The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride takes place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025 in Antwerp. 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. 

The parade is the highpoint for big prides and that’s obviously true for Antwerp Pride. At the time of the press conference of 4 July, 87 delegations at signed up to parade through the streets of Antwerp.

“Antwerp Pride invites everyone to join in a celebratory and inclusive atmosphere as the city comes alive with colour and visibility”, Antwerp Pride says. 

“Pride remains a form of protest—an essential statement of identity and solidarity, especially in today’s social and political climate. By taking to the streets, participants affirm who they are and what they stand for.”

Hessenplein over Sint-Jansplein

Parade participants are expected at Hessenplein at 11 AM for the Antwerp Pride Gathering, where the various delegations will assemble. Qmusic presenter Ulrike D’hauwer will be present to welcome and energise the crowd.

The Antwerp Police Department had asked the pride organisers to move the start from Sint-Jansplein to Hessenplein. Crossing the Italiëlei took twenty minutes last year, and that was too much of a stress on road traffic. 

Start at 2 PM

The parade begins at 2 PM, proceeding via Brouwersvliet towards the Scheldt River. The route follows the river and turns into Kloosterstraat at Sint-Jansvliet, passing the statue of Peter the Great—under whose rule Russia once tolerated homosexuality—before continuing into Scheldestraat and on to the Love United Festival site at Cockerillkaai, where the celebrations will continue.

Spectators are encouraged to line the route, which offers excellent views throughout, and cheer on the participants.

In the event of hot weather, measures have been taken to ensure safety and comfort. Thanks to Waterlink, water stations will be available along the parade route—these are also indicated on the map. Visitors are advised to bring a reusable water bottle, wear a hat or carry a parasol, and apply sunscreen regularly.

Shaded areas are plentiful along parts of the route, particularly at Oudeleeuwenrui, Brouwersvliet, and Kloosterstraat.

Antwerp Pride 2025

• Antwerp launches Rainbow Routes in lead-up to Antwerp Pride 2025.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Pride Information Center at the Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Rainbow Rhythm – Queer Industrial Rave, Kavka Oudaan, Friday 9 August.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Queer Families in Town, Friday 8 August, Sint-Andriesplaats.
• EuroGames 2028 / 2029 / 2030 coupled to Antwerp Pride.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Oh Honey presents Girls @ Work, RADAR and Get Wet parties at Club Traum.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Pride in Town at Sint-Andriesplaats on Friday 8 August, with Hugo Sigal.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | MAS Darling 2025, a celebration of queer strength and creativity at the MAS.
• Antwerp hotels fully booked ahead of Ed Sheeran, Drake and Antwerp Pride weekend.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Queer Walk on Sunday 3 and Thursday 7 August.
• City of Antwerp underlines support for Antwerp Pride and will light up buildings in rainbow colours.
• Antwerp Pride 2025 programme highlights.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Opening Party at OLT Rivierenhof Deurne on Wednesday 6 August.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Pride Comedy Show at Theater Het Klokhuis on Thursday 7 August.
• ANTWERP PRIDE 2025 | Post-parade Love United Festival at Cockerillkaai line-up.
• 2025 Antwerp Pride Parade keeps well-known route.
• 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

• Beyond Darklands 2026 from Tuesday 3 to Monday 9 March at the Antwerp Waagnatie.
• 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

• Beyond Darklands 2026 from Tuesday 3 to Monday 9 March at the Antwerp Waagnatie.
• Limburg Pride 2025 prepares for its first march in Hasselt.
• 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.
• Queer March Ghent 2025 from 1 to 31 March.
• 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.