CSD Ulm.Neu-Ulm — Pride

15 Years of CSD on the Danube

In 2026, CSD Ulm.Neu-Ulm celebrates its 15th anniversary. What began as a small Pride initiative in the twin city between Ulm (Ulm district, state of Baden-Württemberg) and Neu-Ulm (state of Bavaria) is now one of the most important LGBTQIA+ events in southern Germany. The special feature of this Pride: it connects two federal states across the Danube – a symbolic sign of diversity that has its own profile geographically and politically.

Motto 2026: “From Shore to Shore"

The anniversary motto “From Shore to Shore: We Stand Together!" emphasizes solidarity across the Danube and in a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are increasingly challenged in many parts of Europe. The organizers formulate four clear political demands:

1. Full legal equality for all family forms – including same-sex marriage and adoption rights
2. Protection against discrimination and hate crime through improved legal frameworks
3. Recognition of gender diversity with simplified self-determination rights for trans and non-binary people
4. Inclusive education with LGBTQIA+ topics in curricula

Demo Parade and Street Festival

The festival day is classically divided into two main elements:

• 2:00 PM — Demonstration Parade with truck floats, music, banners, and thousands of participants. The route leads through Ulm and across the Danube to Neu-Ulm and back – “From Shore to Shore" as lived symbolism.
• From 4:00 PM — Open-Air Street Festival on Münsterplatz with stage program, drag shows, concerts, speeches, information booths of local LGBTQIA+ organizations, and catering.

Symbolism and Highlights

• Attempt to display the largest rainbow flag in Germany
• Kienlesberg Bridge illuminated in rainbow colors
• Family zone with activities for children and a quiet retreat space
• Performances by regional and national artists
• After-show parties in Ulm clubs

Family Zone

Unlike some city Prides, CSD Ulm.Neu-Ulm emphasizes a quiet family zone with activities for children, seating, and reduced volume. The festival thus explicitly positions itself as a family-friendly format, making it attractive for queer families with young children.

Ulm and Neu-Ulm — The Twin City

Ulm on the Danube (~125,000 inhabitants, Baden-Württemberg) with the famous Ulm Minster (tallest church tower in the world at 161.53 m) and Neu-Ulm (~58,000 inhabitants, Bavaria) together form a growing twin city region. Albert Einstein, among others, was born in Ulm. The Danube and the bridges between the shores have been symbols of connection and separation for centuries – at the CSD, this becomes a metaphor for solidarity.