It’s time to paint the town rainbow, as London prepares to come alive in a kaleidoscope of colour this June. From London’s best queer bars to must-see exhibitions, standout LGBTQ+ businesses, and beyond, there are so many exciting ways to show your support to the community this Pride Month. We’re beyond proud to break it down for you all, not only touching on incredible things to do, but also the capital’s rich LGBTQ+ history and culture.
Expect a vibrant array of events to take over the city, like our renowned Pride parade and celebrations during Pride in London, as well as spectacular drag nights, art installations, and so much more. So without further ado, here are the best ways to celebrate and honour Pride Month in London
1. Take part in the Pride in London festivities
Now obviously, one of the main ways to hour Pride Month in London is checking out the annual celebration that completely transforms central into one of the city’s biggest block parties. Pride in London will be held on Saturday, June 29, featuring a grand parade that features a vibrant procession of floats, performers, and community groups.
There’s also a dazzling array of entertainment on offer from Trafalgar Square to Soho, as the streets are lined with thousands of spectators, performance stages, and a whole lot of rainbow colours! Bebe Rexha was recently announced as the headliner of the free festival, with a star-studded line-up of drag, music, and queer performers to match.
But it doesn’t stop there; London’s iconic LGBTQ+ bars and nightclubs will also be throwing major parties to mark Pride’s momentous return to the capital. Click here for more information on the parade, here for more information on the festival lineup, or check out the official website.
2. Support London’s favourite LGBTQ+ bars and pubs
From pubs with live drag to London’s newest lesbian bar, the capital’s LGBTQ+ scene is continuously evolving, and sometimes for deeply upsetting reasons. However, there are still some iconic slices of history keeping the scene one of the world’s best. Following the closure of G-A-Y Late and Haggerston’s The Glory, there’s never been a more important time to keep these fabulous queer spaces alive and thriving. Check out a few of our recommendations below, or the full round-up of London’s best LGBTQ+ bars and pubs.
🏳️🌈 The Divine: This new addition to Dalston’s nightlife scene is a chic and stylish space with both eclectic music and electric vibes. 📍 33 Stoke Newington Rd, London.
🏳️🌈 La Camionera: London’s all-new lesbian bar offers a sensually sapphic atmosphere that’s inviting and inclusive. 📍 243 Well Street, E9 6RG, London.
🏳️🌈 Friendly Society: This Soho gem boasts retro decor, fun music, and a relaxed vibe which makes it one of the area’s quirkiest hotspots. 📍 79 Wardour Street, London W1D 6QB.
🏳️🌈 Admiral Duncan: Another Soho favourite, this iconic and historic pub boasts a lively atmosphere and fabulous drag shows. 📍 54 Old Compton Street, London W1D 4UD.
3. Visit Queer Britain to learn some LGBTQ+ history
Queer Britain is the UK’s first national LGBTQ+ museum dedicated to showcasing and preserving the rich tapestry of queer history and culture. Located a short walk from King’s Cross St. Pancras, this pioneering institution offers a dynamic range of exhibitions, displays, events, and educational programs that highlight the contributions and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. For more information, click here.
4. Dance the night away at London’s LGBTQ+ nightclubs
If you’re looking to party this Pride Month, London has got you covered. Our LGBTQ+ nightclubs are legendary for being some of the best in the world, with electrifying energy, diverse crowds, and unforgettable nights jam-packed with music, dance, and fantastic vibes. Check out some of our favourites below or click here for our full round-up of nightclubs to visit this Pride Month. There’s even some free club nights if you’re on a budget!
🏳️🌈 Heaven: One of London’s most iconic LGBTQ+ nightclubs boasting an impressive line-up of international DJs and performers. 📍 Villiers St, London WC2N 6NG.
🏳️🌈 Dalston Superstore: Another Dalston hotspot, this bar and club is known for its diverse crowd and party vibes. 📍 117 Kingsland High Street, London E8 2PB.
🏳️🌈 Circa: Located directly on the Thames, Circa is known for its chic decor, top-notch DJs, and the lively dance floor. 📍 Hungerford House, Embankment, London WC2N 6PA.
🏳️🌈 Fire: Famed for being the last club standing, this late-night club is the go-to gay bar for dancing the night away.📍 39 Parry Street Vauxhall, London SW8 1RT
5. Explore this outdoor photography exhibition in Mayfair
There’s a free, outdoor exhibition in Mayfair for Pride Month, celebrating London’s LGBTQ+ community with stunning portraiture photography. The exhibit champions LGBTQ+ stories within the heart of the West End, showcasing the authentic lived experiences of 11 queer individuals. The exhibition will be on display in Grosvenor Square until early July, so you have the entirety of Pride Month (and then some) to witness this touching exhibit. For more information, check out our article.
