9 incredible LGBTQ+ Pride events happening around Dublin this weekend

The past few years have been particularly difficult for the LGBTQ+ community here in Ireland, and Pride Month has been giving us pause to stand together in solidarity, protest, remember, and celebrate.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or a fierce ally, these events help to highlight the diversity and richness of Ireland’s LGBTQ+ community, providing a platform for self-expression and a shared commitment to creating a world where every individual can live their truth, authentically and proudly.

Pride celebrations in Ireland have grown in both scale and significance over the years, and there are so many stunningly vibrant events taking place over the coming weeks. Here are some of the standout Pride celebrations taking place this weekend…

Sapphic Social

23 June, Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, Capel Street

Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre are hosting a special coffee and chat event exclusively for queer women and non-binary people in the café from 5pm to 7pm. They’re inviting people to come along alone or with a group to connect with like-minded folk, celebrate their Pride, and unwind in a safe space.

Mother Pride Block Party

23&24 June, National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History

The Mother Pride Block Party returns with a bang for a full weekend of queer celebration. Headlining this special event are the Mercury Prize-nominated pop phenomena Self Esteem and the Grammy-winning disco juggernaut, Purple Disco Machine. Joining them on the main stage across the weekend are RuPaul’s Drag Race US and UK Alumni, Bimini, Raja and Naomi Smalls with Bianca Del Rio and Panti Bliss hosting the main stage respectively. Pioneering Irish DJ Krystal Klear & the Mother DJs will play sets across the weekend alongside vocal performances from homegrown talents including Erica Cody and Brooke Scullion.

Dykon Plus: A Queer Party

23 June, Leeson Street Lower

Dykon — a bi-monthly nightclub event by queer women for queer women, enbies and friends — is hosting their very first Dykon Plus in celebration of Pride. There’ll be live DJ sets, wristbands to show what kind of interaction you are looking for (blue for friendship, pink for flirtation), and a truly safe space to relax and unwind.

Fluid Club, Pride Edition

23 June, Dame Street

Going full UV for their Pride celebrations, Fluid — Irelands’ first ever dedicated club for Bisexual, Pansexual, the Fluid, and Flexible — are hosting an extra special event at the Pawn Shop. On the decks for the night will be Katma, Nat Mac, and Sleepless Beauty, and guests are invited to come dressed in white or neon, but if you’ve got nothing that fits the brief, there’ll be painters on hand to give you that extra glimmer in the dark.

LOST: Pride Party with jamesjamesjames

24 June, The Racket Space, Phibsborough Road

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LOST Dublin is teaming up with Body Tonic Music to bring Y2K techno-inspired superstar jamesjamesjames to The Racket Space for his Dublin debut! The self-proclaimed spoilt brat combines his love of pop and techno, new and old, to create turbo bass dance floor hits. There are tons of incredible support acts on the lineup, with many also making their LOST debut. All profits from the show will be donated to Belong To, who support LGBTQ+ youth across Ireland.

NSFW x Rathaus Pride Inferno

24 June, The Grand Social, Liffey Street Lower 

NSFW is throwing a huge all-day collaborative pride party with Rathaus, kicking off with the Garden Party at 3pm, with a huge host of DJs, drag performers and gogo dancers. Headlining the night will be Spray, Craigie Knowles, and Kalahari Oyster Cult. The dress code is heavenly bodies, kink, fetish, and basically just all round horny Adam and Eve vibes.

Dublin Pride Parade

24 June, starting on O’Connell Street at 12pm

Last but certainly by no means least, the 40th anniversary of Dublin Pride Parade will take place on Saturday 24 June, to close out a whole month of activities and events for LGBTQ+ people and allies with highlights including the Pride Village at Merrion Square, and the Mother Pride Bloq Party. Dublin Pride reminds us that despite all our wins and progress, Ireland ranks worst in the EU for Trans healthcare, the ILGA Rainbow map only ranks us the 16th best place in Europe to be LGBTQ+, many children of LGBTQ+ parents are left without protection and legal recognition, and violence against LGBTQ+ people has increased in recent years. Outside of Ireland, 67 countries still criminalise homosexuality, in 11 countries it is subject to the death penalty and in many countries, we have seen a recent rollback in our rights and safety. Pride started out as a protest, and it will continue to be one until each of us can benefit from the same sense of security, acceptance and equality while existing within your truth as our own unique selves.

Absolut Drag Brunch at Roberta’s

25 June, Roberta’s, Essex Street East

Dublin’s award-winning glasshouse restaurant and bar Roberta’s will be hosting a special PRIDE Absolut Drag Brunch with the talented drag stars from Haus of WIG this coming Sunday. Sure to be a unique and memorable experience, guests will get to witness dazzling performances, devour some delicious brunch, and enjoy three Absolut cocktails!

Rainbow Traffic Light Party

25 June, Wigwam, Middle Abbey Street

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Closing out Pride Week with a bang, Sam’s Collective is hosting a night of love, laughter, and a whole lot of fun with their Rainbow Traffic Light Party at Wigwam. Whether you’re single and ready to mingle, or just looking for a new friend, this is the perfect event for you. Come dressed in green if you’re open to meeting new people, yellow if you’re unsure, and red if you’re taken but still want to party with us! With great music, delicious drinks, and an amazing atmosphere, you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable night.

Featured image via Teddy O on Unsplash.