Full programme for Pride Week 2023 out now

Bigger and bolder than ever: Copenhagen Pride invites you all to #ComeTogether in August

More than 160 events and concerts, including the iconic Drag Night, a mini convention, art exhibition, children’s area, and of course the Pride Parade – that’s just some of what you can look forward to when Scandinavia’s biggest free Pride event colours the city of Copenhagen in all the colours of the rainbow on 12-20 August with the theme Come Together. 

Today, Copenhagen Pride announces the full, ambitious programme for this year’s biggest LGBTI+ event. With the theme in mind, the emphasis has been on creating space to get together, both to listen and learn, but also to experience joy and freedom of expression as queer people – in solidarity with one another. 

“The Come Together theme really embodies an important political message,” says Lars Henriksen, political chair of Copenhagen Pride. “We are living in a time where powerful forces are trying to prise our community apart – and we know from history that we are strongest when we stand together, so it’s vital that we resist the narratives of division and instead approach one another with kindness and curiosity.”

This year’s Human Rights programme gives ample opportunity to do just that with a range of talks, panel debates, and social events like the popular friendship dating and silent disco. Amongst the topics will be the recent backlash against drag performers, online trolling, and how we can support Pride organisers who are working in hostile environments. We have invited a number of international guests to join us and will feature artists and activists from Uganda, Ghana, Hungary, Georgia, Latvia, and France.

The Culture programme will likewise feature artists from Denmark and abroad. Get ready to laugh with Comedian Anshita Koul, enjoy the antics of Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and by moved by Tomas Lagermand Lundme’s harsh story about being beaten down and getting back up in ‘Kærlig Hilsen Hadet’ – among many other performances. You can also experience a varied film programme in Grand Teateret, with everything from German silent movies to the incredible 2022 drama ‘The Clue Caftan’. 

The award-winning Pride Art exhibition is back again this year with a free exhibition on Nytorv from 14-19 August. 12 visual artists participate in the group exhibition A Part of Us, exploring the significance of belonging or being outside a community and proposes art as a space where we can come together across life experiences and identity.

We are also back with two whole Youth Nights, where the floor is handed over to young up-and-coming artists like Barbro, NIMĀ, Spring & I, Ravi Kuma, and Julie Pavon. You can also look forward to a circus performance by Mystical Alliances that promises to both shock, amaze, and seduce you – we will finish the Youth Nights off in style with a Techno Night hosted by drag performer Bazooka Babe with DJ and dancers.

For the youngest audience, we’re creating a cosy Children’s Area in Rådhushaven on 13 and 19 August, where rainbow families can hang back in a quiet and comfortable area and enjoy child-friendly activities like building with LEGO and Duplo, play tumbling games with bObles, and enjoy a glittery magic show. As a new initiative, we’re making space in the Pride Parade for a rainbow family group, and afterwards welcome the families to an alcohol-free picnic in Rådhushaven. More information and registration online. 

A brand new initiative this year is the PrideCon, a mini convention in Huset-KBH on 16 and 17 August focused on all things nerdy and queer. This includes both panels, workshops, and social events centred around topics such as DnD, fanfiction, queerbaiting, and the convention will be concluded with two cosplay catwalks, where participants can flaunt their best costumes. 

For those looking for a party, we have several Shows to look forward to. Our Opening Show on 12 August will feature eight artists and DJs and seasoned hostess Chantal al-Arab will guide us through the whole evening. We will also have an opening speech by political chairperson of Copenhagen Pride, Lars Henriksen. On Friday 18 August, get ready to get fabulous with our famous Drag Night, three hours of pure glam. And of course we round the week off with the Pride Show, an evening full of celebration, colour, and amazing performances. All of these shows will take place on Rådhuspladsen and will be free to attend. 

No Pride Week is complete without the Pride Parade, and this year, we are proud to be the first Pride in the world to shift to 100% electric vehicles in collaboration with our partners Volvo Trucks and DFDS. It’s part of a cohesive strategy to become a greener event and take responsibility for reducing our carbon footprint. 

All together, this is the most ambitious Copenhagen Pride programme ever, with something for everyone to enjoy. Most of the programme will take place on or around Rådhuspladsen, which will be transformed into Pride Square and have two different layouts throughout the week to accommodate the variety of content. As a new initiative, we will have a Safer Space Team on site to make sure all our guests have a safe and comfortable experience. In our Community Garden, you’ll also find a closed-off space available to change clothes, for people who might not be comfortable travelling to and from Pride Square in their chosen attire. 

So come and join us from 12-20 August when we Come Together to celebrate Pride!