HAPPENING 19–28 SEP 2025 | During Rotterdam Pride Week, the streets of Rotterdam transform into all colours of the rainbow in a celebration of sexual freedom, gender, gender identity and cultural diversity. Rotterdam Pride week boasts a diverse and colourful programme brimful of art, culture, talk shows, debates, entertainment and of course, more than 130 parties and events for all ages.
Rotterdam Pride March
The Pride March 2025 will take place on Saturday 27 September, with the city centre serving as the backdrop for a peaceful 3.5 kilometre walk in support of equal rights, visibility and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and worldwide.The gathering will begin at 10:30 at Stationsplein, followed by speeches at 11:00, and the official start of the march at 11:30. The route will lead participants through the heart of the city and end at Willemsplein, where the arrival is expected at approximately 13:00.
The event is being organised by GayRotterdam, COC Rotterdam, and a group of dedicated volunteers. Participants are encouraged to bring flags, wear colourful clothing, and join the march in a spirit of solidarity, freedom and connection. The organisers describe the event as a space where everyone should feel empowered to be themselves.
Pride Walk in Rotterdam. Photo credit: Alexander Suer
Rotterdam Pride Festival
Rotterdam Pride 2025 will conclude with a public event at Willemsplein on Saturday, 27 September. The open-air Pride Festival is scheduled to serve as the final celebration of the city’s Pride Week, inviting attendees to come together through music, community and expression.
According to organisers, a blend of well-known names, emerging talent and local performers will be featured on the festival stage. This year's theme, Queertopia, focuses on a vision of the future shaped by queer creativity, freedom and inclusivity.
Among the names confirmed for the line-up are Joost van Bellen, Xtra Xceptit, Mika Akela, Kyara Harley, Juliana X, Faye Ferry, The Space Choir, MEROL, Shary-An, Kiddy Smile, Jordan Roy & Emmaly Brown, House of Holographic Hoes and The Rainbow Club. More details can be found on the official website.
How to get there
The Pride Festival will be held at Willemsplein, located at the foot of the Erasmus Bridge on the north side of the river. The area is easily accessible by public transport, including tram and metro connections via Leuvehaven and Wilhelminaplein stations. The location overlooks the Nieuwe Maas and is within walking distance of the city centre.
New ambassadors for 2025 Pride revealed
Rotterdam Pride has also announced the 2025 ambassadors. The role of ambassador is intended to promote visibility, inclusion and connection within and beyond the queer community. The ambassadors for this edition are:
- Faye Ferry
- Ma'Ma Queen
- Xtra Xceptit
- Paul van Dorst
- Chantal van der Putten
- Lodewijk van Dijk
- Kyara Harley
- Sharvin Ramjan
- Dik Otto
- Roxy Verwey
Organisers state that these individuals act as bridges between Pride and Rotterdam’s many queer communities.
Official afterparty at Now&Wow Club
Following the final act at Willemsplein, the celebration will continue indoors. The official afterparty, known as Vrij Volk Indoor, will be hosted at the Now&Wow Club. The event will feature DJ sets from artists connected to Berlin's queer music scene, including Roi Perez and DJ Aya. Entry is ticketed and subject to availability.
For the full Rotterdam Pride programme and timetable, be sure to check out the Rotterdam Pride website.
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