The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025. This year’s theme is “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit”. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2025 edition, the organising committee focuses on belonging. Belonging to the society at large – the ‘outside world’ – but also belonging within the rainbow realm. 

Antwerp is preparing to welcome thousands to the annual pride parade, a celebration that is as much about visibility and joy as it is about protest. Organisers stress that pride remains a vital act of resistance—especially in today’s political climate—and the march through the city is a chance to affirm identity and solidarity in all its vibrant forms.

The route is the same as last year and actually hasn’t (really) changed over the past years. Because it works. 

Itinerary

The parade will set off at 2 PM from Brouwersvliet, continuing past the Scheldt and weaving through the city’s historic centre. The route includes the Jordaenskaai and Ernest Van Dijckkaai, before turning at Sint-Jansvliet into the Kloosterstraat—passing the statue of Russian czar Peter the Great, a monarch once known for his more tolerant stance on homosexuality. From there, the procession continues via the Scheldestraat to the Cockerillkaai, where the Love United Festival grounds will host the day’s closing celebrations.

Spectators are encouraged to spread out along the entire route to enjoy the best views and support their favourite floats. 

The city’s layout provides good visibility at most points, with plenty of shaded areas along Oudeleeuwenrui, Brouwersvliet and Kloosterstraat offering some relief if the sun is strong.

Summer sun

In anticipation of warm weather, water stations will be available throughout the parade route, courtesy of Water-Link. Attendees are advised to bring a refillable bottle, wear sun protection such as hats or parasols, and apply sunscreen regularly. Organisers stress the importance of staying cool and hydrated to fully enjoy the festivities.

Antwerp Pride 2025

• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Change Station at Antwerp-Central’s Perszaal offers safe haven to change into pride outfit.
• VIDEO | Red Sebastian’s ‘Slay’ designated official anthem for Antwerp Pride 2025.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 THEME | Do Not Just March.
• Antwerp Pride 2025’s theme: “Do not just march! Listen. Understand. Commit.”.
• Antwerp Pride 2025 from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August.

Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025

• PROGRAMME | Antwerp Queer Arts Festival 2025 from 2 to 30 August.
• ANTWERP QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL 2025 | ‘QueerPassion’, inspired by Johann Sebastian Bach.
• Antwerp Queer Arts Festival broadens horizon to Bruges and Leuven.

Darklands 2025-2026

• Darklands organiser calls out unnecessary rules other events aren’t subjected to.
• GAY ANTWERP | Darklands 2026 becomes Beyond Darklands.
• GAY ANTWERP | Darklands 2026 changes name and concept, but keeps Waagnatie as venue.
• Darklands 2025 aims at actively welcoming FLINTA people.
• DARKLANDS 2025 | Programme & schedule highlights.
• Darklands 2025 drops token payment system in favour of top-up Darkband.
• ANTWERP | Darklands to leave Waagnatie after 2025.
• Darklands 2025 from Tuesday 25 February until Monday 3 March.
• Darklands 2025 theme: ‘Darklands Glows’, stays at Waagnatie until 2030.

The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium

• Mechelen to organise a Pride Week from 2026?.
• Bruges Pride Parade 2025 on Saturday 14 June.
• Mons Pride 2025 on Saturday 31 May.
• 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 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.