The Christopher Street Day is the annual highlight of the gay and lesbian presence in Cologne. On the first weekend in July half a million people celebrate and demonstrate in the city center. Also, experience nonstop 'womenpower'at the WomenPride, a regular part of the annual ColognePride. For those who want to stay longer than a weekend, there are plenty of cultural and sports events as well as nights out starting two weeks earlier. These include "Fantasypride" held in the Phantasialand amusement park in June, the "Come-Together-Cup" soccer tournament which takes place in May, or the street festival on Schaafenstrasse.

In November the "bears" flock to Cologne."Bear Pride" is one of the most important events in the leather scene worldwide and definitely the most international of its kind.
"Je verrückter, desto besser" ("The crazier, the better") - is the motto of the Cologne Carnival starting on 11/11 at 11.11a.m. till February. The so-called "fifth season" reaches its climax with the "Rosenmontagszug", Shrove Monday procession, where more than a million Carnival revelers take to the streets in fancy dresses. The Cologne gay scene also celebrates in style, for example with various homosexual Carnival sessions taking place each year and the Rosa Funken which is the first gay carnival club in Cologne.

* 4th-6th of July 2008: Cologne Pride in Cologne

Gay Games VIII Cologne 2010 - Be part of it!
Between July 31 and August 7, 2010 the Gay Games VIII will take place in Cologne, Germany. Around 12,000 participants from all over the world showcasing 31 different sports are expected to take part and an estimated 46,000 guests will attend the Opening Ceremony at the RheinEnergie Stadium in Cologne.

The Games will also include a varied cultural program with an "International Memorial Rainbow Run", a "Visual Arts Event" as well as choir and band festivals.
"Be part of it" is the motto of the 2010 Games. Be part of it and show more tolerance towards lesbians, gays and transsexuals. Everybody can take part, regardless of his or her sexual orientation. Participants are able to reserve their place now at the official Gay Games Website.