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 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 Square2 in Merrion Square. This year will also see Meeting House Square turned into a festival hub of entertainment. Wear your colours with pride and make some noise.

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

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.

Want to explore queer Irish voices throughout history while stomping your feet along to infectious trad music? Historian Dr Anthony Delaney is taking over the Sugar Club on June 26 for a deep dive into his latest book, Queer Georgians. In between fascinating tales of queer people hiding their relationship in 18th-century rural Ireland, musicians Tadhg Sudlow, Xander Baker and Ellen Bolger are on-hand to belt out trad hits to get the crowd going. 

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 | €11.40-15.50.

It's no secret that Dublin has a rich history behind it, but what has been kept pretty hush hush are the many LGBTQ+ figures who were kept behind the scenes. 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 of the city. With a finger sandwich in one hand and a cup of tea in the other, listen along to your friendly guide Leah 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 | Tickets from €55.

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

This year, the Dublin Gay Men's Chorus will perform a special concert, playfully titled "Proudly Ever After," in TU Dublin Grangegorman. Through iconic Disney chunes the talented gaggle of gays takes you on a musical journey through boyhood to manhood. 

TU Dublin Grangegorman, Dublin 7 | Saturday June 13, 3pm and 6pm | €28.

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) | Monday June 23 to Friday June 27, 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

Waving the Pride flag is one way to support the LGBTQ+ movement, another way is supporting local artists and entrepreneurs within the community. Block off time on your calendar for the Gauche Pride Weekend Market at Wigwam on Middle Abbey Street. The vibey cocktail bar turns into a market on a monthly basis, each time with a different theme — for June, they're showcasing quality jewellery, cool art and more, all made by queer artists and business owners. Tickets are free and everyone is welcome, including your doggo. 

Wigwam, Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 | Monday June 29, 12pm-5pm | Free.

Media captionWalk with Pride in 2024.

Media credit@sparklesoftly

The International Bar has a jam-packed programme of hilarious comics all year round, but their Pride Comedy Show always has that bit of added flair. 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 | €13.

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 Cakes da killa will glitter bomb alongside a line-up of local talent including Mayo-born musician Elaine Mai. 

The cream of drag performers including Jinkx Monsoon, Jodie Marsh and Anziety 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 €52.96.

Vicar Street are hosting their own blowout Pride extravaganza. Bow in the presence of drag royalty at Davina Devine and Victoria Secret's Pride Party on Saturday. Alongside performances by Davina and Victoria, the night will also see stars like JAMELIA, Diana Vickers and Bailey J Mills, with even more acts to be announced. Wear your comfiest dance shoes because it's going to be a late one.

Vicar Street, Thomas Street, Dublin 8 | Saturday June 28, 6pm-2am | €51.50.

Media captionSpend a colourful night at Vicar Street.

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.