Helsinki Pride 2025 kicks off from 23 to 30 June with the city ready to host one of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Northern Europe. This year’s message is clear and bold – “Pride Without Borders” – a call to embrace inclusion, justice, and human dignity without limitation.
More than 200 free events are scheduled during the week, making this not just a festival but a movement. The spirit of solidarity extends beyond Finland’s borders, honoring everyone who believes in equality, especially those navigating life as LGBTQ+ asylum seekers, immigrants, or refugees.
The highlight of Helsinki Pride 2025 will be the legendary Pride Parade on Saturday, 28 June. It begins at noon from Senate Square, with over 100,000 people expected to attend. Floats, tuk-tuks, motorcycles, and an accessible rainbow tram will bring color and movement through the heart of the city.
The parade will end at the Park Festival in Kaivopuisto. This free outdoor gathering will run from 13:00 to 21:00 and will feature performances by local and international artists. Acts include Yeboyah, Kuopus, Sonia, and debut artist Miki Ratsula, along with global names like Black Peppa from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, the iconic Pola Ivanka, and a showcase by Ballroom with Pride.
At its core, this year’s theme shines a light on voices often unheard. “Pride Without Borders” reflects Finland’s willingness to stand with those from vulnerable communities. It also continues Helsinki Pride’s decade-long commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals who have arrived from different parts of the world seeking safety and belonging.
Senni Moilanen, Chair of Helsinki Pride, emphasized how the theme represents the lived experiences of people navigating intersections of identity, culture, and migration. For them, pride is more than celebration – it is survival, solidarity, and visibility.
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None of this would be possible without the powerful network behind it. Over 200 organizations – from small grassroots collectives to national unions, corporations, and NGOs – have come together to make the week accessible and safe for all.
Executive Director Annu Kemppainen said the Park Festival remains free because of this support. “Our community is the foundation of everything we do. As attendance grows each year, we remain committed to keeping this event open to everyone,” she explained.
Throughout the week, Helsinki Pride House at Hobo Helsinki on Kluuvikatu 4 will serve as the central hub. The space will host more than 40 events, including open performances, talks, creative workshops, and safe discussions led by activists and artists from across the globe.
Beyond the main venue, dozens of partner locations across Helsinki will hold events for all ages, identities, and backgrounds. Whether you are attending your first Pride or your fifteenth, you will find a space that feels like home.