6. Head to Camden Market for their post-Pride celebration!
Camden Market are kick-starting their anniversary celebrations with a Pride Family Day on the 30th June. Honouring 50 years of the historic market, they’ll be playing host to an array of events all summer long, but be sure to visit on their Pride Day for some fabulous, family-friendly fun! From workshops with Rainbow LEGO to panto dame storytelling, and even a colourful cabaret parade, there’s a vibrant mix of fantastic things to do throughout the day. For more information, click here.
7. Learn some LGBTQ+ history with this insightful exploration game
If you’re not much of a party person, then why not explore London’s legendary ‘gaybourhood’ Soho, and learn all about the city’s rich LGBTQ+ history with this awesome exploration game. Discover just how queer some of London’s most iconic landmarks are, and hear forgotten stories from the capital’s queer community. Book your spot here.
For something a little more rowdy, why not treat yourself to a silent disco walking tour with a drag queen? Strut your stuff through Fitzrovia and Soho with your drag queen host, Ms Christina Draguleira, and learn all about some of London’s most scandalous spots where pop legends faced their most outrageous moments. Get your tickets, here.
8. Head to some exclusive London Pride parties
If partying is your game, check out some of the exclusive events that are specially curated for Pride Month, happening all across London. From drag nights and star-studded closing parties to free events for all, here are some of the unmissable parties for some Pride pleasures this month:
🏳️🌈 Mimi’s: Pride at Troxy: East London’s drag royalty to take over Limehouse’s stunning art deco venue for Pride. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 Gal Pals: London Pride: Girlie pop Pride party at Evolutionary Arts Hackney for queer women, and trans/non-binary people. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 12th Knot: Pre-Pride party with R&B edits, soulful house, pop and, electric and deep house from the best DJs. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 The Grand Pride’s After Party: Star-studded Pride after party with MNEK and beloved drag queens. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 Lío London Pride Afterparty: High-energy extravaganza showcasing thrilling acts from house DJs to queer performers. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 Howl Pride:Rave the night away at the iconic return of this Pride party hosted by the sexual wellbeing brand. 🌐 More information
9. Enjoy a free concert at Old Spitalfields Market
We’ve got some more fabulously free things to do for Pride Month, and it’s from none other than Old Spitalfields Market. The historic shopping destination in East London is celebrating Pride with a free concert that’s jam-packed with brilliant LGBTQ+ talent. From classical performance to professional dancers, there’s something for everyone at this family-friendly event. For more information, click here.
10. Check out this free, queer exhibition at The Barbican
The Barbican is currently home to a must-see exhibition exploring themes of identity, queerness, and cultural displacement. Through a captivating blend of painting, sculpture, and multimedia installations, the work is full of raw honesty and poetic beauty, all done by the emerging, Moroccan artist Soufiane Ababri.
With its bold, visual language, the gorgeous exhibit invites its visitors to challenge societal norms, and to question their perception of the self, and the other, making it a stand-out exhibition to check out this Pride Month. The exhibition is located at The Curve in the Barbican, and will be on display until Sunday, June 30. For more info, visit their website.
11. Visit Piccadilly to see the reimagined ‘Rainbow Flags’
‘Rainbow Flags’ is an incredible art project that’s completely transformed the streets of Piccadilly for the summer. Artist Adham Faramawy, has turned the West End into a colourful trail of reimagined rainbow flags, with an encompassing mission to represent all minority communities this Pride Month. The colours beautifully blend and contour into one another to symbolise the diversity of LGBTQ+ identities. For more information, check out our article.
12. Head to Wembley Park for some post-Pride in London fun!
The day after Pride in London, Wembley Park will be playing host to their third annual Pride celebrations. This day-long celebration starting from 4pm promises a rich tapestry of activities centered on inclusivity and community. Expect a plethora of fun like a diverse mix of performances, a high-energy dance class, inspiring speeches, compelling drag shows, and more. Best of all; it’s completely free to attend. To find out more, visit Wembley Park’s website.
13. Watch The Glory take over the National Theatre
We’ve previously mentioned that the beloved LGBTQ+ bar and pub The Glory recently closed its doors. However, the fantastic collective and queer performers that called the safe space a second home will be taking over the National Theatre, as part of a free summer festival next month.
From London’s best Drag King competition to an exciting mix of events and performers, The Glory will be at the National Theatre from Friday 5 July- Sunday 7 July. Although not taking place during Pride Month, it’s an excellent way to extent the festivities. For more information, check out our article.
