CSD Cottbus & Niederlausitz — Cottbus Pride

The largest CSD in Lausitz

Cottbus is the urban center of Niederlausitz and home to Regenbogenkombinat Cottbus e.V., which has been organizing Christopher Street Day for the city and surrounding districts for years. With its 18th edition in 2026, CSD Cottbus has become a fixture in the CSD landscape in East Germany — visible, political, in a region where queer visibility is far from a given.

Motto “United in Diversity — United in PRIDE”

The 2026 motto — “United in Diversity — United in PRIDE” — gets straight to the point: visibility, diversity, love, and mutual respect as the foundation of an open society. The CSD sees itself not only as a demonstration but as a platform for democratic values, especially in a region where the rise of the right and attacks pose a real threat to queer people.

Two Weeks of Programming Across Three Districts

Around 30 events are spread over approximately two weeks across Cottbus, the Spree-Neiße district, and the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district: queer film nights, readings, association receptions, workshops, queer parties, concerts, and receptions. The format is deliberately decentralized: not just the big city, but also the smaller towns become part of the Pride.

Highlight: CSD Demonstration on July 11, 2026

The central highlight is the large CSD demonstration on Saturday, July 11, 2026, through Cottbus city center. Thousands of participants march with floats, drums, speeches, and a list of political demands through the city — a demonstration that gains particular strength in a region that frequently makes headlines for right-wing mobilization.

Over 300 Rainbow Flags in the Region

The flag display is striking: in Cottbus, in the Spree-Neiße district, and in Oberspreewald-Lausitz, more than 300 rainbow flags are flown — by town halls, associations, businesses, and private individuals. This brings queer visibility to the public space across Niederlausitz for several weeks — a political statement of local democracy.

Sponsoring Structure and Association Life

Behind the festival is Regenbogenkombinat Cottbus e.V., which shapes the year-round queer community life in the city. The office at Thierbacher Str. 21 serves as a meeting point, counseling center, and administrative office. The CSD is supported by numerous associations, the city of Cottbus, and many local businesses.