Photographer: Vladimir Perez-Vallejos
From July 28 to August 2, 2025, Stockholm transformed into a buzzing epicentre of creativity, activism, and unity. With its theme One Story, One Future, this year’s Stockholm Pride was not only the largest LGBTQ+ festival in the Nordics – it was an unforgettable blend of joy, visibility, and cultural depth
Standout Events from the Pride Week
1. Pride Parade (August 2)
The grand finale of the week saw over 45,000 participants marching across Stockholm—from Stadshuset on Kungsholmen to Östermalms IP – on a joyous, colorful, and fiercely affirming route approximately 4.5 km long. With nearly half a million spectators lining the streets, it reaffirmed Stockholm’s position as the hub of Scandinavian Pride
2. Opening of Pride Park (July 30)
On Wednesday evening, Östermalms IP opened its gates to Pride Park – Stockholm Pride’s beating heart. Crowds gathered for the park’s inauguration followed by a lineup of performances including Guldben, Patrik Jean, Peter Jöback, and a pulsating silent disco that lasted into the night
3. Pride & Fun Run (July 29)
An early highlight of the week was the Pride & Fun Run – a joyful, inclusive community run hosted by Stockholm Frontrunners. It combined fitness, celebratory spirit, and solidarity in an energetic evening event at Zinkensdamm IP and Maxim Stockholm
4. Debates & Seminars at Pride House
Across several days, Pride House offered a rich programme of debates, workshops, and talks. Topics ranged from “Transfobiska vindar – how to resist transphobia” (FPES), to explorations of asexual/aromantic experiences, the new gender identity law, feminist opposition to anti-trans rhetoric, and historic narratives like “Nelly & Nadine” in Ravensbrück
Arts at Pride House, Pride Park, & Pride Kinky
Pride House welcomed cultural exhibitors alongside its programme, though specific art exhibitors there weren’t detailed in the online schedule. It primarily served as a cultural hub with workshops, author talks, debates, and film discussions hosted in multiple rooms (B1–C4) at Clarion Hotel Sign – and admission was free between July 31 and August 4.
Pride Park (Galleriet & Regnbågen) featured prominent art exhibitors:
- Richard Klarby, whose colorful installations extended throughout Pride Park over multiple days until over midnight on most evenings
- YlvaMaria Thompson, whose artwork was shown in the Kinkygalleriet area – part of Pride Park & Pride Kinky – on July 30 and 31, blending sensuality and queer aesthetics confidently within the festival space.
Pride Kinky (Kinkygalleriet): In this curated adult-themed area, Thompson’s pieces continued to shape the atmosphere across evenings, offering a provocative and artistic exploration of kink and queerness. Additionally, there was a live pod “Kinkypodden” and themed photo installations in the session “Läderhistoria & SLM” featuring discussion combined with art and history on July 31
Why Pride Was So Amazing This Year
- Integration of activism and art: Whether it was through Klarby’s immersive pieces, or Thompson’s visual provocations, art seamlessly elevated the festival’s core messages of visibility and identity.
- Engaging programming across areas: From Pride House intellectual stimulation to the joyous street energy of the parade and the kinetic nightlife of the kinky area and park, every space was thoughtfully activated.
- A renewed sense of solidarity: With large turnouts, cross-generational programming (like youth-focused and family areas), and safe queer spaces, the message One Story, One Future carried through deeply.
In Summary
Stockholm Pride 2025 delivered a powerful message through community, arts, and celebration. Highlights like the massive Pride Parade, spirited Pride & Fun Run, thoughtful seminars at Pride House, and vibrant exhibitions by Richard Klarby and YlvaMaria Thompson – especially in the Pride Park gallery and Kinkygalleriet –created an unforgettable festival atmosphere. Each event combined joy and purpose, linking individual stories to a shared future of equality and expression.
Let me know if you’d like quotes from participants, deeper attendee insight, or coverage of youth/family programming next!
