Party on! The very best Pride celebrations around the world

Rainbow flags? Packed. Travel playlist? Curated. Out-of-office? On. Whether you’re marching in your first parade or chasing Pride season like it’s your summer sport, we’ve rounded up 14 cities that turn the dial all the way up on love, visibility, and all-around epic vibes. Let’s go global — with glitter and plenty of gayness of course.

Think of Pride like a global festival tour — except instead of headline acts, it’s packed with community heroes, unapologetic self-expression, and dancefloors that just don’t quit. From beachside parades to skyscraper raves, Pride isn’t just about the party (though, yes please). It’s about visibility. About taking up space. About being seen, and celebrated, exactly as you are — whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum or are just an all-important ally. And while no two Prides are the same, the energy is always electric.

We’ve circled the globe to bring you 14 Pride celebrations that turn the streets into catwalks, clubs into safe havens, and cities into living, breathing love letters to the LGBTQIA+ community. So, passport ready? Let’s get stuck in!

Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland Pride doesn’t wait around — it launches out of the blocks in February, giving it the honour of kicking off the global Pride season with a Kiwi twist. The city throws out the rainbow carpet with a month-long programme of events across art, activism, music, and more.

The aptly-named Big Gay Out is a mainstage highlight: a one-day outdoor extravaganza with drag, live music, and every shade of fabulous under the sun. Plus, the community-led Pride March replaces traditional floats with placards, passion, and power — reminding everyone this is still a protest.

Can’t-miss moment: Dancing under the stars at the queer block party in Karangahape Road, aka K’Road — Auckland’s rainbow-streaked cultural hub.

Sydney, Australia

If cities were queens, Sydney would be the one that struts in heels across cobblestones without blinking. Home to one of the biggest Pride events in the world — headlined by icons like Kylie Minogue — Sydney Mardi Gras is pure spectacle. Running from mid-February to early March, this is not your average parade. Think: stadium-scale opening night, pool parties with DJs that never sleep, and over 200 events celebrating queer excellence.

Bonus? In 2023, Sydney hosted WorldPride — cementing its place in the global queer hall of fame. But even without the international spotlight, this city knows how to throw a party with purpose, every day of the week.

Can’t-miss moment: Watching the Mardi Gras Parade from a rooftop bar in Surry Hills — cocktail in hand, sequins on point.

Seoul, South Korea

Seoul might not be the first place you think of for Pride — but trust us, it very much should be. South Korea’s queer community is vibrant, vocal, and fiercely proud — and the Seoul Queer Culture Festival is a testament to that. Held in June, this one-day event (plus a growing roster of side activities) fills Seoul Plaza with music, booths, performances, and thousands of protest-dancing people.

The backdrop? Conservative politics and ongoing pushback. Which only makes it more powerful. Here, Pride is a protest with a pulse — and a good time of course.

Can’t-miss moment: Post-march karaoke in Hongdae, where the lyrics may be K-pop, but the vibe is pure queer joy.

London, UK

London Pride is less ‘stiff upper lip’ and more ‘glitter-covered dance break by the lions of Trafalgar Square’. Usually held in late June or early July, it’s one of the UK’s biggest and most diverse celebrations — drawing over a million people to the capital for a full day of parades, protests, performances, and people-watching.

The parade winds its way from Hyde Park to Whitehall, but the city-wide energy is where the real magic happens. Soho turns into one old big street party, queer pubs spill out onto cobblestones, and there’s always a pop-up voguing battle just around the corner.

Can’t-miss moment: That moment on Oxford Street when the DJ drops a queer anthem (probably Robyn Dancing on My Own), confetti fills the air, and people get down on the pavement. It should be noted that after-parties sell out fast — book in advance, or follow the crowds to Vauxhall for after-hours mayhem until 6am.

New York City, USA

You can’t talk about global Pride without a bow to NYC—where bricks thrown at Stonewall sparked a worldwide movement and the start of ‘Pride’ as we know it. Today, New York’s Pride Month (June) is less one event, more a city-wide takeover of rainbow flags, activism, drag brunches, rooftop raves, and beautifully chaotic subway rides full of glitter.

NYC Pride March is the headline act — drawing millions and winding through Manhattan with more sequins, sound systems, and signs than you can count. But the real joy? The pockets of Pride happening across boroughs. Brooklyn has its own march. Harlem hosts powerful events honouring Black and trans communities. Oh and ahem Queens can get loud.

Can’t-miss moment: Standing in front of the Stonewall Inn, surrounded by a sea of people who came to party, protest, remember, and dance like the cops aren’t watching (because this time, they’re not). Make sure you stay for Pride Island — a massive waterfront music fest that serves serious energy, major headliners, and skyline selfies for days.

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s Pride scene is proof that power doesn’t always have to shout. In a city known for its futuristic skyline and unmatched fashion game, Tokyo Rainbow Pride is a vibrant, joyful, and defiant celebration of queer life in Japan — mixing culture, community and catwalk energy all in one excellent package.

