Entertainment

The best parties to catch during Gay Pride

By Wieke Veenboer | #!31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:004031#31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202331 29am31am-31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:009Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam2023312023Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200309307amSaturday=9#!31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#07-29-2023#!31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:004031#\/31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:00-9Europe\/Amsterdam3131Europe\/Amsterdam202331#!31Sat, 29 Jul 2023 09:30:40 +0200+02:00Europe\/Amsterdam7#

Next weekend it's time for the best weekend of the year again: the Canal Parade in Amsterdam. But around that weekend, there are so many more things to do. Even more parties and all sorts of fun things surrounding the Canal Parade. Curious where you want to go this year? I've listed the best events for you.

TIP: Are you coming by public transport? This year there is a Change Station at Amsterdam Central, or in other words, changing rooms where you can change in peace and safety. These are open from eight in the morning until one at night and can be reached via the entrance through the middle tunnel. Station manager of NS Amsterdam Central, René Wubs, says the following about it: ’During Pride, everyone can wear what they want, but not everyone feels comfortable leaving home dressed up. For everyone for whom that is still a step too far, we have the Change Station this year. This is a changing room where everyone is welcome to prepare in a festive and respectful way for the Canal Parade.’ Love this initiative.

1. The SWEET weekend with Booking.com
Booking.com is again the main sponsor of Pride Amsterdam and therefore has an amazing offer this year; you can book the bridge keeper's house on the Amstel from August 4 to 6. It's already a special place to stay overnight, but now it's even more special. You'll be taken there by a private boat, get your own photoshoot and makeup session so you're completely ready for the Canal Pride. Because on that day, you'll get breakfast in bed, and afterwards you can enjoy the entire Canal Pride from a VIP deck by the water. Sounds good, right? Be quick, because it's available to book today for € 20.23.

2. The Magical Ball in Tolhuistuin
Too fun if you have kids: on Wednesday, August 2, there will be all kinds of princes in princess dresses and princesses in prince outfits to make it a real party — and to show children that you can be who you want to be. Oh yes: entry is completely free.

3. Parties in Amsterdam
The weekend of August 4 and 5, the party is back in Amsterdam, but where should you go? The whole city is of course one big party, but I always recommend Amstelveld and Zeedijk. It's also nice to walk that route through the city, via Spuistraat and Marnixstraat.

4. The spots during Canal Parade
The Andaz hotel in Amsterdam is truly amazing with the Canal Parade. Champagne in abundance and one of the best views of all the boats. They have two private decks this year, but also the Garage Bar by the quay. Plenty of choices: the place to go this weekend.

5. Afterparty
If you're not done partying after the Canal Parade, you can continue at Sweetie Darling in the W Amsterdam. Performances by the most beautiful drag queens and it goes on until the early hours.

6. Closing Party
And if you still haven't partied enough the next day... You can head to the Dam on Sunday, because there is the closing party with various performances. Just one more day to go all out.