LGBTQI+ theatre and stage

LGBTQI+ Stories at Mezrab

next edition: 2 February 2025

Join Mezrab regulars and fresh new voices for an inspiring evening of storytelling and music centred around LGBTQI+ themes. Sharing stories is one of the most powerful ways to build community and challenge prejudice, and this event offers the perfect opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate. There’s soup to warm the soul, and entry is donation-based. Don’t miss this vibrant night of queer stories and solidarity!

LGBTQI+ Stories | experimental storytelling on Tuesday nights | Mezrab, Oostelijke Havengebied

Proud to the Bone Comedy Nights at Lellebel

regular monthly nights

This iconic queer bar in the centre of Amsterdam has several comedy nights next to its drag shows and karaoke nights. Proud to the Bone is an LGBTQI+ & friends comedy night aimed at giving opportunities and visibility to performers who are less visible in the traditional stand-up community. During this open mic night, comedians will try new stuff, perfect old stuff, and generally try to make you laugh and have a good time!

Comedy Nights | Bar Lellebel, Centrum

Smut Slam Amsterdam at De Nieuwe Anita

bi-monthly nights

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of raw, real, first-person sex stories at Smut Slam Amsterdam. Featuring guest judges, special prizes, and the infamous Fuckbucket for anonymous questions and confessions. Everyone is welcome, no matter their sexuality or sexual experience. All stories should be respectful, consensual, and without any form of discrimination. Held at De Nieuwe Anita, it’s cosy, welcoming—and maybe a little racy!

Smut Slam Amsterdam | De Nieuwe Anita, West

Laugh Out Proud at Boom Chicago

every first Thursday of the month

Every first Thursday of the month, Boom Chicago transforms into a vibrant celebration of queer talent and comedy. Hosted by the sharp and hilarious Katie Nixon, Laugh Out Proud features a dazzling mix of stand-up, musical numbers, improv, storytelling, and the occasional drag superstar. Whether you’re rocking glitter, leather, or your cosiest sweatpants, this night is all about embracing queer culture with big laughs and even bigger energy.

Laugh Out Proud | Boom Chicago, Centrum

Brave Space at Theater Bellevue

next edition: 19 December 2024

This evening at the new speakeasy from Theater Bellevue brings a vibrant collection of LGBTQI+ storytellers together to share their experiences. It’s a platform for equal representation across gender, LGBTQI+ identities, people of colour, and all age groups, committed to evolving as new communities and ideas emerge. It’s a space for acts of bravery and creative experimentation, inviting makers to step outside their comfort zones and share something new. Entry is free—but seating is limited, so arrive early to secure your spot.

Brave Space | The Speakeasy - Theater Bellevue, Centrum

COME TOGETHER (10) at Frascati

5-8 February 2025

This year marks the 10th celebration of this annual performance gathering uniting Amsterdam’s innovative and contemporary creators. Over four days, artists, colleagues, and audiences unite to share time, space, and ideas in a vibrant, collaborative environment. Every corner of the Frascati theatre offers a dynamic program of short sketches, presentations, poetic experiments, deep discussions, lectures, debates, and dance parties. It provides a platform for exchanging ideas, testing new work, and fostering unexpected encounters. Don’t miss this manifesto and celebration of Amsterdam’s artistic spirit!

Come Together (10) | Frascati Theater, Centrum

Amsterdam Fringe Festival

4-14 September 2025

With 11 days, 25 locations, and more than 250 shows each year, the Amsterdam Fringe Festival presents a mix of theatre, performance art, and dance by new, upcoming, and untamed talent. Emerging from the fringes of the annual Netherlands Theatre Festival 20 years ago, it is an ode to theatrical madness, the independent spirit, and a plea for artistic freedom. The Amsterdam Fringe Festival distinguishes itself by its open call and intensive mentoring of creators. Come celebrate and support the fringe theatre maker!

Amsterdam Fringe Festival | multiple locations

Queering Puppets Festival

April 2025, dates TBC

Queering Puppets Festival Amsterdam provides a stage for genre-transcending forms of visual theatre, object theatre, puppetry, and queer perspectives. In the safe space that puppetry creates, everyone can be whoever he, she, them is. Plein Theater and Cat Smits Company defy the norm with this festival full of colourful visual outbursts. Queering Puppets is LGBTQI+ friendly, feminist, activist, and above all, standing out in queerness!

Queering Puppets Festival | Plein Theater, Oost

Chèri Chèri at The Harbour Club

monthly on Sundays, Thursdays and Fridays until July 2025

Do you want to get showered with splendour? Go see Chèri Chèri from The Dutch Drag Dynasty at The Harbour Club. With Dutch drag royalty Envy Peru, Vanessa van Cartier, Keta Minaj, My Little Puny, and Tabitha, as well as international drag stars Janey Jacké and Skyla Versai. Chèri Chèri is a celebration of individuality and diversity inspired by the legendary nightclubs of Berlin and Paris. With a mix of breathtaking songs, matchless choreography, and enchanting costumes, this show is a timeless ode to the art of entertainment.

For more drag shows in Amsterdam, read our round-up to the city's sparkling scene.

Chèri Chèri | The Harbour Club, Oostelijke Havengebied

Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus

Bringing together 100 singers and dancers, the Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus is the largest gay men’s chorus in the Netherlands. They pride themselves on being an accepting, open-minded, and supportive group, and they strive to be a safe, welcoming place for gay men who love to sing and dance. The chorus performs several times throughout the year, and their repertoire is fun and fresh, ranging from pop and musical theatre to jazz, classical, and traditional melodies.

Amsterdam Gay Men’s Chorus | check website for locations and dates

Honourable mentions:

• ITA
• De Brakke Grond
• DeLaMar
• Felix Meritus

As a born and raised queer local, Daan knows all the ins and outs of LGBTQI+ life in Amsterdam. Follow him and his boyfriend Karl on their gay travel blog coupleofmen.com for queer-welcoming destinations around the world.