Celebrate Pride 2024: 12 of the best LGBTQIA, queer and Pride festivals and events in Europe

There’s only one thing better than celebrating Pride for the whole of International Pride Month in June, and that’s celebrating Pride all summer long, all over the world. 

And so, if you’re looking for the ultimate guide to Europe's top LGBTQ+ festivals, and events, we’ve got you covered.

What country has the biggest pride festival?

The United States is home to the biggest Pride festival, with New York City hosting the largest Pride march in the world. NYC Pride draws millions of participants and spectators each year, celebrating with a massive parade, vibrant events, and renowned performances. In Europe, Madrid Pride (Orgullo) is one of the largest, attracting over two million people annually to its festivities.

What is the most famous pride festival?

The most famous Pride festival is arguably New York City's Pride March, which commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969. Another prominent festival is San Francisco Pride, known for its rich history and massive celebrations. In Europe, Amsterdam Pride is iconic for its unique canal parade, while London Pride and Berlin Pride (CSD Berlin) are also highly celebrated.

What do we celebrate during Pride Month?

Pride Month, celebrated in June, honors the LGBTQ+ community's history, achievements, and ongoing struggles for equality and acceptance. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots, which marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The month is filled with parades, events, and activities that promote visibility, celebrate diversity, and advocate for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.

What is June 28th LGBTQ day?

June 28th is recognized as the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which began on this day in 1969. The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This day is considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement and is commemorated with various events and celebrations worldwide.

…Is February Pride Month too?

February is not globally recognized as Pride Month; however, it is celebrated as LGBTQ+ History Month in the United Kingdom. This month focuses on educating people about the history and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, promoting tolerance, and raising awareness about the issues that LGBTQ+ individuals still face today.

Why did Pride start?

Pride started as a response to the systemic oppression and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The catalyst was the Stonewall Riots in June 1969, where LGBTQ+ individuals fought back against police brutality and injustice. These events galvanized the community, leading to the formation of various LGBTQ+ rights organizations and the first Pride marches. Pride now serves as a celebration of identity, a protest against discrimination, and a call for equality and acceptance.

By celebrating at the below festivals, you join a global movement that honors the history, culture, and ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. 

These gatherings are more than just parties; they are spaces for connection, expression, and liberation. 

From iconic city-wide celebrations to intimate, underground gatherings, here are twelve essential LGBTQ+ festivals and events in Europe that should be on your radar for 2024.

Mighty Hoopla 2024, UK

Jun 1 – 2, Brockwell Park, London, United Kingdom

It’s fair to say Mighty Hoopla has carved out quite the unique space in the festival landscape, with its eclectic mix of pop culture, drag performances, and high-energy music acts. 

Set in Brockwell Park, this event is a joyous explosion of color and sound.

The 2024 lineup includes Nelly Furtado, Eve, Rebecca Black, Jessie Ware, Bambie Thug and many, many more…

Brighton Pride 2024, UK

Aug 3 – 4, Preston Park, Brighton, United Kingdom

If you go to just one pride parade in this part of the UK, make it Brighton Pride. The city is a beacon of hope for the UK's LGBTQ+ community, and even moreso when the parade hits this queer haven by the sea. Notorious for its inclusive atmosphere and vibrant parade, this festival transforms the seaside city into a carnival of queer euphoria.

The main event in Preston Park features top-tier musical acts like Girls Aloud, Mika and Sophie Ellis Bextor, as well as community stalls and a family area, making it a welcoming space for all ages.

Birmingham Pride 2024, UK

May 25 – 26, Birmingham, United Kingdom

That said, Birmingham Pride is also a cornerstone of the city's LGBTQ+ scene, marking the start of summer with a flamboyant parade through the city center and a festival that spans multiple stages. 

This year’s lineup boasts big names like Dua Lipa, Little Mix, and Todrick Hall, offering something for everyone alongside community-focused events that highlight the importance of solidarity and support.

WAS. / IsBurning., Netherlands

Sat, Jun 1, 11:00 PM WAS., Utrecht, Netherlands

For those in the Netherlands who’re seek a more intimate (yet no less intense experience), the collaboration between WAS. and IsBurning. in Utrecht is a must. 

Known for their cutting-edge electronic music and inclusive ethos, these parties provide a safe space where freedom of expression is encouraged and celebrated. 

BOPS Pride Amsterdam 2024, Netherlands

Fri, Aug 2, 10:00 PM, The Other Side, Amsterdam, Netherlands

BOPS Pride at The Other Side is an essential part of Amsterdam’s Pride week. This event is famed for its diverse lineup. The event is known for its resident DJs Absoluut & TMORGZ and international bookings like Hollywood Tramp and LEGOLANE.

