12 events to celebrate Dublin Pride 2026

The Pride parade will take over O’Connell Street, transforming Dublin’s main thoroughfare into a vibrant celebration of flamboyant floats and colourful costumes. This year’s theme, ‘One Story, Many Voices’, highlights the common thread that connects members of the LGBTQ+ community across time, borders and different lived experiences. You can just turn up on the day and cheer on from the sidelines or join in the march, which will be led by this year's Grand Marshall, author and activist Philippa Ryder.

The parade is divided into two sections – the first is reserved for LGBTQ+ support, advocacy, youth and social groups, while corporate organisations get to wave their flags in the second part. Participants will gather along O’Connell Street before marching down by Liberty Hall, crossing the River Liffey and finishing up at the Pride Village in Merrion Square. This year, the festival is expanding to include a new Pride Square over in Meeting House Square. Both squares will become hopping hubs of entertainment – wear your colours with pride and make some noise.

O’Connell Street | Saturday, June 27, 12.30pm | Free.

Media captionTake part in the iconic Pride Parade.

Media credit@clem_mason

To kick off Pride Month, the National Gallery of Ireland are offering a guided tour which weaves through work by LGBTQIA+ artists and considers the community's history in fine art. Can't make the event? You can still follow along with the self-guided tour online.

National Gallery of Ireland, Merrion Square, Dublin 2 | Various dates and times | Free.

Media captionExplore the LGBTQIA+ history and context of works at the National Gallery.

Today, you can find Oscar Wilde lounging in Merrion Square, his statue decked out in a nephrite jade smoking jacket, his pink collar and cuffs carved from thulite. But back in his day, the Irish writer was seen as anything but an icon due to his flamboyance and sexuality, so much so that he was imprisoned for two years. 

Celebrate Pride and Wilde's queer identity with a visit to the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI) for the museum's new film installation on De Profundis – a love letter Wilde sent to his lover Lord Alfred Douglas during his incarceration. The film presents key passages from the emotional correspondence with the help of prominent LGBTQ+ writers, artists and activists, sharing raw insight into the love the men shared and Wilde as a man and artist.

Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI), Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 | Saturday March 7 - Monday August 31 | €14.50.

Media captionDive into the love life of Oscar Wilde.

Head to the Sugar Club on June 26 for a night of history, storytelling and music with Queer Georgians: The Ladies of Llangollen. Historian Dr Anthony Delaney will be joined by musicians Tadhg Sudlow, Xander Baker and Ellen Bolger to tell the story of Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, two women from Kilkenny who eloped in 1778 to escape their destined fates.

The Sugar Club, Leeson Street, Dublin 2 | Friday June 26, 7.30pm-9.30pm | Tickets from €17.07.

The Queer Spectrum Film Festival – Ireland's first film festival dedicated to the stories of LGBTQ+ people of colour and immigrants – is back in the Irish Film Institute (IFI) for the third year in a row. Organisers Queer Asian Pride Ireland are collaborating with Queer East Festival for this year's theme: 'Tender Migrations: Queer Journeys Through Desire, Transition, and Healing'.

Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | Friday June 12 - Sunday June 14th | Tickets from €12.50.

It's no secret that Dublin has a rich history, but what has been kept pretty hush hush are the many LGBTQ+ figures who have shaped the city. If you want to learn all about them but your boots weren't made for walking, hop on board Vintage Tea Trips' queer history tour. With a finger sandwich in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, listen along to your friendly guide as she points out key details in the city's architecture and shares stories of colourful LGBTQ+ members from Dublin's past. This is an alcohol-free event, so feel free to bring the kids along, too.

Vintage Tea Trips, Stephens Green North, Dublin 2 | June 20-21, 11am-12.15pm | Adult tickets from €55.

Media captionTake in Dublin facts and afternoon tea on the go.

For this year's Pride, the Dublin Gay Men's Chorus will perform a special concert, playfully titled 'Proudly Ever After', in TU Dublin Grangegorman. The show is a nostalgic and joyful musical journey through iconic Disney chunes celebrating identity and growth.

TU Dublin Grangegorman, Dublin 7 | Saturday June 13, 3pm and 6pm | €25.

DJ, activist and archivist Tonie Walsh is a national treasure. He’s been there, marched the long march and shimmered with pride throughout. His breadth and range of knowledge is what makes him such a fascinating guide for this series of walks. Expect passion, scintillating insider information and humour as he guides you through the streets and stories which weave the narrative of our queer past.

Barnardo Square, Dame Street (beside City Hall) | June 22, 23, 25 and 26, times vary depending on the day | Advance booking advised, €15-20.

Media captionGo back in time with Tonie Walsh.

Media creditKieran Rose / Queer Culture Ireland

Enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to another legend in the LGBTQ+ community at the Pride at Work's Pride Coffee Club. The non-profit organisation welcomes Stonewall veteran and activist Jay Toole for an in-depth chat about being a queer person in New York City, the realities of being homeless and her advocacy work for queer and economically marginalised people in the US. Tickets are free, but be sure to reserve your spot in advance.

Miesian Plaza, Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2 | Thursday June 25, 10am-12pm | Free.

The International Bar has a jam-packed programme of hilarious comics all year round, and their Pride Comedy Show always delivers. From June 25 to 27, comedian, writer and host Simon O'Keefe will welcome comics from Ireland and beyond to the stage, including German stand-up star Tera Kilbride, sketch artist Ally Ryan and Dublin-born funny man Paddy Armas. 

The International Bar, Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 | Thursday June 25 - Saturday June 27, 8.30pm-10pm | Tickets from €10.

Mother are the club promoters behind the main Block Party, which will take place in the storied grounds of the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks. Headline international acts including Sofi Tukker and Jinx Monsoon will glitter bomb alongside a line-up of local talent including Mayo-born musician Elaine Mai. 

The cream of drag performers including Jodie Harsh and Donna Fella will be joined by DJs Ghostboy and Glamo, offering partygoers all they need for a mighty hoopla.

National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks | Saturday June 27, 4pm-11pm | From €47.50.

Media captionBe dazzled by incredible drag queens this Pride.

Who says the fun has to end? Keep the spirits high and the party going at the Mother Pride After Party. Taking over The Button Factory, lose yourself to disco, pop and house beats with acts including Glamo, Mars Montana and DJ Kelly-Anne Byrne. Wear your comfiest dance shoes because it's going to be a late one.

The Button Factory, Temple Bar, Dublin 2 | Saturday June 27, 11pm-3am | Tickets from €20.

Discover the history of Dublin Pride

In 2023, LGBTQ+ activist and founder of the Irish Queer Archive Tonie Walsh shared his thoughts on 40 years of Dublin Pride.