Amsterdam has its own one of a kind Pride festivities which are just about to come up: Amsterdam Gay Pride 2012 will take place from the 28th of July to the 5th of August, with the coolest events organized on the week end of the 3rd  and 5th of August

There is such a wide array of events and parties going on throughout the Amsterdam Gay pride 2012 that one could hardly decide what to attend: street parties, small and big club parties, cultural and sport events.

Amsterdamgaypride.nl agenda seems to be pretty tight already: I think you shouldn’t miss the Blackbody Rubber Party at Cuckoo’s Nest nor the Drag Queen Olympics – including a 100m Stiletto Sprint –at Westermarkt. They are both taking place on Friday the 3rd of August

Taking place on Sat the 4th of August, the Canal Parade is the highlight of the whole Gay Pride; it is a boat parade that kicks off at Westerdok, near the Amsterdam Central Station, goes all along the Prinsengracht and the Amstel up to the Oosterdok. The below pics by vincentteeuwen and  faceme,  are just a little preview of how amazing and guaranteed fun the parade will be.

As with any fabulous events, there is also an end, I’m afraid. The Pride Closing Party takes place at Rembrandtplein and is a final massive get together –including music by Dutch artists and DJs to close the festivities and say goodbye to meet again in 2013.

This weekend turns out to be one of the busiest of the year; if you have not booked any accommodation yet here are some budget accommodations for the Amsterdam Gay Pride 2012. There are still options for every budget.

Located in the Red light District: tick. Offer budget shared dormitories: tick. That’s The Bulldog Hotel Amsterdam  where “Nothing is normal, everything is comfortable”. They have an in-house bar where you should definitely try their ‘Bulldog Burger’. They still have beds in dorms starting from 36.33 Euro

Would you like waking up in Amsterdam’s green heart instead? Located on the famous Vondelpark, Stayokay Amsterdam Vondelpark is a HI hostel set in a wooden chalet  looking modern building with a relaxing view of the park. There are still heaps of room types for the Amsterdam Gay Pride 2012: from 2-bed private rooms starting from 50 euro per person to more budget 20-bed mixed dorms starting from 33.50 euro

You can also try another IYHF Hostel, the Stayokay Amsterdam Zeeburg which is also set in a very unique building: a 19th century former school, fully refurbished and equipped with modern facilities. It is suitable mainly for large groups, providing access to multifunctional areas/rooms. There is still availability in 6-bed dorms starting from 31.00 Euro 

Here is a third StayOkay Hostel, StayOkay Stadsdoelen right on one of Amsterdam’s Canals and within walking distance to Waterlooplein Flea Market. Nature conscious travellers might also be happy to know that all StayOkay Hostels have the European Eco-label! StayOkay Stadsdoelen still has beds in 20-bed dorms starting from 30.00 Euro including breakfast, bed linen and tourist tax.

Looking for the privacy of a cosy Guesthouse? Here is Amsterdam GuestHouse Barangay a tropics themed Guesthouse, close to Amsterdam Central Station and The Jordaans. Private double rooms starting from 72 Euro per person

Have you ever attended any Gay pride Parade in Amsterdam? Let us know!