Poland’s Top 10 Pride Events in 2026: Exploring Poland’s Pride Revolution

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Last updated: 13/11/2025
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Welcome to Notstr8ight’s ultimate guide to Poland’s Pride Revolution! In a country where LGBTQ+ rights have faced significant challenges, the Equality Marches stand as a bold testament to the strength and resilience of the Polish LGBTQ+ community.

Despite political and social hurdles, these marches continue to grow in importance and vibrancy, with each year marking another step toward equality and visibility.

In this blog, we’ll take you on an inspiring journey through Poland’s Pride events, highlighting the power of the Equality Marches and why they’re a must-experience in 2026. From the iconic Warsaw Pride Parade to the hidden gems of smaller cities, we’re here to help you plan your Polish Pride adventure.

Plan your next Polish Pride!

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Get ready to discover, celebrate, and support a movement that’s making history!

Polish LGBTQ+ History: From Early Struggles to LGBT-Free Zones

Poland’s LGBTQ+ history is marked by a difficult and ongoing struggle for equality. From early decriminalization efforts to the rise of LGBT-free zones, the community has faced significant challenges, both socially and politically. While progress has been made, the fight for acceptance and equal rights continues to this day.

This chapter explores Poland's LGBTQ+ history, focusing on key moments of struggle and resilience, setting the stage for the current state of LGBTQ+ life in Poland.

Early Struggles

In the early years of LGBTQ+ advocacy in Poland, the country had a history of both repression and gradual acceptance. Homosexuality was decriminalized as early as 1932, making Poland one of the first countries in Europe to do so.

However, the societal climate for LGBTQ+ individuals remained overwhelmingly conservative, especially under communist rule, where censorship and state control often quashed any efforts for LGBTQ+ visibility. In the years following the fall of communism in 1989, the LGBTQ+ community began to organize, but it was still a long road to social acceptance.

The early 2000s saw the rise of Pride marches in major cities, though they were often met with resistance and counter-protests, particularly from conservative and religious groups.

LGBT-Free Zones

In recent years, the situation for LGBTQ+ people in Poland has taken a dramatic turn for the worse with the rise of “LGBT-free zones” across the country.

These zones, declared by local governments, have been a major source of tension, not only within Poland but on the global stage.

LGBT-free zones are areas where local authorities have passed resolutions that explicitly reject LGBTQ+ rights, including equality in education, employment, and public life. These zones, which first began emerging in 2019, were widely condemned by human rights organizations, the European Union, and the United Nations, as they directly infringe upon LGBTQ+ people’s basic human rights.

Image source: Wikipedia; Activists' map of "LGBT ideology free zones" in Poland as of January 2020

While some of these zones have been contested or overturned in court, the impact on the LGBTQ+ community has been profound, and the political climate remains tense.

Current Situation: A Turning Point for Poland’s LGBTQ+ Community

In April 2025, Poland officially abolished its final “LGBT-free zone” — a huge victory for LGBTQ+ rights and a moment that will be remembered in queer history. What began in 2019 as a wave of discriminatory declarations has now been reversed thanks to years of grassroots activism, international pressure, and the relentless visibility of Pride marches across the country.

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Poland’s Pride movement has proven that protest works. Events like the Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade) and the Kraków Pride (Equality March) are no longer just celebrations — they’re powerful, peaceful resistance and visible proof that change is possible.

But while the legal tide is turning, challenges remain. Anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric from some political figures, social stigma, and polarising media coverage continue to impact queer lives in Poland. Yet, the community’s resilience is stronger than ever. More people are raising their voices, more allies are stepping up, and the movement is growing louder and more united with every passing year.

Want to see the change in action? Don’t miss my full blog on Kraków Pride (Equality March) and explore how Pride continues to reshape Poland’s future.

Travel Essentials for Your Polish Pride Adventure (Skip if you're a pro!)

Get ready for an exciting and unforgettable journey through Poland’s Pride events! Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, traveling with friends, or exploring Poland as an LGBTQ+ globetrotter, this beautiful country offers a welcoming experience that is sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Getting around Poland

Airports & Trains

Major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk are all easily accessible by international flights. Booking your flights 2–4 months ahead usually gives you the best prices. Find the best flight deals for your Polish Pride adventure here.

Find flights with Skyscanner

Pro tip: Try to fly in mid-week if possible to avoid weekend price surges and maximise your Pride time!

Domestic travel is smooth thanks to Poland's extensive train network. PKP Intercity offers both fast and budget-friendly options, making it easy to travel between events across the country. If you're planning to travel frequently, look into a Rail Pass to save on tickets.

Entry Requirements

Traveling from the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Norway? You won’t need a visa for stays under 90 days! If you're coming from outside the EU, be sure to check the visa requirements well in advance of your trip to ensure you're all set for your Polish Pride adventure.

Currency

Poland uses the złoty (PLN). Make sure to familiarize yourself with exchange rates before you travel, and for the best rates and minimal fees, consider using a travel debit card. ATMs are available throughout the country, and many cities have currency exchange centers for convenience.

