Helsinki Pride
Helsinki Pride is Finland’s largest annual pride event, marking the whole month of June a pride month. The Helsinki Pride Community wants a Finland that not only supports its own citizens but also welcomes those fleeing persecution based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Helsinki Pride Date
While the whole month of June is proclaimed a Pride Month, there is a Pride Week full of pride events the whole week leading up to the parade. The highlight of this is the Pride March.
When is the Helsinki Pride taking place in 2026?
In 2026, the event is scheduled for Saturday, June 27.
Throughout the Pride Week, the Pride House will be open as an event centre, serving as a meeting point for the community, holding performances, workshops and other events all week long. It is located at Hobo Helsinki, Kluuvikatu 4.
Another special feature of Helsinki Pride is its dedicated Youth Pride Week, also taking place the whole week before the parade. It is dedicated to people aged 13 to 25 and offers a wide range of activities to meet new people and connect.
After the parade, there will be the Park Festival, taking place from 1 pm to 9 pm at Kaivopuisto. The event will feature performances by some of the most well-known artists from the LGBTQIA+ community. The main entrance to the Park Festival is located on Neitsytpolku.
Pride Route Helsinki
While the 2026 route does not seem confirmed yet, it is very likely to follow the same path as the last years routes, starting at: Senaatintori (Senate Square) -> Aleksanterinkatu -> Mannerheimintie -> Pohjoisesplanadi -> Fabianinkatu -> Eteläinen Makasiinikatu -> Kasarmikatu -> Neitsytpolku ending at Kaivopuisto.
Helsinki Pride Starting Time
The parade starts at 12 pm. The first part of the parade is expected to arrive at the park of Kaivopuisto around 1 pm. The entire parade’s progress from Senate Square to Kaivopuisto takes approximately three hours. The last part of the parade, is expected to depart from Senaatintori at 2 pm. So, you can arrive at Senate Square anytime between 10:30 am and 2 pm to join.
Key Facts
When did Helsinki Pride first take place?
Pride parades began in Finland in 1981 under the name Vapautuspäivät (Liberation Days), inspired by the Gay Liberation movement. Key events included a Saturday parade, park gathering, and evening party.
In the 1990s, the event grew more festive and in 2000 it was renamed Helsinki Pride. From 2006 it became an annual week-long celebration held every year.
How many visitors to Helsinki pride?
The 2024 parade saw participation from over 100,000 individuals.
What is the theme this year?
In 2025 the theme was: Pride without Borders
For more information, check the official Helsinki Pride Website. For more Pride Events in Europe check the overview of Pride Events in Europe.