Where: Homomonument, Westermarkt, 1016 DV Amsterdam
Kings, Queens, and everything in between - I hope you’ve been training hard, because this Friday marks the 15th International DRAG OLYMPICS! A wildly glam marathon of hula hooping, stiletto sprinting & handbag tossing, the Drag Olympics are just so much more entertaining than the real thing. If you want to get your manicured hands on the gold medal, make sure to get down to the Homomonument by 5pm to register - BYO wig and heels. Us Lost gals will be front row cheering on the Kweens as they positively S L A Y!
Where: Melkweg, Lijnbaansgracht 234A, 1017 PH Amsterdam
This is set to be one of the biggest parties to kick off Pride 2019, as Melkweg invites humans of every creed, shape, size and sexuality to celebrate the simple act of living in their main room. All that’s required is an open mind, a loving heart and a burning need to dance! Roll through to this uber-central venue after the Drag Olympics from 10pm… Just make sure you can dance in your heels.
Where: Parade will start at Scheepvaart Museum, moving towards the Amstel river. Floats will continue along the Prinsengracht towards the Westerdok.
There are so many things going on this weekend in our proud little city that it can be a little overwhelming, but if there’s one event you simply cannot miss, it has to be the epic annual Canal Parade. Every year, 80 elaborately decorated boats/floats sail along the Prinsengracht as hundreds of (also elaborately decorated) punters cram the canals to cheer them on. This year the theme is to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, so make sure you show your support and prove how far we’ve come as a society since these brave kings & kweens had to fight for their rights! It truly is the most lively, happy, colourful, LOVE-filled days you ever did see, so make sure you secure a spot early for a good view. Or even better, make friends with a Dutchie who has a top floor window on the Prinsengracht the night before ;). The parade runs from 12:30 - 17:00, but that is only the start of the fun. Street parties will be raging the whole day and well into the night, so once you’ve seen your share of floats, you can keep the loud & proud energy going at the nearest one!
Where: De Marktkantine, Jan van Galenstraat 6, Amsterdam
Pride is burning RED HOT at the notorious De Marktkantine Pride Party, to be held this year on Saturday August 3rd. If last years’ all-weekender is anything to go by, this is gonna be a wild one. Expect banging dance floors, electrifying music and an all-round incredible vibe as all the lovers gather at one of Amsterdam Pride’s biggest parties. Keep your eye out for the surprise collaboration party on Sunday too, details to be revealed…
Where: Paradiso, Weteringschans 6-8, 1017 SG Amsterdam
We really are spoiled for choice when it comes to parties this weekend, as this is yet another highlight on the agenda at the amazing Club Paradiso. Known as a venue that supports inclusivity in all it’s forms, Paradiso has teamed up with the UltraSexi crew eleven-years running to put on a Pop Pride Extravaganza, darling! Get ready for a night of the most danceable pop music, and some silly sexy surprises to really put the fun in overdrive.
Where: Dam Square
After an incredible weekend of Pride in Amsterdam, there’s no better place to come together for the official closing party than at the very heart of the Dam, in beautiful Dam Square. From 2-10pm, everyone from S&M clad Dominatrix’ to rainbow-covered unicorns will come together for the final celebration of all things L O V E. There will be an outdoor stage in front of the Royal Palace, which will play host to some of the hottest dutch artists along with international DJs and more. EVERYBODY SAY LOVE! <3