Held in April when the famous cherry trees are bloomin’, the main event is centred in Yoyogi Park, with a weekend-long festival of music, food trucks, advocacy booths, and pop-up performances. The Pride Parade itself winds through the major commercial centre of Shibuya — where waving your rainbow flag outside a UNIQLO isn’t just allowed, it’s encouraged.

While LGBTQIA+ rights still face challenges in Japan (same-sex marriage isn’t yet legal here), the energy here is hopeful, fierce, and growing louder every year.

Can’t-miss moment: Post-parade hangs in Ni-chome (Tokyo’s queer district), where you’ll find everything from gender-inclusive izakayas to basement drag shows that feel like a secret you’ve been lucky enough to unearth.

Toronto, Canada

Toronto doesn’t do things by halves — and Pride is no exception. This is one of the largest Pride celebrations in North America, drawing over 2 million people every June for a full month of unapologetic joy, fierce activism, and street party energy that spills across every postcode (and onto every patio).

The hub is Church-Wellesley Village, the city’s historic queer neighbourhood — where the rainbow crosswalks stay painted year-round, and every bar, gallery, and café gets in on the action. But come Pride weekend? The whole city glows.

There are three parades: the Trans March (Friday), the Dyke March (Saturday), and the main Pride Parade (Sunday), all championing visibility, protest, and community power. It’s a weekend of megawatt drag, rooftop DJ sets, and pure emotional high.

Can’t-miss moment: Dancing shoulder-to-shoulder at the Treehouse Party — an open-air blowout with skyline views, shirtless energy, and a beat that really doesn’t quit. You should also make sure you check out the queer-run galleries and film screenings during Pride Month for a deeper dive into the city’s cultural core.

Brighton, UK

Brighton doesn’t do low-key — and thank the queer gods for that. Known as the UK’s unofficial gay capital, this seaside city throws one of the wildest, warmest, and most colourful Pride celebrations in the country. Think: feathers flying in the sea breeze, bare-chested dancing on the promenade, and a crowd so friendly you’ll forget you came alone.

Brighton & Hove Pride happens every August, and it’s more than just a parade — it’s a full-blown weekend takeover. You’ve got the Community Parade, the epic Fabuloso in the Park music festival (past headliners: Britney, Kylie, Xtina, Mariah et al), and queer pop-ups in every pub, club, and vegan café from Kemptown to Hove. It’s loud, proud, politically charged and sea-salty in the best possible way.

Can’t-miss moment: Dancing at a beach afterparty while someone in a feather boa hands you a can for some liquid sustenance. Pro tip: Book accommodation early — Brighton Pride weekend sells out faster than a Ru Paul’s Drag Race tour. If you’re stuck, consider staying in nearby Lewes, Hove or Shoreham and training or bussing in.

Manchester, UK

If Brighton is the UK’s queer beach retreat, then Manchester is the gritty, big city sibling that’s been fighting the good fight and throwing the best parties for decades. And with one of the oldest LGBTQIA+ scenes in the country, it’s no surprise that Manchester Pride is one of the world’s most beloved events.

Taking over the August bank holiday, the city’s Gay Village becomes the beating heart of the action — spilling out from the notorious Canal Street into a maze of live stages with acts like Ariana Grande strutting their stuff, drag royalty, and dance tents so packed they defy physics. Add in the Parade, Youth Pride, Superbia arts festival, and the deeply moving Candlelit Vigil — an event to remember those we have lost to HIV and other causes — and you’ve got a weekend that blends protest with party like only Manchester can.

Can’t-miss moment: Watching the candlelit vigil in Sackville Gardens surrounded by thousands, shoulder-to-shoulder in silence, under twinkling fairy lights to remember those we have lost due to HIV and Aids. Goosebumps in a word. You also can’t miss the village markets on Community Street — a pop-up dream of queer zines, handmade merch, vegan eats, and vintage finds. Winner, winner.

Madrid, Spain

If you thought that Spain was just about siestas and tapas, Madrid Pride (AKA Orgullo Gay de Madrid or La Noche de Patos) is here to blow that theory wide open folks. Taking place in late June to early July, this is one of Europe’s largest Pride celebrations, drawing over two million revellers and turning the city into a technicolour playground of protest, culture, and all-night street dancing.

The epicentre is Chueca, Madrid’s queer neighbourhood, where rainbow flags hang from every balcony and pop-up bars flow like, well, sangria. But this isn’t just a big old party (though that plays a big part)... it’s a full week of activism, open-air concerts, drag marathons, and a Saturday parade that winds through the heart of the city with floats, feathers, and full-body paint that still won’t come off by Monday.

