Pride Calendar: The Best Prides to Attend Worldwide

Traveling to attend LGBTQ+ Pride events is an incredible way to celebrate love, diversity, and community while experiencing the unique culture of each destination. For queer women travelers, these events offer the perfect opportunity to connect, explore, and create unforgettable memories. Here’s a month-by-month guide to some of the best Pride events around the world, complete with insider tips and must-attend festivities that are especially welcoming for LGBTQ+ women.

January – Sydney Pride Festival (Sydney, Australia)

Why Go: Kick off the year with the vibrant Sydney Pride Festival, a month-long event that celebrates inclusivity and culture. Known for its arts, workshops, and community events, Sydney Pride is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Australia’s LGBTQ+ scene.

Insider Tip: Pair your visit with a beach day at Bondi Beach and explore Newtown’s LGBTQ+ friendly cafes and boutiques for a full experience.

February – Cape Town Pride (Cape Town, South Africa)

Why Go: Cape Town Pride offers a lively mix of parades, beach parties, and community events. This celebration is known for its welcoming vibe and picturesque backdrop of Table Mountain.

Insider Tip: Join an LGBTQ+ group hike up Table Mountain or explore the De Waterkant district, which is known for its queer-friendly cafes and bars.

March – Mardi Gras Parade (Sydney, Australia)

Why Go: Sydney’s Mardi Gras is one of the most famous LGBTQ+ celebrations in the world, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe. Known for its dazzling parade, vibrant parties, and inclusive atmosphere, this is a must-visit for queer women looking to join in the excitement.

Insider Tip: Arrive a few days early to experience Fair Day, a family-friendly LGBTQ+ picnic and fair that marks the start of Mardi Gras.

April – Tokyo Rainbow Pride (Tokyo, Japan)

Why Go: Tokyo Rainbow Pride is growing rapidly and offers a unique blend of Japanese culture and LGBTQ+ celebration. The event includes parades, performances, and panel discussions, centered in the Shibuya district.

Insider Tip: Visit Shinjuku Ni-Chome, Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ district, to experience queer-friendly bars and cafes and meet local queer women.

May – Velvet Ibiza (Ibiza, Spain)

Why Go: Velvet Ibiza is a week-long LGBTQ+ women’s festival that combines the party atmosphere of Ibiza with the comfort of an all-lesbian space. Enjoy beach parties, poolside DJ sets, and sunset dinners with fellow queer women from across Europe.

Insider Tip: Book accommodations early, as the island gets busy during this time, and check out local LGBTQ+ friendly spots like Lola’s for after-parties.

June – New York City Pride (New York, USA)

Why Go: NYC Pride is the event that started it all. With its historic significance, vibrant parade, and multitude of events, it’s a bucket-list Pride experience for any LGBTQ+ traveler. The city comes alive with celebrations that honor the legacy of the Stonewall Riots.

Insider Tip: Head to the iconic Stonewall Inn for a drink and some history. Don’t miss the Dyke March, a protest march that centers on queer women’s voices and solidarity.

July – Madrid Pride (Madrid, Spain)

Why Go: Madrid Pride, known locally as Orgullo, is one of the biggest LGBTQ+ events in Europe, attracting millions each year. The celebrations include street parties, concerts, and a massive parade in the heart of Chueca, Madrid’s gay district.

Insider Tip: Stay in Chueca to be at the center of the action and check out popular lesbian bars like Fulanita de Tal.

August – Amsterdam Canal Pride (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Why Go: Amsterdam’s Pride parade is one-of-a-kind, featuring floats that sail through the city’s famous canals. With a relaxed atmosphere and open-minded culture, this event is perfect for LGBTQ+ women looking to celebrate in a unique setting.

Insider Tip: Reserve a spot along the canal early in the day for the best view. Visit the Homomonument to honor LGBTQ+ rights while you’re in the city.

September – Curacao Pride (Willemstad, Curacao)

Why Go: For sun and celebration, Curacao Pride is the perfect blend of Caribbean charm and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Enjoy a week of parades, parties, and beach events in a tropical setting known for its colorful architecture and welcoming atmosphere.

Insider Tip: Visit Mambo Beach for the ultimate Pride party experience and explore local LGBTQ+ friendly cafes for laid-back afternoons.

October – Women’s Week (Provincetown, Massachusetts, USA)

Why Go: Women’s Week in Provincetown is one of the most iconic events for LGBTQ+ women in the United States. It features a full lineup of comedy shows, live music, and art events set in a picturesque seaside town.

Insider Tip: Book your accommodations well in advance and explore P-Town’s art galleries and beaches between events.

November – Rio de Janeiro Pride (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Why Go: Rio’s Pride event combines the city’s vibrant culture with its iconic celebrations. Held on Copacabana Beach, Rio Pride is an outdoor festival that features live music, parades, and a celebration of diversity that feels as spirited as Carnival.

Insider Tip: Visit Ipanema Beach and the Christ the Redeemer statue to make the most of your trip.

December – Puerto Vallarta Pride (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)

Why Go: Close out the year in the warm embrace of Puerto Vallarta’s LGBTQ+ community. Known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, this Pride event includes parades, live performances, and plenty of social events.

Insider Tip: Stay in the Zona Romántica for easy access to the best queer-friendly spots and visit Playa Los Muertos for beachside fun.

Final Thoughts: Your Year-Long Celebration of Pride

Traveling for Pride events is about more than just celebration—it’s about embracing community, connection, and the freedom to be yourself. From Ibiza’s beach parties to the historic streets of New York, these Pride events offer unforgettable experiences for LGBTQ+ women looking to explore the world and connect with like-minded individuals.

