Another weekend, another pride in Belgium. After Brussels on Saturday 17 May, Namur (Namen) on Saturday 24 May, it’s now the turn of Mons (Bergen) in the province of Hainaut (Hainault with L if you want to honour Philippa of Hainault, Queen of England).
On Saturday, 31 May 2025, the city of Mons will come alive with colour, pride, and community spirit as it hosts a static pride celebration dedicated to diversity, inclusion, and queer joy.
Organised by the TPGB Mons collective, the event will take place at the LAB (Local Autogéré du Borinage), located at Rue Marguerite Bervoets 10 in the heart of Mons.
From 2 PM to 6 PM, visitors can explore the Association Village, a lively space where local organisations and community groups will be present to share information, promote LGBTQIA+ rights, and highlight regional initiatives. It’s an ideal opportunity to connect, learn, and support the people and causes shaping queer life in the area.
As the sun begins to set, the atmosphere will shift into full celebration mode. From 6 PM until 1 AM, the LAB will host a vibrant evening of music, dancing, and shared joy.
The programme includes games, entertainment, and a safe, inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to express themselves freely.
The entire event is free of charge, ensuring that everyone—regardless of background or means—can join in.
Whether attending with friends or discovering Pride for the first time, all are welcome to come and celebrate love, equality, and the beauty of being oneself. With its festive flair and unwavering commitment to community, Pride in Mons promises to be a truly magical and sparkling occasion.
Gay Mons
Mons, situated in the French-speaking region of Wallonia, is a small and generally gay-friendly destination in Belgium, says Gay Voyageur.
While the city does not have a large or active LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene, it attracts gay travellers primarily for its cultural and historical offerings rather than for its queer venues.
Until recently, BCBG, located at Rue Boussu 2, was the only bar in Mons specifically catering to the LGBT community. Its name is an acronym for Beaux Culs, Belles Gueules (‘Beautiful Asses, Beautiful Faces‘).
However, in May, a new gay bar opened: La Friendly, located at Place du Marché aux Herbes 25, bringing fresh energy to the local queer scene. The former New Half & Half bar has been closed for some time.
Mons is compact and walkable, making it easy to explore its main attractions in a single day. Highlights include a walk along the Canal du Centre and a visit to the impressive Strépy-Thieu boat lift, one of the largest of its kind in the world.
The Grand Hornu, a former mining complex transformed into a modern art and design centre, offers both architectural interest and cultural depth.
Often described as a city of museums, Mons is home to institutions such as the Pass Parc science museum and the François Duesberg Museum of Decorative Arts.
Other notable landmarks include the Belfry of Mons, a UNESCO World Heritage site; the Collegiate Church of Sainte-Waudru; and the Grand Place, the city’s main square, known for its historic City Hall and selection of quality restaurants.
Elio Di Rupo
Mons is the fief of Elio Di Rupo (PS). Di Rupo was many years mayor of Mons. The 73 year-old was Prime Minister of Belgium from 2011 to 2014. He was the first openly gay head of government in Belgium. There aren’t many of those in the world. He is currently a MEP, a Member of the European Parliament.
Di Rupo was (still is?) often seen with an entourage of admirers at Brussels gay parties.
The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium
- BRUSSELS | Pride Museum takes over MIMA from 15 June to 15 July with ‘What About Queer?’.
- NAMUR PRIDE 2025 | Pride Day, Solidarity March and community celebration.
- BRUSSELS PRIDE 2025 | Forbidden Colours calls out EU pinkwashing as Commission participates in pride but abandons LGBTQIA+ in Hungary.
- Pride Express links Ghent, Brussels and Antwerp to Pride Amsterdam on Saturday 2 August 2025.
- Leuven Pride 2025 on Saturday 27 September.
- ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 THEME | Do Not Just March.
- Darklands organiser calls out unnecessary rules other events aren’t subjected to.
- Queer March Ghent 2025 from 1 to 31 March.
- Limburg Pride composes anthem for first edition.
- Belgium to host Eurovision Song Contest 2026? But in which city?.
- PinX LGBTQIA+ Film Festival in Ghent and in Antwerp from 29 January to 2 February 2025.
- Antwerp Queer Arts Festival broadens horizon to Bruges and Leuven.
- ANTWERP 2025-2030 | City government agreement supports bid for EuroGames in Antwerp in 2028.
- Liège Pride 2025 on Friday 22, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
- CHARLEROI PRIDE | Three days of inclusivity and festivities.
- Antwerp Queer Arts Festival from 3 to 31 August 2024: programme.
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