Next edition of Pride Amsterdam to serve as dress rehearsal for WorldPride event in 2026

According to a spokesperson, the organization in charge of Pride Amsterdam, the next edition of the annual LGBTQI+ event will be considered a “general rehearsal” for next year, when the capital city is the host of WorldPride.

“This year, the event will last nine days and two weekends; next year it will go on for 15 days and three weekends. We are now starting the countdown to WorldPride. Everything will be bigger and more spectacular next year. Everything is about equality and human rights that are being taken away from many LGBTQI+ people. They are often the scapegoat of populist politicians. We must continue to fight to keep the issue on the political agenda.”

Amsterdam was chosen as the location for this edition of WorldPride because it will be the 25th anniversary since the Netherlands legalized marriage for people of the same sex. It was the first country in the world to do so at the time.

This Saturday, Pride Amsterdam kicks off with the Pride March, a parade starting at Amstelveld and ending in Vondelpark, which has been renamed Pride Park for the occasion. “Gay icon” Willeke Alberti will perform there.

The following week will feature numerous exhibitions, rallies, lectures, theater performances, concerts, and dance parties. On August 2, the famous Canal Parade will once again sail through the city’s canals. This year’s theme is “Love.”

Although it is the 29th edition of Pride Amsterdam, it is the 28th edition of the Canal Parade. During the pandemic in 2020, the boat parade was absent, as the event was held online that year.

Pride Amsterdam concludes on Sunday, August 3, with the traditional Pride church service and a closing party on Dam Square. The website of World Pride 2026 will be unveiled at the closing party. The theme for the event has already been announced: Unity.

The NS announced on Thursday that they will be deploying extra trains during the Canal Parade. The railway company expects the routes Utrecht-Amsterdam and Schiphol-Amsterdam to be very busy. This is also partly due to construction work that will be taking place at Amsterdam's Central Station during that time. Travelers are advised not to wait too long for the last train home, "as it is often extra crowded."

On the day of the Canal Parade, a “Change Station” will be available at Amsterdam Central Station for people who want to get ready for the festivities. Changing rooms will be set up in the central hall. “During Pride, everyone wears what they want. But not everyone feels comfortable leaving home in flamboyant queer, drag, or fetish clothing,” said station manager Rene Wubs. “I’m looking forward to once again welcoming these beautiful birds of paradise to the Change Station this year.”