19 - 28
Sep
The Pride March and the main Pride Festival are planned for Saturday, September 27th.
Rotterdam Pride
Rotterdam Pride is an annual multi-day event in Rotterdam, Netherlands, dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and advocating for emancipation, acceptance, and equal rights. It aims to contribute to a society where everyone feels at home, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or cultural background. Unlike many Prides held in June, Rotterdam Pride typically takes place in September.
Key Events & Activities
Rotterdam Pride Week features a wide array of events catering to different interests and age groups.Pride March: A central part of the event, the Pride March is both a celebration and a protest. Thousands of participants walk a route through the city center, often starting at Stationsplein (Central Station Square) and ending at Willemsplein, to make a statement for equal rights and visibility.
Pride Festival: A large, free outdoor festival that usually takes place at Willemsplein, at the foot of the iconic Erasmus Bridge. It features a main stage with DJs, live performances, and various artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere of celebration.
Cultural and Educational Program: A core part of Pride Week, this includes a variety of events designed to educate and inspire.
Pride Talks: Insightful discussions and debates on contemporary topics relevant to the LGBTQIA+ community.
Art Exhibitions: Showcases of work by queer artists in galleries and public spaces throughout the city.
Film Screenings: Presentations of queer cinema, from documentaries to feature films.
Workshops & Spoken Word: Interactive sessions and performances that give a platform to community voices.
Ballroom Scene Events: Interactive panels and workshops that celebrate and educate on ballroom culture and history.
Theatervoorstelling "GAY&A": A personal one-woman show about a family in the late 1980s where both the father and sister come out, set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic.
"Strange Fruits": A modern dance performance by Sedrig Verwoert that reflects on Black history and Suriname's colonial past through contemporary dance.
"Flesh can’t can’ t not’t ‘tis flesh h…": A multisensory performance exploring Central American migration through a sci-fi world shaped by reggaeton, dance, and sculpture.
Roi Soleil EP Release in V11: An EP release party for queer glitter-pop artist Roi Soleil, whose music celebrates self-love and identity, with an opening act by Belgian artist ALESSIO.
Parties and Social Gatherings: The local gay bars and clubs, particularly in the area known as the "Pink Triangle" (around Churchillplein, Westblaak, and Van Oldenbarneveltstraat), host numerous parties and special events.
Community Events: There are often specific activities organized for different groups within the community, such as youth, the elderly, trans individuals, and people of color.
History
The roots of Rotterdam Pride can be traced back to the Keerweer Parade, a street party that began in 2006. This event grew in popularity and significance, eventually serving as a catalyst for a larger, city-wide Pride celebration.The first official Rotterdam Pride was founded and held in 2014. Since then, it has grown into a major event with a diverse program spanning multiple days. For more info: Rotterdam Pride
Upcoming