Experience

Antwerp welcomed 300,000 people during 2025 pride weekend

Posted by Timothy on

The 18th edition (since 2008) of Antwerp Pride took place from Wednesday 6 to Sunday 10 August 2025 in Antwerp. This year’s theme was “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 focused on belonging. Belonging to the society at large – the ‘outside world’ – but also belonging within the rainbow realm. 

This past weekend saw numerous unique events take place across the city. Antwerp Pride and concerts by Ed Sheeran, Drake and Carl Cox attracted large numbers of visitors.

Antwerp provided the backdrop for several special events over the weekend. The arrival of global superstar Ed Sheeran and British DJ legend Carl Cox in particular drew exceptionally high crowds to the city in a short period of time.

“Antwerp enjoyed a wonderful weekend and showed itself as the vibrant city it is”, said acting mayor Ken Casier (N-VA).

“We are proud that world stars choose Antwerp as a place to perform, and the Pride also enjoyed a sunny day. Thanks to everyone who helped ensure that all these different events ran smoothly, safely and in a pleasant atmosphere. Since Antwerp’s summer festivities are far from over, we hope everyone will continue to follow the advice to plan their journeys well for events via smartwaystoantwerp.be.”

185,000 + 100,000 + 15,000 = 300,000

No fewer than 185,000 people celebrated during Antwerp Pride. Ed Sheeran, in turn, attracted more than 100,000 fans to the Middenvijver on Linkeroever (Left Bank) on Thursday and Friday evenings. Around 15,000 music lovers enjoyed Carl Cox at the Waagnatie on Saturday.

In total, this is 300,000 people. Not bad for a city of 566,000 residents.

The various events proceeded smoothly and without significant incidents, thanks to the efforts of organisers, municipal services and security services. The city will evaluate all aspects of the recent events for the future and use the insights gained.

A vibrant summer in Antwerp

The city will continue to buzz with events in the coming weeks. Below is a selection from the programme. Keep an eye on the Visit Antwerp website for more updates.

  • Friday 15 August: Rubens Market.
  • Weekend of 22, 23 and 24 August: Bollekesfeest.
  • Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August: Klassiek aan de Schelde.
  • Friday 29 August: Ekeren Zingt.
  • Weekend of 29, 30 and 31 August: Flanders Darts Trophy.
  • Weekend of 5, 6 and 7 September: Antwerp Liberation Days, including the Liberation Ball in Antwerp district on Friday 5 September.
  • Sunday 7 September: Highland Games Ekeren.
  • Sunday 21 September: Antwerp Shift.
  • Monday 22 September: Students on Stage.
  • Saturday 27 September: Borgerhout Giants Parade.

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  1. Pingback: ANTWERP | Programme highlights Bollekesfeest 2025 from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 August – Trip By Trip
  2. Pingback: ANTWERP SUMMER 2025 | 2.9 million day-trippers and 552,161 overnight stays – Trip By Trip

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