Cologne celebrates variety: Cologne Pride starts with colorful events!

Cologne celebrates variety: Cologne Pride starts with colorful events!

Cologne will be shaped by a colorful kaleidoscope at events that are unparalleled in the Queeren Community. On June 23, 2025, the Cologne Pride , one of the largest pride events in Europe, which lasts until July 6th. During this time, the Cologne team await: Inside more than 1 million visitors who under the official motto "For queer rights - many. Together. Strong!" come together. The highlight of the festival will be the three -day street festival in the old town, which begins on July 4th and ends with the great Christopher Street Day Parade on July 6th.

The street festival offers a varied program with live music, comedy shows and discussion groups, distributed on several stages in the old town, including at the hayarkt and old market. The Cologne Pride has a long tradition that dates back to the early 1980s and was officially organized in 1991. The name day "Christopher Street Day" is reminiscent of the 1969 Stonewall trouble, a turning point in the history of the LGBTQ+rights.

diverse events and insights

The first festival day is accompanied by an Aperol flea market on the newly opened "Cologne Pride Beach", admission is free. The Philosophfestival Phil.Cologne will also take place on Monday evening, while in the meantime in the Jood Lade stand-up comedy is on the program. The Pride Beach itself will be a popular starting point, perfect for everyone who wants to enjoy the atmosphere of the festival without having to dig deep into their pockets.

The events in Calendar Week 26 are as diverse as the Cologne population. Tuesday evening jazz is offered in the summer garden in the Artheater, while Wednesday in Odonia is characterized by electronic music. And the program continues with an evening market "Meet & Eat" on Thursday and a after -work market on Friday on Chlodwigplatz.

the cultural framework

A special cultural highlight during the festival is the exhibition "Life Sex Love" in the Biesenbach gallery. This deals with topics such as closeness, anonymity and longings and focuses on the queer life, with opening vernissage on June 27th. The exhibition runs until the end of August and offers visitors the opportunity to deal with the emotional facets of interpersonal relationships. Works by well -known artists such as Rebecca Bournigault and Max Gehlofen can be seen.

and for fans of vintage and second-hand fashion there are several flea markets at the weekend that promise a great bargain offer. The highlight is the Edelbazar in the Lutherkirche, which is open on Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Cologne is not only known for its cultural diversity, but is also estimated as the LGBTQ+most-friendly city in Germany. The mix of celebrations, events and cultural experiences will make the coming week an unforgettable event for the entire city. Even if an explosion in the “Saman” restaurant in Kalk caused excitement last week, the Cologne Pride offers a platform to celebrate the positive togetherness and celebrate diversity.