Join Us for Unforgettable LGBTQ+ Women’s Travel Experiences Ready to explore the world with like-minded queer women? Join Ladies Touch Travel’s LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Trips and attend these iconic Pride events as part of an inclusive, safe, and joyful community. Book your next adventure today!

Queer Travel Bucket List: Must-Visit LGBTQ+ Friendly Cities

Traveling as part of the LGBTQ+ community should be a joyful and safe experience, no matter where you go. From vibrant Pride celebrations to rich cultural histories that champion inclusivity, certain cities stand out as must-visit destinations for queer travelers. Whether you're looking for adventure, romance, or simply a welcoming community, here are some of the top LGBTQ+ friendly cities that should be on your travel bucket list!

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has long been recognized as one of the most LGBTQ+ inclusive cities in the world. With its rich history of tolerance and progressive policies, it’s a must-visit for queer travelers. The city’s Pride event is one of the largest in Europe, featuring the famous Canal Parade that draws visitors from across the globe. For nightlife, visit Club NYX, a queer club known for its multi-level dance floors and themed nights. During the day, stop by Saarein—a cozy, queer-women-owned bar. LGBTQ+ visitors can find accommodation at The Golden Bear Hotel, a long-standing LGBTQ+ friendly hotel.

Highlight: Don’t miss the Homomonument, a tribute to LGBTQ+ people who have faced oppression and injustice, located near the Anne Frank House.

2. San Francisco, USA

No queer travel bucket list would be complete without mentioning San Francisco, often considered the heart of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The Castro District is famous for its colorful streets, historic significance, and welcoming vibes for travelers. Bars like Twin Peaks Tavern, known as the first gay bar with full-length open windows, and The Lookout are staples in the community. For accommodation, try the Parker Guest House, an LGBTQ+-owned guesthouse in the heart of the Castro. Enjoy fantastic dining experiences at Orphan Andy’s, a beloved LGBTQ+-friendly diner.

Highlight: Walk through the Castro and visit the GLBT History Museum to learn more about the roots of the LGBTQ+ movement.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin’s dynamic, progressive culture makes it one of the best cities for LGBTQ+ travelers seeking both history and nightlife. For a legendary night out, head to Berghain, often called the world’s best nightclub and home to some of the most inclusive parties. LGBTQ+ travelers will also love Schwuz, one of Berlin’s oldest gay clubs. When it comes to dining, try RosaCaleta, a queer-friendly Jamaican-German fusion restaurant. You can stay at the LGBTQ+-friendly Axel Hotel Berlin, located in the heart of the Schöneberg district, Berlin's gay district.

Highlight: Visit the Schwules Museum, one of the world’s first museums dedicated to LGBTQ+ history and culture.

4. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town stands out as a beacon of LGBTQ+ inclusivity on the African continent. The city’s Pride celebrations, held in February and March, bring together a lively and diverse queer community. Green Point and De Waterkant neighborhoods offer vibrant LGBTQ+ friendly spots like Beefcakes, a drag-themed burger bar with fun shows, and Café Manhattan, known for its lively atmosphere and queer crowd. If you're looking for a place to stay, check out the Radisson RED Cape Town, a modern hotel that’s popular with LGBTQ+ travelers.

Highlight: Hike up Table Mountain for breathtaking views, or visit Camps Bay for an inclusive beach vibe.

5. Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a rising star in the LGBTQ+ travel scene, and the annual Tokyo Rainbow Pride event is one of the largest in Asia. For LGBTQ+ nightlife, Ni-Chome in the Shinjuku district is where you’ll find the largest concentration of gay bars and clubs in Asia, like the popular Campy! Bar—run by drag queens—or the legendary Dragon Men nightclub. LGBTQ+ friendly accommodation is available at Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, located near the vibrant nightlife.

Highlight: Experience the modern energy of Shibuya Crossing and explore Ni-Chome, Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ district.

6. Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is a sprawling metropolis that embraces its LGBTQ+ community with open arms. Known for its vibrant arts scene, rich history, and progressive policies, it’s a growing hotspot for queer travelers. Zona Rosa is the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, featuring iconic spots like La Purísima, Club Roshell, and the karaoke-favorite Cabaretito Fusión. If you’re looking for a queer-friendly stay, try Hotel Geneve in Zona Rosa, a hotel that is both historic and inclusive.

Highlight: Spend your evenings in Zona Rosa’s vibrant LGBTQ+ bars, or take a walk through the stunning Chapultepec Park during the day.

7. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona’s sun-kissed beaches, lively culture, and inclusive atmosphere make it an ideal destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. The city’s Eixample district, also known as "Gaixample," offers a variety of bars, clubs, and cafes that cater to the queer community. Enjoy cocktails at La Federica or hit the dancefloor at Sala Apolo, a popular LGBTQ+ club. For a more relaxing vibe, visit Mar Bella Beach, known for its inclusive, queer-friendly atmosphere. Stay at Axel Hotel Barcelona, a popular LGBTQ+ friendly hotel.

Highlight: Relax on Barcelona’s Mar Bella beach, or head to Arena Madre for a lively night out.

Ready to Join the Celebration?

Why wait until June to celebrate Pride? Join one of Ladies Touch Travel's LGBTQ+ women's group trips and travel the world in an inclusive, safe, and empowering environment. Whether you're attending one of the many Pride events or simply looking to explore new places with queer women, we've got you covered.

Contact us today to book your spot and start making unforgettable memories with your new chosen family!