- Only the demonstration will take place at Zurich Pride 2026 – the festival on Landiwiese has been canceled.
- Celebrities like Karin Bearpark, Steven Epprecht and musician Sivilian still celebrate with the LGBTIQ community.
- After parties at Kaufleuten and in clubs like Studio 69 provide a colorful supporting program.
This year too, love will be at the Pride in Zurich celebrated – but this time only the demonstration will take place, the usual Pride Festival on the Landiwiese has been canceled. The organizers want to use the break for a strategic realignment.
Nevertheless, many are in a party mood and want to celebrate the LGBTIQ community at the weekend – at the demonstration or at numerous parties. These are the Swiss celebrities’ plans for Pride Saturday:
Karin Bearpark
The podcaster visits Pride in Zurich with her friends. “We want to joyfully celebrate love together,” said the 26-year-old. She is looking forward to a colorful day, which she wants to end at the afterparty in the Kaufleuten Club. “I’m going to wear something really colorful, I want it to be kitschy,” she reveals.
She sees the fact that there is no Pride Festival this year as a big loss. “But I praise every company that has hung out the Pride flag,” says Karin to 20 Minutes. Especially in the current political climate, the community is happy about any public support.
Steven Epprecht
Pride in Zurich has had a permanent place in the entrepreneur’s calendar for years. He won’t miss the parade on Saturday. “Since there is no festival, we have to take care of the rest of the program ourselves this year,” he says. The 37-year-old starts the day with friends and his fiancé Marcos Ruiz with a cozy brunch at home. After moving into the city, Steven visits Reto Hanselmann and his team’s party ride. «First we are on the terrace, where we can extend the parade a little. “Afterwards we’ll continue the celebration inside the Kaufleuten,” he says happily.
Despite the party atmosphere, he says: “I actually wish that Pride didn’t have to exist anymore. The community should have a natural place in society. But as long as that is not the case, it is important that we go out on the streets and show ourselves.” The Zurich resident hopes that Pride will encourage people who don’t yet have the courage to stand up for themselves and their sexuality. And: that there will be another festival next year.
Reto Hanselmann
Speaking of Reto Hanselmann: Despite the stress of preparing for his own party, the Zurich It Boy will attend the parade. “It’s important for me to exchange ideas. I’ll mostly spend Saturday afternoon at the Kaufleuten to take care of the last organizational things.”
Reto’s goal for the evening is clear: “People should have a cool and unique experience at the ride.” The party is a novelty for the long-time organizer. Together with Michael Epiney (33) and drag queen Lou Limacher alias Gossipa (40), he is organizing a large LGBTQ+ party for the first time in the Zurich Kaufleuten.
Sivilian
For the musician it is “mega important” to be part of the parade and celebrate the community. “I start at brunch with friends, then we all go to the parade together.” The heat wave will continue on Saturday, with temperatures expected to reach up to 33 degrees. “Hopefully there will be enough time to jump into the water now and then,” says Sivilian. In the evening the group will probably go to Studio 69 and the Plaza. “But let’s see what the evening and especially the night bring.”
The Bernese singer wants many people to come together even without a festival: “Visibility is more important than ever, and that’s why I hope for a strong and diverse presence.” However, he assumes that some things will be smaller due to the lack of a supporting program. He is all the more pleased that he will be performing at Bern Pride on the Bundesplatz on July 25th.
What does Pride in Zurich mean to you?
That’s why the comment field was deactivated
LGBTIQ: Do you have any questions or problems?
You can find help here:
Janelle Oldani (old), born in 2001, started as an intern in the people department in September 2024 and has been an editor since September 2025.
Leonie Projer (pro), born in 1997, is deputy head of the People department and has been working at 20 Minuten since October 2022. She gained her first journalistic experiences at Tele M1 and “ArgoviaToday”.
Gina Sergi (gis), born in 1997, has been working at 20 Minuten since March 2024. She has been head of the People department since September 2025.
