Gran Canaria · LGBT+ agenda
The Maspalomas LGBT+ calendar, month by month
Maspalomas is one of the few destinations in the world with an almost uninterrupted LGBT+ calendar. From the Carnival and its drag galas in spring to the great Maspalomas Pride in May, and from the Bear Carnival to the Fetish Pride, the Winter Pride in November and the Freedom New Year at the year's end. Here you'll find the whole agenda laid out in order, with the dates of each occasion and a countdown to the next big event, so you can plan your trip for whenever suits you best.
2 nov–8 nov 2026
All year round
Why Maspalomas never slows down
Few destinations in the world keep an LGBT+ agenda quite this continuous. A climate of 18 to 25 °C all year round, official backing from the Tourism Board under the «Proudly Gran Canaria» banner and a community that welcomes close to 500,000 LGBT+ visitors a year have turned Maspalomas into a permanent fixture, with major events spread across almost every month.
The epicentre of nearly everything is the Yumbo Shopping Centre in Playa del Inglés, which becomes the stage for galas, parties and concerts during every big week. If you're after the complete guide to the destination, start with gay Gran Canaria.
Spring
Carnival, drag galas and Bear Carnival
The year gets off to a flying start during the Carnival months, when the island's biggest celebration intertwines with drag culture. The Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala (20 February 2026) and the Maspalomas Drag Gala (26–27 March) are two of the most dazzling spectacles on the calendar, both broadcast on television.
Alongside them, the Bear Carnival draws more than 3,000 people to the Yumbo (19–29 March 2026), one of Europe's great «bear» weeks. You can follow the thread of the Carnival at the Maspalomas Carnival.
May
Maspalomas Pride, the great celebration
The highlight of the year is Maspalomas Pride by Freedom. In 2026 it marks its 25th anniversary (4–10 May), with a huge parade on Saturday the 9th that brings together more than 350,000 people, generates some €150M and is even broadcast on RTVE's La 2.
Looking ahead to 2027, the organisers are pointing to the week of 8 May, though this is an estimate not yet officially confirmed. It's the liveliest week of the year: if you're travelling during those dates, book your accommodation well in advance.
Autumn and winter
Fetish, Freedom, Winter Pride and New Year
The calendar doesn't ease off in the second half of the year. The Maspalomas Fetish Pride (1–5 October) and the Freedom Festival (around October) fill the Yumbo, and then comes winter's great draw: the Winter Pride (2–8 November), with more than 40,000 people under the «winter sun» of around 23 °C.
The year bows out with the Freedom New Year Festival (28 December to 1 January), the New Year celebration of southern Gran Canaria. Twelve months, an agenda that hardly ever rests.
All year round
The Maspalomas Pride calendar
Plan your trip
Get your Maspalomas getaway ready
FAQ
Common questions
When is Maspalomas Pride?
Maspalomas Pride by Freedom takes place in May: in 2026, from the 4th to the 10th, with the big parade on Saturday the 9th. For 2027, the week of 8 May is being flagged, though it's not yet officially confirmed.
What is the biggest LGBT+ event in Maspalomas?
Maspalomas Pride in May, with more than 350,000 attendees and a parade that has been broadcast on television. It's followed by the Winter Pride in November (40,000+) and the Bear Carnival in March (3,000+).
Are there gay events in Maspalomas in winter?
Yes. The Winter Pride takes place in early November (2–8 November 2026), making the most of the «winter sun» of around 23 °C, and the Freedom New Year Festival sees out the year from 28 December to 1 January.
When are the drag galas?
During the Carnival, between February and March: the Las Palmas Drag Queen Gala (20 February 2026) and the Maspalomas Drag Gala (26–27 March). Both are broadcast on television.
What's the best time for the LGBT+ scene in Maspalomas?
Any month works thanks to the steady 18–25 °C climate, but the scene peaks around Maspalomas Pride in May and the Winter Pride in November. The Carnival drag galas (February–March) are another great moment.