14. Take on a tour focused on LGBTQ+ art at Tate Britain
If you’re one of London’s many art lovers, check out Tate Britain’s LGBTQIA+ tours, adding some over-due queer context to their remarkable collection. A regular programme these LGBTQIA+ tours is operating at the beloved gallery, and they are an absolute must this Pride Month. The tours are led by volunteer guides with lived experience in the works and themes they are discussing. For more information, click here.
15. Delve into London’s incredible drag scene
Supporting local drag is a great way to celebrate and honour Pride Month. London’s ever-growing list of ground-breaking drag talent is second to none, and there are so many venues (including some free ones) showcasing their remarkable talents, especially throughout June. From brunches to drag bars, check out a few recommendations below or our full round-up of London’s best drag venues.
🏳️🌈 Bougie Drag Bottomless Brunch: As one of the best drag brunches in London, expect gag-worthy immersive performances, fierce lip-syncs, and killer looks. 🎫 Tickets & info
🏳️🌈 Freedom Bar: This Soho bar knows how to put on a great show, with a continuous, diverse line-up of London’s best drag. 🌐 More information
🏳️🌈 Drag Comedy Cabaret: Laugh it off at the Queen of Hoxton with the Pride iteration of their Drag Comedy Cabaret. 🎫 Tickets & info
🏳️🌈 Bethnal Green Working Men’s Club: This adored hotspot made is our top spot when it comes to drag venues in London. 🌐 More information
16. Witness classical music and drag collide at Classical Pride
Although not happening during Pride Month itself, this is another fantastic addition to extend the Pride festivities even further into summer. Classical Pride will be taking over iconic London venues this July, featuring a star-studded line-up of events including the must-see event Classical Drag, beautifully blending classical music with the underground world of drag. There are also classical concerts and an extra-special roster of events, especially for LGBTQ+ people who are into the classics. For more information, click here or visit their website.
17. Immerse yourself in prideful exhibitions at Outernet
While we’re on the topic of Outernet, as well as Classical Pride, the sensory-focused space will play host to an array of free exhibitions throughout Pride Month, collaborating with a handful of organisations, publications, and charities to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community. From an exhibition celebrating GAY TIMES’ 40th anniversary to touching immersive installations, find out more information here.
18. Visit this queer art exhibition at Kimpton Fitzroy London
Queer artists from East London and Margate have teamed up to put together a fantastic exhibition for Pride Month at the Kimpton Fitzroy London. Entitled I Will Melt For You, this must-see exhibition is the debut show from the So So So Hot Hot Hot Collective.
It will delve into the queer body, exploring themes of masculinity, sex, pleasure and gender using different methods such as sculpture, drawing, painting and photography. The exhibition will be running from Thursday 27 June until Sunday 14 July.
19. Enjoy a Pride party at this adored Covent Garden hotel
DJ Joel Mignott will be bringing his incredible energy and a host of talented friends to celebrate Pride in the most epic way possible. Enjoy some cocktails at this unmissable party on a luxe hotel rooftop, soaking up incredible views of our iconic skyline. So, if you weren’t sure about heading to Pride in London because of the overwhelming number of possibilities post-parade, lock in this event for a fabulous Pride guaranteed. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to dust off their brightest outfits, bring the best vibes, and join AMANO Covent Garden for an unforgettable evening filled with love, laughter, and LGBTQ+ pride.
20. Add a message of hope, solidarity or love at the ‘Tree of Pride’
Southside Shopping Centre are hosting the touching ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting guests to decorate the tree with pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. From sharing your own LGBTQ+ Pride to showing your solidarity with the community, head to the Tree of Pride to witness and contribute to the public’s messages of love, unity, and acceptance. The Tree of Pride will be at Southside Shopping Centre from the 29th until the 30th of June, and you are invited to participate from 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am – 5pm on Sunday.
21. Stock up on reading material at Gay’s the Word
Gay’s The Word is not your average bookshop – it is a beloved institution and a vital part of London’s LGBTQ+ community. Steeped in fascinating history, this iconic bookstore has been a beacon of acceptance, knowledge, and activism for generations of queer history. Gay’s The Word provides a safe and welcoming space where people can discover and celebrate queer culture, making it great to visit, not only during Pride Month but all year round. For more information, read our article here.
22. Tuck into a brilliant brunch at queer-owned Kapara
There’s nothing more fun than a drag brunch, and there’s no better place this month than Kapara, the queer-owned, Eastern Mediterranean eatery in the heart of Soho. Kapara’s annual Drag and DJ Brunch will be happening on Saturday 29th June. Enjoy a myriad of mezzes, moreish mains, and drool-worthy desserts from their incredible brunch menu, set to the backdrop of back-to-back DJs and jaw-dropping drag performances. They also have special Pride Month cocktails (available from 22nd – 29th June) and an optional donation to LGBTQ+ charities. For more information and bookings, click here.
