With the celebrations approaching fast, Zaandam and its surrounding areas are already gearing up for the festivities. The official ZaanPride posters, flyers, and detailed program folders have been printed and are ready to be shared. You can pick up the program completely free of charge at Zaansch Faam and Younithy. Want to proudly display your colors from your own home or balcony? You can also pick up the official Zaanse Regenboogvlag at these same locations. For those wanting something extra special, the exclusive De Zaanse Regenboog (DZR) flag is available for €15.
The dedicated ZaanPride volunteer committee has organized an incredibly diverse lineup of events catering to every part of our beautiful LGBTQ+ community. An extra special addition to the opening day program is the official unveiling of the region's second "Social Sofa" rainbow bench. This beautifully crafted mosaic bench serves as a permanent, year-round symbol of queer inclusion and safety. The unveiling will take place in the aptly named Regenboogwijk (Rainbow Neighborhood) of Zaandam on Friday, June 5 at 14:30, right on the corner of JI de Haanstraat, Bob Angelostraat, and John Blankensteinstraat.
Of course, that is just the beginning. The ten-day festival builds up to the much-anticipated Main Pride Day on Saturday, June 13, featuring the vibrant Zaanse Regenboogparade, a lively queer market, and spectacular street parties. Whether you want to connect with others during a queer sound bath meditation, sing your heart out at karaoke, enjoy some queer cinema, or dance into the early hours at a techno afterparty, ZaanPride 2026 has a space for you to shine.
Full ZaanPride 2026 Program
Mark your calendars! Grab your friends, your chosen family, and your finest Pride outfits. Here is the complete overview of all the wonderful events happening during the ZaanPride week:
Friday, June 5
- 12:00 - 13:00: Opening ZaanPride-week – Official flag raising at Stadhuis Zaanstad.
- 14:30: Unveiling of the 2nd Social Sofa rainbow bench (Corner JI de Haanstraat / Bob Angelostraat / John Blankensteinstraat).
- 16:00 - 22:00: Sponsor Benefiet Dinnershow featuring Ritchie, Miss Beulah, Nel Koops, Miss Blue, and Silicone Kitty at Eve FoodClub & Bar.
Saturday, June 6
- 15:00 - 16:30: Transcast Special – 'Tangles' with Yvonne Mandigers at FluXus.
- 16:30 - 19:00: Miss Blue's Karaoke Show at FluXus.
- 19:00 - 23:00: ZaanPride Jongerenfeest (Youth Party) with Relics, Deviant Norm, Trasha Roses & DJ Jess at Poppodium De Kade.
Sunday, June 7
- 11:00 - 13:30: Pride Bike Ride through Zaanstad, starting at De Bullekerk.
- 14:30 - 15:30: Roze Viering 'United We Shine' at Kogerkerk, Koog aan de Zaan.
- 16:00 - 17:00: Indie Playground featuring Fac191 at Café Het Pand.
- 20:00 - 22:00: Film screening: Jimpa (a touching drama about queer identity and parenthood) at Filmtheater De Fabriek.
Monday, June 8
- 19:00 - 22:00: ZaanPride Reception featuring live music by duo Defying Melody at FluXus.
Tuesday, June 9
- 10:30 - 12:00: Mens Durftleven morning gathering at Zorgcirkel Saenden.
- Evening: TransScreen film premiere of Gewoon René & Kus kus beng beng at Filmtheater De Fabriek.
Wednesday, June 10
- 15:00 - 16:00: ZaanPride Voorleesfest (Reading festival) at libraries in Wormer, Krommenie & Zaandam.
- 19:00 - 22:00: ZaanPride Bingo at Teasers.
Thursday, June 11
- 13:00 - 14:30: Queer Klankschaalmeditatie (Sound bowl meditation) at De Lichtplaats.
- From 15:00: Croquet, Dinner & Rico's Karaoke Show at BIND.
Friday, June 12
- 20:00 - 22:30: ABBA Tribute 'Dancing Queens' at De Bullekerk.
Saturday, June 13 (Main Pride Day)
- 12:00 (Gathering) / 13:00 (Start): De Zaanse Regenboogparade starting from Stadhuisplein.
- 14:00 - 17:00: ZaanPride Queermarkt at Plein Zaantheater.
- 14:00 - 17:00: ZaanPride Main Event featuring Ryann, Sevoy, Ritchie, Prestige, A.J., and Heartstone at the Zaantheater.
- 14:00 - Late: ZaanPride Streetparty at Damstraatje (DJs start at 14:00, Podium acts from 17:00).
- 22:30 - 04:00: ZaanPride Official Afterparty – Queer House & Techno at Poppodium De Kade.
Sunday, June 14
- 13:00 - 15:00: Roze Dames Wandel Club – Lente Wandeling Twiske (Spring Walk), starting at Sporthal Oostzaan.
All of June
- Ongoing: Exhibition 'Boeken Uit De Kast' (Books Out of the Closet) at local libraries in Zaandam and Krommenie.
Whether you're a long-time resident of the Zaan region or traveling in from elsewhere in the Netherlands to celebrate, we encourage everyone to join in and make this week unforgettable. Don't forget to grab your free physical program folder at Zaansch Faam or Younithy, and let's show the world that Together We Shine. Happy ZaanPride!
