Event Dates
From: Saturday, June 20, 2026
To: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Gay Pride Edinburgh 2026
Pride Edinburgh is Scotland’s biggest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) festival.
Pride Edinburgh 2026
Pride Edinburgh is Scotland’s biggest gay festival. Events begin with the Annual Pride Scotia March with more than 10,000 participants. The parade is followed by a pride day of parties, activities and fun.
- Visiting for Pride? Stay close to all the gay bars and clubs and the pride events on Princess Street. The Kimpton, Charlotte Square is a “superb” rates hotel with a great spa and its dog-friendly!
Edinburgh Pride Parade & Route
- Next Edition: Saturday 20th June, 2026
- The Edinburgh Pride parade route takes place south along Horse Wynd from 12pm, turning Right into Queens Drive, then Right into Holyrood gait, then Left in Holyrood Road, ahead directly into the Cowgate, along the Cowgate, turning left into Candlemaker row, continuing ahead in Bristo Place, left into Potterrow.
- The March Arrives in EUSA whilst vehicles continue to Charles Street entrance.
- At 13:00 the march Arrives at Teviot Row House and Potterrow Dome where pride day events commence.
The Pride Festival
- After the main parade – Celebrations continue after the Edinburgh Pride Parade with the Pride Festival.
- Featuring a superb outdoor stage, events kick off from 2 pm and continue through to 6 pm.
- With live shows, drag queens, guest DJs and more.
- 2025 Venue to be confirmed – Previous events have been held at Bristo Square, located within the University of Edinburgh estate.
Pride Day Events
- As the parade ends, events begin at both Teviot House and Potterrow with a full programme of entertainment including a wellbeing fair, family entertainment and ceilidh dancing.
- Other activities include a Youth Space, Trans space and community entertainments from Local Choirs.
- Don't miss the Edinburgh DILF party when its in town. They hosts regular event throughout the year including a special Pride party.
Gay Edinburgh Events
Many of the city's gay bars and clubs host special pride themed parties on the weekend of the pride march. Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street.
- CC Blooms on Greenside Place is a landmark on the Edinburgh gay scene for over 20 years, offering a range of dishes in its elegant upstairs diner. In the evening it becomes a vibrant cocktail bar with a buzzing downstairs dance floor and free entry.
- The Street is just along the road – a classy gay-friendly bar offering a wide selection of cocktails and a tasty menu of burgers, wraps and nachos. Themed nights and pub quizzes take place during the week.
- The Regent on Montrose Terrace claims to be ‘the best real ale gay bar in Edinburgh’, serving up a great range of beers and ales.
- Café Habana on Greenside Place is a vibrant, atmospheric bar with good value drinks accompanied by pop tunes.
- Planet Bar is also nearby on Baxter’s Place, and offers comfy seats and a pool table plus quizzes and karaoke on certain nights.
Where to stay during Edinburgh Pride
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to the city's major attractions, the pride march and the bars and clubs:
Hotel Indigo, The Glasshouse, Twelve Picardy Place, Courtyard by Marriott
Recommended Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 hotels with the best rates.
Where we stay!
The Virgin Hotel Edinburgh is our
preferred hotel close to the gay bars.