Held in one of the city’s most beloved venues, it’s the perfect place to dance the night away while celebrating love in all its forms.

Milkshake Festival 2024, Netherlands

Jul 26 – 28, Westerpark, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Another jewel in Amsterdam’s, let’s face it, pretty queer crown, is Milkshake Festival: the celebration of all things queer and fabulous. 

Taking over Amsterdam’s Westerpark, this festival breaks down barriers and invites everyone to express themselves freely. 

The 2024 lineup includes performances from Doppelgang, Aerobica, Hey Girl Hey, Lola Edo and more, promising something enormous.

Tropikali Festival 2024 - Netherlands

Jun 22 – 23, NDSM, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Set against the industrial backdrop of NDSM, Tropikali Festival brings a tropical twist to Amsterdam’s LGBTQ+ scene. 

Known for its vibrant decorations and eclectic music, this festival offers a unique blend of celebration and activism.  The next edition of Tropikali not only expands to a weekender, but also grows in terms of full control of the production, according to the festival itself.

“The Rosario stage will focus on electronic rhythms inspired by the sun-kissed shores of Latin America, with DJs like ketia, Nala Brown, Populous, Protopapa, and TAYHANA. Saturday brings forth the energetic beats of Latin and reggaeton from South America and the Caribbean as the Latinichta stage comes alive with DJs like Ben Santana and Maura V,” adds Broekhuizen, on the schedule.

And, when it comes to the Saturday sonic feast in store, prepare to “shift eastward” with the Kalinichta stage, where the festival says it will be embracing uptempo Balkan rhythms and Middle Eastern synths, headlined by DJs like KasbaH.” Oh, and did we mention the brand new Secreto Stage? There, you can look forward to “an intimate exploration of house and techno” with emerging talents from the queer underground electronic music scene (think Cashu and Slim Soledad, alongside “ a stage takeover by ‘The Planet,’ a FLINTA* club night from Amsterdam featuring artists like DIORA, Slimfit, Adriana Lucid, and Sukubratz”).

Euphoric.

La Demence 35th Anniversary, Belgium

Oct 31 – Nov 4, La Demence, Brussels, Belgium

La Demence continues the truly iconic habit of celebrating its anniversary every year, but this time with the actual milestone of the big 3-5.

La Demence is an institution in the European gay party scene, and this Brussels party, held over Halloween weekend, promises a series of next-level nights with top international DJs. Not one to be missed.

Rock Me Pride 2, Italy

15 June, Ippodromo delle Capannelle, Rome

The inimitable Rock Me Pride returns to Rome this year once more, with a lineup that promises to rock the Ippodromo delle Capannelle. 

This event brings together music, art, and activism, creating a space where the LGBTQ+ community can celebrate and advocate for equality. 

Expect live performances that will keep you dancing all night long.

WHOLE Festival 2024, Germany

Aug 2 – 4, Ferropolis, Gräfenhainichen, Germany

If there was a competition for best named queer festicals, WHOLE would indubitably win, but that’s not the only thing this festival is a leader in. Set in the striking industrial landscape of Ferropolis, this weekender is widely known as an annual a sanctuary for the queer community. 

Renowned for its inclusive environment and diverse lineup of electronic music artists, it’s a place where boundaries are pushed, and everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves.

Superbloom Munich, Germany

Sep 7 – 8, Olympiapark München, Munich, Germany

Superbloom transforms Munich's Olympiapark into a festival oasis, with an eclectic pick’n’mix of huge names like Niall Horan, Sharon David, Chainsmokers and many many more besides.

Queer Ranch Festival 2024, Greece

Tue, May 28, 5:00 PM, Various, Skala Eresou, Greece

A sapphic festival on the isle of Lesbos – what could be more fitting?

Queer Ranch Festival offers, in its own words “5 days of internationally renowned electronic music DJs, eclectic live music, cinema, stimulating workshops, beach parties, wild swimming, ranch life” and more.

Intimate, indie and inclusive, Queer Ranch is your go-to if you’re looking for community with other sapphic people.

Sziget Festival 2024, Hungary

Aug 5 – 13, Sziget Festival Official, Budapest, Hungary

Though it’s not explicitly a queer festival, Sziget’s known as the Island of Freedom for a reason. Located on Budapest’s Obuda Island, this is one of Europe’s most expansive and inclusive festivals. 

Known for its wide-ranging lineup that spans genres and cultures, Sziget also features a dedicated LGBTQ+ venue, called Magic Mirror, which is more than worth your time.