Can’t-miss moment: The post-parade street party in Plaza de España, where you’ll find world-class DJs, spontaneous kisses, and attractive guys dancing in harnesses like it’s their full-time job. And honestly? It might well be… You should be aware that Madrid doesn’t sleep during Pride — literally. Stock up on late-night snacks, drink loads of water, and embrace the 6am dancefloor like the locals do. Then siesta like a pro. Naturally.

São Paulo, Brazil

If Pride had a global leaderboard, then Brazil’s powerhouse city São Paulo would be sitting comfortably at the top — with a feathered headdress and a megaphone. Regularly drawing upwards of 4 million people, São Paulo Pride is officially the biggest Pride parade in the world — and it’s every bit as fabulous as it sounds.

Held in June, the parade turns Avenida Paulista, the city’s main business street, into a glitter-soaked, body-painted runway of resistance and celebration. Expect DJs on moving trucks (called ‘trios elétricos’), themed floats, rainbow smoke, and dance breaks that start mid-march and don’t stop until the sun’s down and pretty much back up again.

This isn’t just a party either — it’s power. With Brazil’s complex political climate around LGBTQIA+ rights, Pride here is fierce, defiant, and deeply necessary. And also? Completely unforgettable.

Can’t-miss moment: Standing on Avenida Paulista, surrounded by millions — yes, literal millions — of people moving, dancing, chanting, and waving flags as far as the eye can see. Pro tip: Hydrate like your life depends on it (because it kind of does), pack light but bright, and follow the after-parties to Rua Augusta.

Taipei, Taiwan

If you’re looking for the Pride celebration in Asia, then Taipei is it. Taiwan became the first country in Asia to legalise same-sex marriage in 2019, and its capital has been throwing open the closet doors with confetti ever since. Held every October, Taipei Pride is bold, beautiful, and the largest LGBTQIA+ event in the region — with over 200,000 people taking to the streets in a show of unity, joy, and political power.

The energy here is electric. Rainbow flags wave alongside traditional lanterns. Floats roll past with K-pop beats and hand-painted protest signs. And the city turns into a patchwork of night markets, drag shows, rooftop raves, and neon-lit noodle runs. Plus, you’ve got the rest of Taiwan on your doorstep too — think fantastic hiking, beautiful national parks, fantastic food, and hot springs. Great for soaking away that hangover…

Can’t-miss moment: Standing at the start of the parade outside Taipei City Hall, looking down at a sea of rainbow-clad marchers stretching all the way to the soaring Taipei 101. Best pack your camera… P.S. Taiwan’s queer scene doesn’t clock out after October. Stick around after for queer film festivals, underground drag nights in Ximen, and LGBTQIA+ cafés where latte art comes with a side of activism.

Berlin, Germany

In Berlin, Pride doesn’t just mean one event—it’s a whole season of them. The main celebration is Christopher Street Day (CSD) Berlin, held in late July, but don’t be fooled by the name. This is Berlin. It’s never just one day. It’s a full-blown month of marches, protests, club nights, art installations, queer film fests, open-air everything, and a city-wide glow-up in all the colours of the rainbow.

The CSD Parade itself winds through Berlin’s streets with political floats, activist speeches, DJs, dancers, and a crowd that brings equal parts style and substance. Berlin’s Pride isn’t just about partying — it’s a platform for serious protest, with trans rights, anti-racism, and refugee solidarity all front and centre. But also… the afterparty is probably in a warehouse. Or a forest. Or a combination of both. This is Berlin after all…

Can’t-miss moment: Watching a float blasting techno glide past the Reichstag while a 70-year-old queer activist in fishnets fist-bumps a group of Gen Zers in mesh and eyeliner. It’s that beautifully Berlin moment where generations, identities, and protest signs all move in sync. Pro-tip: Berlin’s club scene is legendary for a reason. Extend your Pride weekend and experience a queer night at Sisyphos, Kit Kat, or Berghain — if you can get in of course.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam has never been shy about flying the rainbow flag — and come late July to early August, the entire city transforms into one big open-air love fest. But what sets Amsterdam Pride apart from all the others? Well, that would be the Canal Parade: an actual float parade… on boats. Think drag queens on barges, leather daddies and bears under drawbridges, and thousands lining the canals, cheering, dancing, and dangling rainbow flags from 17th-century windows. The vibe? Full joy. Zero judgement. And enough orange Aperol spritz to hydrate a continent.

Can’t-miss moment: When the sun hits just right and a boat full of brightly-clad revellers floats past the Magere Brug bridge to the sound of a beloved pop diva. The vibe is also poppin’ on Reguliersdwarsstraat — the city’s iconic queer street, where the bars spill out onto the cobblestones and the party doesn’t end until the trams start running again in the wee hours.

So, ready to swap your local dancefloor for one halfway across the world? Here at JENZA, you can work, travel and live in some of the most iconic Pride cities on the planet — and experience real connection, culture, and community along the way. So best pack those dancing shoes!