CSD auf der Spree – Berlin Canal Pride

A Parade on the Water – Since 2007

In the summer of 2007, an idea was launched in Berlin that has remained unique in Germany: a queer boat parade. It combines political demonstration with sightseeing on the Spree and stage culture on board. In 2026, the CSD auf der Spree – Berlin Canal Pride celebrates its 20th anniversary. More than 20 ships of the so-called Rainbow Fleet – from the MS Wappen von Spandau and the paddle steamer DS Gustav from Potsdam to the BOILER and the Capital City – will sail on Thursday evening from Hansabrücke in Moabit along the Spree to the Brandenburg Gate.

What Makes the Parade Special

Unlike the main parade through the Berlin city centre on Saturday, the Canal Pride takes place on the water. This has several consequences:

• Visibility from Bridges and Riverbanks: Berliners can wave and applaud from the Spree bridges, the Reichstag embankment, or the Moabit harbour edge.
• On Board: The city's queer stars – Miss Ivanka T., Paul Paillette, Ades Zabel, Gloria Viagra, Estelle van der Rhone, Victoria Bacon, Biggi van Blond – as well as top DJs from the Berlin scene.
• Puschelalarm: The visual trademark – thousands of cheerleader pom-poms thrown rhythmically into the air.
• Demonstration on the Water: Political messages on LGBTIQA* rights, visibility of the queer community, solidarity with persecuted LGBTIQA* worldwide.

The Harbour Festival as Finale

Following the parade, the Spree riverbank transforms into a Harbour Festival with a stage programme, DJ sets, and a beach bar atmosphere. Here, the crews of the individual boats meet with the spectators from the shore – traditionally the exuberant final phase of a long Pride day. Tickets for the harbour festival are offered separately or as a combo package with a boat.

Embedded in the Berlin Pride Weeks

The Canal Pride marks the kick-off of the Berlin Pride Weeks around Christopher Street Day Berlin (CSD). While the main demonstration day is traditionally Saturday with a parade from Spittelmarkt to the Brandenburg Gate, the Canal Pride is considered the more elegant, sociable start – with a strong demonstration core that honours the origins of the Stonewall movement in 1969. The organiser is the Queere Aktionsbündnis / the association CSD auf der Spree e.V., which organises the parade on a voluntary basis and finances it through ticket sales and sponsorship.