The 17th edition of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11 August 2024. This year’s theme is ‘Many Voices. One Pride‘. The organising committee advocates a more militant pride, with a “we’re not going back in the closet” attitude in reaction to rising conservatism and conformism. But let’s face it: pride is also celebration. In the run up to August, let’s look at activities and events. Also don’t forget Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August.

Antwerp Pride not only organises own events such as Beyond Antwerp Pride, The pride parade, Pride in Town, the Love United Festival on Saturday and the Closing Festival on Sunday, it also encourages queer bars, clubs and organisations to set up an event around pride. 

Here are some of them. 

La Passion

The exhibition ‘La Passion‘ is focused on the love and passion of all humans. At Pjez Unik, Kloosterstraat 53, until 8 September. 

Friends of Dorothy

“Friends Of Dorothy is back for its 4th edition and bigger and queerer than ever! Expect a queer market, a neuroqueer expo, a queer self-acceptance workshop, and on Saturday 20 July an ecstatic show with diverse queer acts and a fabulous afterparty. We’ll turn Zomerfabriek into a hotspot to celebrate each other’s uniqueness. Regardless of gender, background, sexual orientation, or age. Entrance is free, of course.”

• Drag and queer acts plus afterparty on 20 July, from 7 PM until 3 AM. “Expect live music by LGBTQIA+ artists, followed by an open stage show with dazzling acts by drag and queer performers. Ready to show your moves? Dance the night away with our fabulous DJs.”
• ‘Divergent Bodyminds‘ exhibition, from 16 to 21 July, from 3 to 8 PM. “An expo exploring and celebrating neurodivergent and/or queer (‘neuroqueer’) bodies and minds that deviate from the standards set by a heteronormative and neuronormative society.”
• Queer Market on 20 and 21 July, 3 to 7 PM. “An inspiring market by queer and trans people, with beautiful clothes, handmade objects, and services such as tarot readings. A fun and safe environment for queer people to find and try out clothes.”
• Queer ‘Divide et impera‘ (‘Divide and rule’) workshop on 20 July from 5.30 to 6.30 PM. “A discursive performance workshop that invites queers to discuss barriers for self-acceptance to then break them down through game and dance movements.”

‘Bodybuilders’ exhibition at De Studio

The ‘Bodybuilders‘ exhibition at De Studio from the desire of the Italian photographer Alien to document the new alternative drag and club kids scene from all over the world. A dynamic community – constantly evolving and often difficult to comprehend – that has brought Alien into focus in the United Kingdom and America (from South to North).

“He met people from all over the world and observed them developing – in a somewhat ritualistic manner – and showing their expression of the self or their alter ego. Masks, prosthetics, make-up and postures that distort the body challenge our perception of the body to open our gaze to a fantastic human panorama that carries the visionary power of re-existences that often struggle for recognition.”

As Helen Hester, professor of Gender, Technology and Cultural Politics at the University of West London and author of the ‘Xenofeminist Manifesto‘, writes in the introduction to the first ‘Bodybuilders’ volume: “Every photographed person has to some extent built and channeled himself not only personal aesthetics, cultural reference points and intellectual ideas, but also unconscious forces – the unknowable within us that is necessarily expressed in all our words, actions, thoughts and behaviors.”

From 4 to 8 August at De Studio, from noon to 6 PM.

Queer Tour at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp

The Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp or KMSKA would like to be a brave space. In early August, everyone is welcome to participate in a Queer Tour. 

“Discover, together with a guide and a pair of pink glasses the museum collection. How do we look at old master paintings with a queer perspective? Which artists played with gender norms? Which paintings show us what was considered modest or immoral? How does the queer community appropriate certain representations of the past? On this tour, be inspired to look at art in a contrarian way and be yourself! Because why be normal when you can be fabulous?”

On select dates between 4 and 11 August. Book your tickets in advance. 

PERC Pride and book launch

PERC Pride Festival 2024 will be taking place in Antwerp, Belgium in conjunction with the official Antwerp Pride. PERC stands for Pan-European Rainbow Chinese. 

