Brussels Pride

Brussels Pride is the annual pride event taking place in Belgium’s capital. It features a big parade through the city center, accompanied by various activities to promote LGBTQIA+ rights and inclusivity.

Pride Date Brussels

The Brussels Pride is one of the first prides in Europe’s summer pride season, and usually takes place mid-May.

When is the Brussels Pride taking place in 2026?

In 2026, the event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, which is on the weekend of the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).

Preceding the pride is a whole week of activities, starting May 6 and concluding in the main parade on May 16.

Throughout the week, attendees can participate in various activities, including cultural events, parties, and educational programs. The Pride Village in the city center serves as a hub for these events, offering information stands, entertainment stages, and spaces for community organizations to engage with visitors.

Brussels Pride Route

The Pride Parade is set to start from: Mont des Arts -> Rue Ravenstein -> Rue de Loxum -> Rue d’Arenberg ->Rue de l’Ecuyer -> Rue des Fripiers -> Rue Tabora -> Rue du Midi -> Rue du Lombard -> Place Saint-Jean -> Place de la Vieille Halle aux Blés -> Rue de l’Escalier -> Boulevard de l’Empereur.

Brussels Pride Starting Time

The Parade usually starts at 02:30 pm and concludes around 05:00 pm, transitioning into evening festivities at the Pride Village and other city venues.

Brussels Pride Key Facts

When did Brussels Pride first take place?

Brussels Pride was first held in 1979 as a demonstration march for gay rights. It was initially called “Pink Saturday” (Roze Zaterdag).

After events in various cities, it became an annual celebration in Brussels from 1996, adopting the name Belgian Lesbian and Gay Pride (BLGP) in 1998, and later rebranding to Belgian Pride in 2009.

In 2023, the event evolved into Brussels Pride – The Belgian & European Pride, reflecting increased involvement from the Brussels-Capital Region.

How many visitors to Brussels pride?

The festival attracts approximately up to 200,000 visitors each year.

What is the theme of Brussels Pride this year?

In 2025 the theme was: Unite, time to protect our rights.

Guide to Brussels Pride

Brussels Pride takes place every year in May, making it one of the earliest big pride events in Europe. It’s the perfect way to begin the pride season. May in Brussels usually means mild, pleasant temperatures. It is warm enough to enjoy the outdoors, but cool enough that going around the city feels comfortable.

As one of the first prides in Europe, Brussels Pride is in ideal start to Pride Season.

Why You Should Go

Belgium is one of Europe’s most progressive countries for LGBTQ+ rights, scoring consistently high in equality rankings. Same-sex marriage has been legalized since 2003, adoption rights are recognized, and anti-discrimination protections are well established.

Brussels itself has an impressively dense and vibrant gay nightlife. The city’s Saint-Jacques district is filled with gay bars, clubs, restaurants, sex-positive venues, and community spaces, making it one of the most active queer neighborhoods in Europe.

It’s also home to La Demence, the iconic party series that hosts what is considered the largest gay indoor party in the world once a year in November and smaller parties at club Fuse several times a year.

Practical Information for Participating

Don’t miss the parade start: The parade departs from the area around Place de l’Albertine, which gets extremely crowded due to the Pride Village and the main stage. Not everyone joins the parade once it moves, so make sure you know the departure time and position yourself accordingly if you want to walk with it.
Drinks: You can bring your own drinks. Convenience stores are located along parts of the route, but during Pride you should expect queues.
Floats: Brussels Pride typically has only one float with music, so if you want the best atmosphere, stay close to it.
Crowds: The center becomes extremely busy, especially around Mont des Arts and Rue des Fripiers. A bit of planning makes your day easier.

Where to Stay

For convenience, stay between Gare du Nord and Gare du Midi. Essentially anywhere in the central zone of Brussels would be fine. This gives you easy walking access to the Pride Village, parade route, Saint-Jacques nightlife district, and the main sights.
Public transport does not run all night, and taxis in Brussels are relatively expensive, so staying central saves both money and stress.

How long to Stay

Ideally, plan to stay from at least Thursday to Sunday. Brussels Pride has a full weekend program, and many queer bars and clubs host special events leading up to the Saturday parade. Arriving on Thursday gives you time to settle in, enjoy the nightlife, and make the most out of a long pride weekend.

Looking for a more personal take on what Brussels Pride is really like? Read full Review of Brussels Pride last year to know what to expect in 2026.

Guide to Brussels' Gay Bars and Nightlife

Most of Brussels gay hotspots are densely together in the city center. You have one main gay bar street at Rue du Marché au Charbon.

Those bars at Rue du Marché au Charbon include: Station BXL, Le Baroque, Le Belgica, Le Dolores, Rainbow House, C’est ma tournée and the newest addition BB Bar Brussels.

There is many more gay bars in the city centre of Brussels. Two more highlights to mention are Stammbar and Macho Sauna. Stammbar is a dark, industrial-style bar with a fetish focus. It is known for its darker rooms and themed nights (check their schedule). If you’re into more sex-positive nightlife, this is the place to explore. Macho Sauna is the biggest gay sauna in the centre of Brussels.

Right in the heart of the Saint-Jacques district just steps away from the surrounding gay bars you’ll find the vibrant LGBTQ+ mural designed by German cartoonist Ralf König. Known for his comic books that have portrayed gay life, humour, and stereotypes for more than 30 years. The only urban mural of its kind in Europe, making it a must-see when exploring Brussels’ queer neighbourhood.

For more information, check the official Brussels Pride Website. For more Pride Events in Europe check the overview of Pride Events in Europe.