This summer, Israel is set to host the largest Pride festival ever in the Middle East, a four-day celebration planned at the Dead Sea.
The event, named Pride Lands, will take place in the Judean desert from June 1st to June 4th, as reported by the Jerusalem Post. Organizers aim to create a temporary city featuring 15 hotels, a beach venue, a main performance stage, and continuous programming. The lineup includes notable Israeli artists like Dana International, Harel Skirt, and Ivri Ryder, along with various DJs from the local LGBT community.
“This is more than just a festival. It’s the biggest thing we’ve done here,” said Aaron Cohen, the lead producer of the festival, in an interview with the Jerusalem Post.
“We decided to expand, investing millions to acquire an entire hotel for four days and build a city in the middle of the desert. It’s a continuous experience, offering everything from quiet moments to lively nights, filled with music and community,” Cohen elaborated.
Jonathan Gadol, CEO of X Productions, emphasized that this event won’t replace other celebrations, noting, “Prideland is not intended to substitute Tel Aviv’s traditional Pride parade; instead, it aims to enhance community offerings with a festival developed by and for the community.”
This year marks the second consecutive cancellation of Tel Aviv’s annual parade, which was inactive in 2024 due to the Gaza War and again in 2025. The parade is now set to return on June 12th, according to reports.
Pride Lands comes at a time when Israel seeks to revive its tourism sector amid an uncertain ceasefire. Meanwhile, the US State Department has issued travel warnings for Americans, citing ongoing threats of violence and instability, as covered by the New York Post.