Hotels, Tours, and Itineraries

We’ve made it easy for you. Every Pride listed in our top 10 (and beyond!) has a dedicated event page with hand-picked hotels, tour ideas, and tips to make the most of your visit.

Simply visit each event page to start planning. Our pages include affiliate links to trusted platforms like Expedia, GetYourGuide, and Bounce — so when you book, you’re also supporting Notstr8ight.

Top 10 Pride Events Across Poland You Can’t Miss in 2026

Poland's Pride celebrations are as diverse as its landscape, with events happening throughout the country, each one adding its unique flair to the ongoing LGBTQ+ movement. From the historic streets of Kraków to the coastal charm of Gdańsk, Poland offers a vibrant spectrum of Pride marches.

Here's a breakdown of the most important Pride events by region, along with what each region is most known for.

Masovian Region

The Masovian region, with Warsaw at its heart, blends centuries of Polish history with dynamic urban growth. As the political and cultural capital, Warsaw anchors the region with its striking mix of reconstructed Old Town charm and sleek modern architecture. Beyond the city, Masovia offers rolling plains, picturesque rivers, and charming towns steeped in tradition. It’s a region where resilience meets creativity, and where Poland’s progressive spirit continues to gain momentum — especially during Pride season.

#1 Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade), June: A Landmark in Poland’s LGBTQ+ Journey

The Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade) stands as the most significant LGBTQ+ event in Poland, symbolizing both the resilience and the growing acceptance of the community despite the country’s conservative backdrop.

Having hosted EuroPride in 2010, Warsaw solidified its position as a beacon of hope and progress for LGBTQ+ rights in Central and Eastern Europe. Read more on past and upcoming EuroPrides in our blog post.

The event’s importance extends beyond the city, inspiring other Pride events across the country. The Equality Parade provides a platform for people from all walks of life to come together in solidarity, championing equality and human rights.

As Poland continues to navigate its complex relationship with LGBTQ+ issues, the Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade) remains a critical force for advocacy and visibility, while attracting thousands of participants and visitors from around the world.

A powerful celebration of love, diversity, and resilience.

Expect to see thousands of participants marching proudly through the city, draped in rainbow colors, waving flags, and showing unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights. Read more about Warsaw Pride here.

Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade)

⚠ 13 June 2026 (TBC)
Warsaw, Poland

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For additional insights into Warsaw’s LGBTQ+ scene, including tips on navigating the city as a queer traveler, check out this comprehensive guide by Fabio and Ryan of The Fabryk. With this powerful celebration and vibrant city in mind, let’s now explore what it’s like to travel to Poland as an LGBTQ+ individual.

Dawid Kowalczyk
26/02/2025

★★★★★

kocham dumę Warszawy!

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Lesser Poland Region

Lesser Poland, or Małopolska, is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including the Tatra Mountains and the picturesque town of Zakopane. The region is steeped in history, with the city of Kraków being a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a cultural epicenter, home to Poland's oldest university and countless museums and galleries.

#2 Kraków Pride (Equality March), May

Kraków celebrates with vibrant LGBTQ+ unity

The march here celebrates the city's progressive spirit while promoting visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in Poland's more traditional regions. Read about Kraków Pride here.

Krakow Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 16 May 2026 (TBC)
Kraków, Poland

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For additional insights into Kraków Pride and Kraków's LGBTQ+ scene, including tips on navigating the city as a queer traveler, check out my blog on Marching in Kraków's Equality March: Poland’s Most Powerful Pride Yet.

Ready to book? See my top hotel picks here and lock in your stay for your next Kraków Pride early.

Bill & Marc
27/05/2025

★★★★★

“Stumbled upon Pride, and found something even more special.”

We had just checked into our hotel in Kraków’s Old Town — our final stop on a month-long trip across Europe — when we noticed music and rainbow flags filling the street. We honestly had no idea Pride was happening that weekend, but we quickly googled “Krakow Pride” and found Notstr8ight. It told us everything we needed to know in the moment, from the route to what the march stood for.

By total chance, we ran into the guy behind the platform during the parade and just had to say thank you in person. What Dom is doing with Notstr8ight is something really special: clear, thoughtful, and so helpful, especially for travellers like us who want to connect to the local queer community even when we didn’t plan for it. The march was moving, hopeful, and full of joy. What a way to wrap up our European adventure.

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Silesia Region

The Silesia region, located in the southwest of Poland, is an industrial powerhouse, renowned for its coal mining and steel industries. Today, it is transitioning into a modern cultural and economic hub, with cities like Katowice leading the way in innovation and design. The region is also famous for its rich folk traditions and beautiful natural landscapes, including the Silesian Beskids.

#3 Katowice Pride (Equality March), September

Silesia’s industrial heart celebrates Pride

The Katowice Pride symbolizes the city's commitment to inclusivity, welcoming LGBTQ+ people with open arms and providing a space for solidarity and celebration. Read more about Katowice Pride here.