The first event is ‘Chinese trans* dilemma in EU’, where speaker Han will host the book launch of ‘The Passion of the Rabbit God‘, poems by Hongwei Bao.

“Join us to meet a group of activists and scholars! To learn about the situation of the Chinese trans community in Europe, and listen to the latest poetry about Asian queer identity.”

Wielerij Den Draak bike ride

Wielerij Den Draak, a group of amateur cyclist linked to Café Den Draak, is hosting a bike ride on 6 August from 7 to 10 PM. The 50 km goes to Lier. 

Thursday night Midsummer Party at Draakplaats by Café Den Draak

Thursday is the fiefdom of the Midsummer Party by Café Den Draak, on the Draakplaats.

“What started out as a small party under the railway bridges at the Draakplaats almost 16 years ago has turned into a a summer festival for all our community, friends, family and neighbours. This edition we will make our event even bigger and take over the entire Draakplaats!”

“That means more cool drinks, delicious food, great dance music and most of all more space to dance! We will even add a second stage. So come join us and together we will create the best summer feeling and celebrate pride.” 

Midsummer 2024 is a free event and will start at 5 PM at the Draakplaats.

Pride at DeLux

Café DeLux at Lijnwaadmarkt hosts a plethora of pride events.

• Drag bingo on Thursday 8 August at 6 PM.
• ‘Funky Friday‘ on – you guessed it – Friday 9 August at 6 PM.
• ‘Pride Saturday‘ on 10 August from 2 PM.
• ‘Pink Sunday‘ with Sederginne, from 2 PM.

The Summer of Love Ball at De Singel

Pride originated as a protest response to the Stonewall Inn Riots in 1969, when police raided the gay bar Stonewall Inn in New York‘s Greenwich Village. In the same period, the ballroom scene flourished in the Harlem Underground, from which vogueing also developed into an emancipatory dance form. 

The ballrooms were a safe haven for queer people of color, where they could be completely themselves. Since then, an international community has formed around this dance style with different techniques and forms of expression.

De Singel and Vogue Bootcamp Belgium celebrate pride and ballroom by transforming the courtyard into ‘The Summer of Love Ball‘. Waackers and voguers from all over Europe storm the catwalk. 

“An impressive row of international judges – invited by Luscious 007 – will judge the dancers on their techniques and hand out prizes to the best talents. According to tradition, it promises to be an intense and fascinating meeting. On this warm summer day, expect an overdose of love, a strong sense of community, and a call to pride.”

Celebrate Life at Jeffrey’s / Loud & Queer

“Celebrate Life at Jeffrey’s, Antwerp’s premier LGBTQ+ hotspot.”

“Meet Jeffrey, the man who began his journey 22 years ago in the iconic ‘Rue de Vaseline’ near Antwerp-Central Railway Station. With his bar Twilight, he became a legend in Van Schoonhovenstraat, a street known for its thriving nightlife. After many adventures and successes, he has been the proud owner of ‘Jeffrey’s‘, located at the vibrant Theaterplein, the heart of the city, for over two years now.

“The Theaterplein in Antwerp is a bustling hub for culture, markets, and LGBTQ+ nightlife. During Antwerp Pride, the square transforms into a massive party zone, and Jeffrey’s is at the center of this celebration. Here, in one of Antwerp’s coziest spots, Jeffrey and his fantastic team welcome everyone with open arms. Whether you’re coming for a drink, a chat with friends or the crew, at Jeffrey’s, you always feel at home.”

“Jeffrey’s is renowned for its numerous events throughout the year. One standout is Padam, the open-air music festival. Additionally, the Eurovision Song Contest on the big screen is an annual highlight where fans from around the world come together to enjoy music and community.” 

For fetish enthusiasts, Jeffrey’s hosts the MSC Social, an event that has become a staple in the fetish circuit since its first edition. During Antwerp Pride, Jeffrey’s is a must-visit. A few years ago, Jeffrey’s won the award for best party concept at ‘Touristicogaylive podcast’ with their spectacular open-air party.

This year, on Friday 9 August, you can enjoy one of the city’s biggest open-air parties: ‘Loud & Queer’. 

