2026 marks the nineteenth (19th) edition of Antwerp Pride. From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, Antwerp in Belgium will once again be taken over by rainbow vibes. Prides are a mix of celebration – parties – and activism and advocacy. For the 2026 edition, the organising committee focuses on fearing less and being fearless.
Antwerp’s city centre will host a series of additional events and activities during Antwerp Pride, extending the celebrations beyond the official programme into shopping streets and public squares.
From Wednesday 5 to Sunday 9 August, local business organisation Beleef Antwerpen, in partnership with the City of Antwerp, will organise a range of Pride-themed activities aimed at bringing a festive and inclusive atmosphere to the city’s commercial districts.
Rainbow decorations across the city
Throughout Pride Week, rainbow flags will be displayed in shopping neighbourhoods across Antwerp. Retailers and hospitality businesses can also collect free window stickers to show that their premises are welcoming and inclusive spaces. Smaller stickers will be available for businesses to hand out to customers.
Glitter, music and Rainbow Shopping
On Saturday 8 August, several free activities will take place across the city centre.
Visitors to the Meir will find a mobile glitter bar, a temporary tattoo stand and a Polaroid photo booth.
Kammenstraat, part of the Quartier National fashion neighbourhood, will host a mechanical Pride Rodeo while many shops take part in ‘Rainbow Shopping‘ by decorating their shop windows in rainbow colours.
Meanwhile, Groenplaats will feature a DJ playing a mix of well-known classics and recent hits from a rainbow-themed stage.
Cutfest, returning for its fifth edition, will once again take place on the nearby Vlasmarkt as part of Antwerp Pride’s fringe programme.
‘Everyone is welcome’
Karo Janssens, manager of Beleef Antwerpen, told Gazet van Antwerpen the initiative reflects the city’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
“Antwerp is an open city. Everyone is welcome here. There is no place for discrimination. We are proud of our strong Pride community and our inclusive city. We want that philosophy to be visible throughout Pride Week, together with our retailers and hospitality businesses.”
The additional activities run alongside the official Antwerp Pride programme from 5 to 9 August and are free to attend.
Antwerp Pride 2026-2027
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Beyond Darklands 2027
The latest on LGBTQIA+ events such as prides in Belgium
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