Katowice Pride

⚠ 5 September 2026 (TBC)
Katowice, Poland

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#4 Wrocław Pride (Equality March), June

Lower Silesia's colorful Pride embraces love and equality

The Wrocław Pride brings the city’s inclusive spirit to life, offering an exciting atmosphere where thousands of participants celebrate love, equality, and diversity in this beautiful setting. Read more about Wrocław Pride here.

Wrocław Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 6 June 2026 (TBC)
Wrocław, Poland

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Greater Poland Region

Greater Poland is often referred to as the "cradle of Polish statehood," as it was here that Poland was founded in the 10th century. Poznań, the region’s capital, is known for its rich history, charming medieval architecture, and vibrant cultural scene, making it one of Poland's most important cities.

#5 Poznań Pride, June

Source: Poznan.pl

Historic Poznań shines with Pride celebration

Known for its welcoming vibe, Poznań Pride brings together people from across the country and abroad in a spectacular display of love and unity. Read more about Poznań Pride here.

Poznań Pride

⚠ 20 June 2026 (TBC)
Poznan, Poland

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Pomerania Region

The Pomerania region is known for its stunning coastline along the Baltic Sea, with cities like Gdańsk and Gdynia being major port cities with rich maritime histories. It is a region of natural beauty, with pristine beaches, lush forests, and charming towns.

#6 Gdańsk Pride (Tri-City Equality March), June

Source: Tolerade

Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot unite proudly

The Gdańsk Pride (Tri-City Equality March) is a collective celebration across the three cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot in northern Poland. These coastal cities provide a beautiful setting for a lively Pride event, blending the excitement of the parade with the tranquil beauty of the Baltic Sea. Read about Gdańsk Pride here.

Gdańsk Pride (Tri-City Equality March)

⚠ 6 June 2026 (TBC)
Gdańsk, Poland

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Check our comprehensive Pride calendar and start planning your Pride-filled escapades today!

#7 Szczecin Pride (Equality March), July

Source: Lambda Szczecin

Coastal Szczecin hosts inclusive Pride celebrations

Szczecin, located near the German border, offers a cross-border experience at its Pride march. The event emphasizes unity and inclusivity, welcoming participants from both Poland and Germany. Read about Szczecin Pride here.

Szczecin Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 11 July 2026 (TBC)
Szczecin, Poland

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Lublin Region

Lublin, in eastern Poland, is known for its medieval architecture and its role as a historical center for education and culture. It’s also one of the most vibrant cities in eastern Poland, blending its rich heritage with modern growth.

#8 Lublin Pride (Equality March), June

Source: Marsz Równości w Lublinie

Lublin embraces diversity with growing Pride

Lublin, located in eastern Poland, is known for its historical significance and its growing commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility. The Lublin Pride march is part of the city's ongoing effort to promote equality, with a growing number of participants each year. Read more about Lublin Pride here.

Lublin Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 6 June 2026 (TBC)
Lublin, Poland

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Łódź region

Łódź, once a textile manufacturing hub, is now a city of innovation, art, and culture. Its post-industrial landscape features stunning street art, revitalized factories, and numerous cultural festivals, making it one of Poland's most dynamic cities.

#9 Łódź Pride (Equality March), May

Source: Fabryka Równości

Celebrate Pride on the Atlantic Coast

Łódź, once an industrial powerhouse, is transforming into a progressive city that champions LGBTQ+ rights. The Pride march here has steadily grown in prominence, representing the city’s commitment to fostering inclusivity. Read more about Łódź Pride here.

Łódź Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 9 May 2026 (TBC)
Łódź, Poland

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Warmian-Masurian Region

The Warmian-Masurian region is famous for its natural beauty, including thousands of lakes and lush forests, making it one of Poland's most picturesque areas. The region offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

#10 Toruń Pride (Equality March), August

Source: Marsz Równości w Toruniu

Toruń's Pride grows with every year

Toruń, with its medieval architecture and historical charm, is a unique setting for a Pride march. The event is gaining momentum each year, providing a space for both locals and visitors to join in the celebration of LGBTQ+ rights. Read more about Toruń Pride here.

Toruń Pride (Equality March)

⚠ 29 August 2026 (TBC)
Toruń, Poland

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Poland’s Pride celebrations offer a powerful glimpse into the country’s growing LGBTQ+ movement, with each city bringing its own unique flair and spirit of inclusivity. Whether you're exploring the iconic Warsaw Pride (Equality Parade) or discovering the hidden gems of smaller regional marches, there’s no better time to be part of Poland’s vibrant Pride scene.

Fuel the next Pride adventure:

Writing these guides takes weeks of research, late nights, and sometimes glitter-related injuries. If you’ve enjoyed this guide and want to help keep Notstr8ight going, you can buy me a vodka soda (very gay drink, highly recommended). It’s like tipping your favourite queer tour guide.

Ready for your own Polish Pride adventure? Check out my comprehensive Pride calendar and start planning your next Pride trip today.