“Come with your friends and enjoy the beats of DJ Nick Van Acker, known for his energetic sets that always get the crowd moving. Be mesmerized by performances from our fantastic show queens: Dilalylah Brown Brown, Youna Mystica Stratton, and Mia McQueen.”

“As the highlight of the evening, we welcome our special guest: Miss Travestie Belgium 2024, Dina Price. These performers give their all in the most stunning outfits, ensuring an unforgettable evening full of glitter and glamour.”

“At Jeffrey’s, you can be yourself and dance the weekend away. During the entire Antwerp Pride weekend, the team at Jeffrey’s, your LGBTQ+ bar in Antwerp, is ready to give you an unforgettable time. We expect you to join us in celebrating life. The atmosphere is always cozy, the drinks are always cold, and the music is always on point. Jeffrey’s is not just a place to go out; it’s a place to make new friends and strengthen old ones.”

“So, mark the date in your calendar, invite your friends, and come to Jeffrey’s. Experience the amazing atmosphere, enjoy the best music, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Jeffrey’s is more than a bar; it’s a community, a home, and a party you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re a local or from out of town, everyone is welcome to be part of this beautiful community. See you soon at Jeffrey’s, where it’s always a celebration, and everyone can be themselves.”

CutFest at Bar Cut

Bar Cut on the Vlasmarkt host CutFest on Saturday 10 August. “Same recipe as the past two years, food/drinks/music/performances and the most important ingredient, love. So bring your A-game, put on your party hat and come and join in for the fun.”

Send In The Clowns at De Studio

Send In the Clowns, at De Studio, on Saturday night. 

“You won’t fool the children of the revolution! Who’d have thought we’d come to a point in history where we heave a sigh of relief as the lesser of two evils declares its electoral victory. Dodging the far-right bullet never felt more like cold comfort. Our community is left bruised and wary after the violent public debating over our mere right to exist freely.”

“Therefore pride could not come at a better time, since it is the day where we both commemorate our predecessors, who fought to get where we are now, as well as call attention to the challenges we still have to overcome.”

“So send in the clowns, so that they can remember our past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future. Since it can only be brighter if we come together and protest the injustices and threats to our human rights.”

Oh Honey, a pride rave at Club Capital

Oh Honey is less mainstream and less gentrified and more queer and ‘alternative’ (for lack of of a better term). On Saturday, it raves at Club Capital. 

“This is not a men only event. There is no playroom available. The basement floor is not wheelchair accessible. The upstairs deck is wheelchair accessible. Two rooms, two music styles. One crowd, one queer safe space. One house room, one techno room. 

There will be queer safe space enforcements. 

So

This is not the full list. Events can be added or changed. Click here for all events. For some events and activities you need to book. 

I’m pretty sure Hessenhuis Café and Twilight & Cock will organise parties. I’m also pretty sure there’s a Roof of Love, but I can’t find information online. 

Antwerp Pride 2024 & Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2024

• Antwerp Pride 2024 programme highlights.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2024 | Parade route & map for Saturday 10 August.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2024 | Opening Night, Wednesday 7 August, Openluchttheater OLT Rivierenhof, Deurne.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August 2024: programme.
• Antwerp Pride 2024 theme: ‘Many Voices. One Pride’.
• Antwerp Pride 2024 to be more militant against growing opposition to LGBTQIA+: “We’re not going back in the closet”.

Darklands 2024-2025

• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.
• Darklands 2024 from 27 February to 4 March.
• ANTWERP | Darklands 2024 going into ‘The Void’ under new, stricter city rules.
• DARKLANDS 2024 | Programme & schedule.

The latest on prides in Belgium

• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August 2024: programme.
• Liège Pride 2024 programme and introduction.
• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Limburg Pride 2025 to be hosted by Hasselt on Sunday 13 July.
• Brussels Pride 2024 programme starts on Wednesday 8 May with Pride Opening at Molenbeek and a Pride Week.
• Antwerp Pride 2024 theme: ‘Many Voices. One Pride’.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.
• Queer March Ghent 2024 on Saturday 30 March at Viernulvier.
• PROGRAMME | Queer Arts Festival Leuven 2023 from 3 to 25 November.