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Pride Edinburgh visit Facebook
Map of Edinburgh
Edinburgh has a vibrant gay scene “the Pink Triangle,” centered around the top of Leith walk, just off Princes Street, Edinburgh's main thoroughfare. All the bars and clubs are in easy walking distance. The city has more in common with European cities than other cities in the UK so around the city is a cafe culture. Here you will find a gay-friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Address: 2 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Five-star boutique hotel behind historic church façade
- Large rooftop garden with rare city-centre outdoor space
- Floor-to-ceiling windows and terrace-access rooms
- Strong design blend of heritage and modern luxury
- Steps from Playhouse Theatre and Calton Hill
- Premium base for luxury city breaks in Edinburgh
- Website
Address: 23-27 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3BQ, United Kingdom
- Four-star hotel in a grand Georgian building on Waterloo Place
- Steps from Princes Street, Calton Hill, and Waverley Station
- Yu Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and steam room
- Stylish rooms blending heritage and modern comfort
- On-site brasserie and cocktail bar for easy dining
- Strong base for luxury city breaks and theatre stays
- Website
Address: 1-3 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Modern four-star hotel next to Edinburgh Playhouse
- Steps from St James Quarter and Calton Hill
- Contemporary rooms with local design touches
- On-site restaurant and lounge with terrace seating
- Easy walk to Princes Street and Waverley Station
- Strong choice for theatre trips and city breaks
- Website
Address: 20 Princes Street, Edinburgh EH2 2AN, United Kingdom
- Boutique hotel in a landmark Victorian building on Princes Street
- Directly opposite Waverley Station for easy transport access
- Contemporary rooms inspired by Edinburgh’s cultural history
- Some rooms with views towards Edinburgh Castle
- On-site restaurant and Juniper cocktail bar
- Prime base for Old Town and New Town sightseeing
- Website
Address: 23-24 Greenside Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AA, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and club near Leith Walk and Playhouse
- Two-level venue with bar, food, and late-night dancing
- Regular drag, cabaret, and themed party nights
- Popular with locals, theatre crowds, and visitors
- Key LGBTQ+ nightlife hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Sat 1pm-3am, Sun 1pm-3am
- Faceboook
Address: 2 Montrose Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5DL, United Kingdom
- Real-ale focused gay pub near Calton Hill
- Cosy sofas and relaxed, conversation-friendly vibe
- Strong CAMRA reputation for quality cask ales
- Popular with leathermen, bears, and older regulars
- Calm alternative to Edinburgh’s louder gay clubs
- Open: Mon-Sun 4pm-12am
Address: 2B Picardy Place, Edinburgh EH1 3JT, United Kingdom
- Long-running gay bar and nightclub near Picardy Place
- Two-level venue with separate basement nightclub
- Daytime bar and food shift into late-night club energy
- Regular DJ nights and themed events
- Key LGBTQ+ social and party hub in central Edinburgh
- Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-1am, Fri-Sat 12pm-3am, Sun 12:30pm-1am
Address: 6 Baxter’s Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, United Kingdom
- Edinburgh’s longest-running gay bar in the Pink Triangle
- Strong focus on drag, karaoke, and DJ party nights
- Friendly, community-led crowd with mixed LGBTQ+ groups
- Popular with lesbians and long-time local regulars
- Reliable late-night stop near Leith Walk and Calton Hill
- Open: Sun-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri-Sat 1pm-3am
Address: 265 Leith Walk, Edinburgh EH6 8PD, United Kingdom
- Mixed gay-friendly bar on Leith Walk near Pink Triangle
- Relaxed, international crowd with DJs and themed nights
- Good-value drinks and casual social atmosphere
- Popular for after-work and pre-club meetups
- Local favourite with steady LGBTQ+ following
- Open: Mon-Tue 4pm-12am, Wed-Thu 2pm-12am, Fri 2pm-1am,
- Sat 12pm-1am, Sun 1pm-12am
Address: 41 Lothian Street, Edinburgh EH1 1HB, United Kingdom
- Alternative bar and vegan diner on Lothian Street
- Retro dive-bar decor with late-night party energy
- Strong LGBTQ+ following and creative crowd
- Plant-based comfort food and tropical cocktails
- Popular late-night hangout near Bristo Square
- Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-1am, Fri-Sun 12pm-1am
Address: 12A Broughton Street Lane, Edinburgh EH1 3LY, United Kingdom
- LGBTQ+-friendly bar hidden off Broughton Street Lane
- Relaxed, inclusive atmosphere with mixed local crowd
- Popular courtyard beer garden in warmer months
- Craft beers, cocktails, and DJ-led evenings
- Social hangout away from Edinburgh’s main club zones
- Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-1am, Fri-Sat 3pm-1am, Sun 5pm-1am
Recommended Hotels in Edinburgh By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Edinburgh that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
The Glasshouse
5 Star, Luxury
- 5-star, historic church facade, roof terrace.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso.
- Unique blend of modern luxury and historic charm, heart of the city.
The Balmoral Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, Michelin-starred restaurant, Princes Street.
- Close to the gay district.
- Marble bathroom, interactive TV.
- Iconic Edinburgh hotel with luxurious rooms, castle views, and world-class dining.
Courtyard by Marriott
4 Star, Great Value
- 4-star, complimentary WiFi, on-site bar.
- Close to the gay district.
- Modern rooms, flat-screen TV.
- Comfortable, value-oriented stay in prime location, with contemporary rooms and amenities.
Hotel Indigo
4 Star, Location
- 4-star, vibrant city center, fitness centre.
- Close to the gay district.
- Satellite TV, rainfall shower.
- Stylish and central, perfect for city exploration with modern rooms and thoughtful comforts.
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Edinburgh's Pride Video
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