23. Support London’s LGBTQ+ owned businesses
We’ve already mentioned a couple, but supporting London’s LGBTQ+ businesses is a fantastic way to uplift and empower London’s queer community, while celebrating diversity and inclusivity. From brilliant breweries to the best bakeries, check out a handful of our favourite LGBTQ+ owned businesses below, and we highly recommend finding your favourites this Pride Month! Everywhere Is Queer is a worldwide map of queer-owned businesses, being the easiest way to find you new favourite businesses to support throughout Pride, and beyond! Or check out our round-up, here.
🏳️🌈 Queer Brewing: Fantastic brewery on a mission to challenge stereotypes and promote diversity in the craft beer industry. 🌐 Visit their website
🏳️🌈 Bistroteque: This chic restaurant in Bethnal Green serves up modern European cuisine in a sleek atmosphere. 🌐 Visit their website
🏳️🌈 Corner: Stunning corner café in New Cross with an incredible mural of queer bodies, perfect for a cup of coffee and a midday pick-me-up. 🌐 Visit their website
🏳️🌈 Toad Bakery: If you have a sweet tooth this Pride Month, head to Toad Bakery in Peckham for some drool-worthy treats. 🌐 Visit their website
See also: A Queer London Brewery And An LGBTQ+ Museum Have Collaborated On A Brewtiful Release For Pride Month
24. Witness Covent Garden shine with Pride
Covent Garden is gleaming with Pride all month long, with gorgeous light installations around the estate, as well as charming photo opportunities and special events to show off your Pride! Visitors can relax on the new ‘Flowering with Pride’ swing bench surrounded by a beautiful display of plants spanning all colours of the rainbow. For every image posted with the hashtag #CoventGardenPride, Covent Garden will donate £1 to the charity akt, who help young queer people experiencing homelessness. For more information, click here.
25. Putt with Pride at Puttshack throughout June
When it comes to crazy golf in London, it doesn’t get much better than Puttshack. Throughout Pride Month, Puttshack will donate 5p for every hole-in-one scored throughout June to akt, a charity committed to providing safe homes for LGBTQ+ young people. This awesome initiative will be in place at all of their London venues, so get to putting!
But it doesn’t stop there, there’s a whole host of events and fun things to do at Puttshack this Pride Month including drag brunches, Pride food and drink specials, DJs, plus so much more. Puttshack and akt are even launching a limited edition tote bag, designed by beloved queer illustrator DOMANDINK, which will be available to win or purchase at the venue.
26. Explore the British Museum from an LGBTQIA+ perspective
Another place worth checking out this Pride Month is the British Museum, London’s biggest, oldest and arguably most popular museum. Plus it’s mostly all free, so if all these summer festivals has been tough on the old wallet, then this is perfect.
The ‘Desire, love and identity’ trail highlights 15 different objects that have a connection with LGBTQ+ history, and following the route will only take around an hour. For more information on this insightful tour, visit the British Musem’s website. You can also check out out all-encompassing guide, here.
27. Drink and dine at Mr. Fogg’s Pawnbrokers
Famed for their whimsical interiors, crafty cocktails, and fantastical vibe, Mr. Fogg’s will be honouring Pride with a charitable initiative taking place at their Soho location throughout June. Mr. Fogg’s Pawnbrokers will be adding a voluntary £1 donation to every bill, benefiting Trans in the City. The charity is known for providing direct help to trans+ and non-binary people, specifically to help them flourish and provide support in their workplaces.
28. Make a difference at Football vs Homophobia
Following last year’s fantastic event in Manchester, Football vs Homophobia are honouring London Pride this year with an unmissable event taking over Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge on Friday 28 June. From a fantastic play that’s fresh from Edinburgh Fringe to other prideful programming, the event is entitled Football Pride, an all-day event celebrating queer football culture. For more information, click here.
29. Plan the perfect summer that’s full of Pride
We’ve mentioned a couple of events that are happening outside of Pride Month, as Pride should never come to an end in June. Whether you’re travelling to other nearby Pride events such as Brighton or Margate, or venturing further across the UK, Europe, as even further afield, Pride is officially all summer long, and there are so many ways to show your Pride throughout the whole, entire year here in London.
UK Black Pride will be taking over Queen Elizabeth Park for its annual event on Sunday, August 11. And don’t forget about London Trans Pride, which takes in between on Saturday, July 27. London Trans Pride is a protest which will start from Trafalgar Square at 1 PM.