultural institutions, social organisations, makers, businesses and community initiatives. The programme ranges from talks, workshops and exhibitions to social gatherings, performances, sport and nightlife.

Rotterdam Pride March

The Pride March takes place on Saturday 26 September and forms the activist heart of Rotterdam Pride. Under the international motto "Pride is still a protest", participants will walk 3.5 kilometres through Rotterdam in support of equal rights, visibility, acceptance and safety for LGBTQIA+ people in the city, the Netherlands and worldwide.

Participants can gather at Stationsplein from 10:30. The manifestation begins at 11:30 and the march departs from Rotterdam Centraal at 12:00. Rotterdam Pride expects the procession to reach Willemsplein at around 13:00.

Everyone is welcome to join. The march is part of Rotterdam Pride and is organised with the involvement of volunteers from the city's queer community.

Rotterdam Pride ambassadors and the 2026 kick-off

Rotterdam Pride works with a group of ambassadors who promote visibility, equality and connection within and beyond Rotterdam's queer communities. Current ambassadors include Chantal van der Putten and Sharvin Ramjan, alongside other representatives from Rotterdam's cultural, nightlife and community scenes.

The official opening takes place on Thursday 17 September with the launch of Qtopia magazine at FERRY, Westblaak 127. The event runs from 19:00 to 21:00, with talks, performances, music and a drinks reception. Rotterdam Pride ambassador Chantal van der Putten is editor-in-chief of Qtopia and was closely involved in developing the magazine.

Across the eleven-day Pride programme, events take place throughout Rotterdam. Confirmed community activities include Rainbow Garden Rotterdam, Pride in de Praktijk and Proud Supporters, with further exhibitions, workshops, gatherings and nightlife listed in Rotterdam Pride's central programme.

Pride Walk in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Alexander Suer

Rotterdam Pride Festival

One of the biggest days of Rotterdam Pride comes on Saturday 26 September, when the Pride March is followed by the free Rotterdam Pride Festival at Willemsplein.

The open-air festival runs from 13:00 until 23:00 at the northern foot of the Erasmus Bridge and brings together live music, DJs, drag, queer talent and Rotterdam's club scene.

The complete 2026 line-up features Berget Lewis, JEA, Babs, Yaro Mila, Child of Destiny, Mandy McCandy, WINE., Gavin Reijnders, Daniel Matthix, Kahorsa, BassBtch and Mika Akela.

Faye Ferry and Lotte van Eijk host the festival. House of Holographic Hoes curates the drag programme, while PrideCast returns with ambassador Sharvin Ramjan hosting live conversations about identity, culture, representation and social change.

The festival is one of the main highlights of Rotterdam Pride, but it is not the end of the full programme. Pride continues through Sunday 27 September.

More details and the latest programme can be found on the official Rotterdam Pride website.

How to get there

Willemsplein sits at the northern foot of the Erasmus Bridge, overlooking the Nieuwe Maas and within walking distance of Rotterdam city centre.

Leuvehaven is one of the nearest major metro stops. Rotterdam Centraal is the starting point for the Pride March. As with any major city event, public transport arrangements can change, so check RET or your preferred journey planner before travelling.

For the latest programme, timetable and any newly announced evening events, check the Rotterdam Pride website before you go.