Mykonos Pride

Mykonos Pride, known as the XLSIOR Festival, is a world-famous LGBTQ+ party destination that has been an LGBTQ+ hotspot for decades. Parties and events at the island’s stunning beaches make it unique. The celebration features international DJs, wet pool parties and vivid queer nightlife in the old town. Picture an island of just 10,000 locals suddenly joined by 50,000 visitors, of which 30,000 are queer. This is XLSIOR Mykonos transforming the island into one of the gayest places on earth for a week.

Men at a Pride parade holding rainbow flags in front of whitewashed buildings in Mykonos.

Mykonos Pride Date

The festival is happening late in the LGBTQ+ summer season, overlapping with the end of European holiday rhythms.

Across six nights, world-class DJs set the soundtrack for open-air parties that flow from sunset into dawn, each with its own distinct atmosphere on Mykonos.

It’s less of a city march and more of a celebratory takeover of the island itself.

When is the Mykonos Pride taking place in 2026?

XLSIOR Festival takes place from Thursday, August 20 to Tuesday, August 25, 2026. 

Festival Events

This year, XLSIOR transforms Mykonos again into a six-day, island-wide Pride celebration, merging daytime beach parties with nightlong circuit events. Its featuring Europes most popular parties to Mykonos, such as WE party and Sundia from Madrid, Together from Lisbon or Muccassassina from Rome. Last year the programme was this:

  • Thursday night: WE @ Neven Mykonos Beach Club, 11PM-5Am
  • Friday night: Carioca @ Zenit Starlight Stage 10PM-5AM
  • Saturday evening: XLSIOR Beach Party @ Neven Mykonos Beach Club, 6PM-4Am
  • Sunday daytime: Sundia @Axel Beach
  • Sunday night: Main Party XLSIOR Mykonos Olympics, 1PM-10PM
  • Monday morning: Meat @Zenit, 7AM – 1PM
  • Tuesday daytime: Together @Axel Beach
  • Tuesday night: Muccassassina @Axel Beach

For 2026 the programme has not been published yet.

Key Facts

When did XLSIOR Mykonos first take place?

Founded in 2009, XLSIOR Mykonos was intended to be an international gay circuit festival. Over the years, it has become one of the most iconic LGBTQ+ events worldwide attracting people from all around the world. Each edition brings innovations in programming, visual storytelling, and destination-focused design emphasizing unity through shared experiences instead of a big parade or marche.

How many visitors to Mykonos Pride?

In 2023, XLSIOR drew an estimated 30,000 participants from across the globe. The festival is expected to grow each year and in 2026 30,000–35,000 attendees can be expected.

What is the theme of the Festival this year?

In 2025 the theme was “XLSIOR celebrates the power of YOU”.

Other Tips

Accommodation and flights are at their most expensive and scarce during this period. Booking months ahead is necessary, both because of the festival and the general August peak.

For more information, check the official Mykonos XLSIOR Festival Website. For more Pride Events in Europe check the overview of Pride Events in Europe.