This year, it’s all about Queertopia: a future in which queer creativity, freedom and inclusivity are an integral part of the city.
Will you be there? You won’t want to miss this on Saturday 26 September.
Hitting the streets during the Pride March
Saturday begins at Rotterdam Central Station, where participants gather for the annual Pride March. The 3.5-kilometre route is dedicated to visibility, equal rights, acceptance and safety for the LGBTIQA+ community.
From 10.30 am, Stationsplein will gradually fill up. After the rally, the procession will set off at 12 noon towards Willemsplein.
- 10.30: start
- 11.30: rally
- 12:00: Pride March depature
- 13:00: arrival at Willemsplein
Participation is free and everyone is welcome.
From march to music
Once you arrive at Willemsplein, there’s no need to go anywhere else. The programme continues straight away here with the Rotterdam Pride Festival. From 13:00 to 23:00, the square will be buzzing with music, performances and socialising. Entry is free, so you can just pop in and join in the fun.
Performers on stage include Berget Lewis, Babs, Faye Ferry, Gavin Reijnders, JEA, Mandy McCandy, Mika Akela, The Rainbow Club and The Space Choir. Whether you want to dance at the front or prefer to soak up the atmosphere from the sidelines, there’s plenty to enjoy until late into the evening.
Something other than a stage
There’s plenty to see between performances too. At the Queer Market, you’ll find creators, artists and organisations from the community.
Fancy a good chat? The Queer Campus is all about stories, ideas and topics that matter to the queer community. Think live podcasts and discussions about identity, culture and activism. A lovely change of pace if your legs need a bit of a rest from all that dancing.
More things to do during Pride Week
Saturday may be the highlight of the programme, but there’s plenty going on in the city throughout the whole period. Between 17 and 27 September, you’ll find events centred around art, culture, celebrations, socialising and activism at various venues. So there’s every reason to make the most of it for more than just one day. Before you set off, do have a look at the latest events calendar so you know exactly what’s on during your stay.
Staying at Stayokay Rotterdam
After a day of celebrating Pride, you won’t want to head straight home, of course. At Stayokay Rotterdam, you’ll stay right in the city centre and in a truly unique location: the famous Cube Houses. The hostel has been completely refurbished, and from here you can easily explore the city’s Pride hotspots.
- Staying in the iconic Cube Houses
- Right in the heart of Rotterdam
- Close to Rotterdam Blaak station
- Choice of private and shared rooms
- Bar and breakfast at the hostel
