Gay-friendly festivals attract thousands of gay tourists from all around the world. There are popular gay-friendly festivals in Europe and here is a list of them.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam has a reputation for being one of Europe’s most LGBTQ-friendly cities. It’s home to a number of gay-friendly music festivals, such as Way Out West in June and Pride in August. During the former, you’ll be exposed to the best of European music, centered around sustainability, while Pride is a celebration of diversity that attracts half a million participants and spectators.
The city’s most famous LGBTQ events are the Pride parade in August and the canal parade during which decorated boats sail down the streets. Other popular events include the Roze Filmdagen in March and King’s Day (Koningsdag) on April 27th (or the 26th if it falls on a Sunday).
The capital also hosts leather and fetish events like the annual Leather Pride and RAPIDO. The latter is a huge party for all sexualities and gender identities, with crowded dance floors. For more erotic pleasures, head to the Mr B shop where you’ll find a large selection of rubber, leather and sex toys. The shop has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere, so feel free to ask questions or try out different items.
Gothenburg
A proud working-class port city, Gothenburg is a hotspot for the arts, culture and cuisine. The local community is pretty accepting of the LGBTQI community, with new gay bars and clubs popping up all the time. The city is also home to the LGBT-friendly festival West Pride, usually held in June. This is a huge event featuring great parties and a parade.
This is one of the biggest LGBT events in Europe and offers a fun atmosphere with lots to see and do. The pride parade typically starts at Gibraltarvallen and proceeds down Viktor Rydbergs gatan, Gotaplatsen, and Kungsportsavenyn before ending at Baltespannarparken.
Another popular event is the music festival Way Out West, which features summer’s best international acts. Expect over-the-top costumes and an incredible lineup of bands that will make for a memorable experience.
Mykonos
The Greek island of Mykonos is a favorite destination for gay travelers who are looking for hedonistic joy. Tempting beaches, desirable Mediterranean weather, luxury white-washed hotels, and the infamous nightlife that goes from sunset to sunrise make it a must-visit.
Xlsior Gay Festival Mykonos 2022 is one of the most exclusive international gay summer festivals in the world, launched in 2009. It attracts around 30,000 gay men from all over the globe to Mykonos for an unforgettable week-long experience connected through the universal language of music – and lots of hot sexy guys!
Located on the waterfront close to the popular church cruising spot, At54 is an in-favorite gay bar in Mykonos. This trendy space with laid-back lounge details, delicious cocktails and eclectic decor is a perfect place to mingle and meet new friends. There are also a number of theme parties throughout the season that draw in even more visitors.
Ireland
The Irish capital of Dublin has a lively gay scene with plenty to see and do. It’s one of the most gay-friendly cities in Europe, and it’s home to several LGBT-themed festivals.
In addition to Pride parades, the city also has numerous bars and clubs that host dance parties, saunas, and drag cabarets. During Pride, you can enjoy a variety of events at the famous Mother nightclub, where club music like disco and house plays all day and into the early morning.
Outside of Dublin, Galway is another gay-friendly city with a vibrant scene. It doesn’t have a designated gay district, but you can easily find LGBTQ-friendly establishments by looking for Pride flags outside the doors.
The city’s most well-known LGBTQ bar is PantiBar, which hosts a variety of events throughout the week. Its main floor has a boisterous party atmosphere, while the downstairs lounge is more intimate and quieter. The bar has a variety of drink options and offers an array of performances and events, including cabarets and karaoke. The club is open daily from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Sweden
Often regarded as one of Europe’s most gay-friendly countries, Sweden has made tremendous strides in LGBTQ+ rights over the past few decades. At a local level, this includes gender-neutral wedding laws, improved healthcare for transgender people, and, on a larger scale, efforts to help refugees fleeing persecution in their home countries.
The capital Stockholm hosts a major Pride festival each year, transforming the city into a massive party. It’s also a great base for exploring Sweden’s gorgeous archipelago and countryside. On the west coast, Gothenburg holds a similar event called West Pride.
RFSL, the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights, runs Stockholm Pride alongside a host of other LGBTQI organizations. Together, they work to provide events, campaigns, information, and support – including international outreach. The city is also known for its liberal attitudes and its many LGBT-friendly hotels, bars, and restaurants. Among them is Moxy, a queer women’s club that spins euro-dance vibes. In addition, the Cinema Queer international film festival showcases films that challenge heteronormative norms.
