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Celebrate Pride in Dublin with host of LGBTQ+ friendly events in June

By Stephen Holland, DublinLive

Dublin City Council is inviting everyone to part in a citywide celebration for the Dublin Pride Festival.

Pride 2026 takes place from June 24 to June 28 and will include parades, pop-ups, and performances. Inspired by this year's theme of ‘One Story - Many Voices,’ the council is supporting a vibrant programme of events and activities.

In the lead-up to Pride, Dubliners will notice the city transformed with celebrations of inclusion and belonging. From Pride banners displayed on both Civic Offices and the council’s offices at Palace Street to Pride flags strung along the River Liffey , the aim is to showcase a city that’s welcoming for everybody. At the heart of this transformation is Capel Street and Parliament Street, which will be fully transformed with large-scale flag installations as the streets themselves become bold canvases of colour. This immersive artwork will turn two of Dublin’s busiest areas into powerful symbols of visibility and inclusion.

Dublin City Council Pride pop-up installations will appear across the city as well as bus shelters and digital panels all over the capital. Pride’s festival programme will once again see Merrion Square transformed into Pride Square 2 for a free, unticketed, full-day festival event bringing together community organisations, culture and live performances in one of Dublin’s most iconic spaces.

Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam described Pride as “Dublin at its best,” stating its colourful and confident displays best represents his mayoral theme of Celebrating Dublin. “It is about celebrating a city where every voice matters, every story has value and everyone should feel they belong,” he said.

“This year’s theme, One Story, Many Voices, reminds us that Dublin’s strength has always come from its people. Different voices. Different journeys. One shared city.

“I encourage everyone to come into Dublin, enjoy the events, support the parade and be part of the celebration. Dublin City Council is proud to stand with the LGBTQ plus community and proud to help make Pride 2026 a joyful, visible and inclusive moment for the whole city."

Excitement will build earlier in the week with the introduction of a new city-centre hub at Meeting House Square. Running from Wednesday June 24 to Friday June 26, “Pride Square 1 - Meeting House Square” will feature community information stands, queer artists and crafters, and a lively programme of performances throughout the day, creating a welcoming space where people can drop in, connect and celebrate.

The highlight of the week will be the Dublin Pride Parade on Saturday June 27, which sees over 100,000 people take to the streets each year in one of the most vibrant and inclusive events on the island of Ireland. The parade begins at 12.30pm and lasts approximately two hours, and everyone is encouraged to take part - whether by walking in the parade, joining along the route, or showing support from the side-lines.

Alongside these major events, Dublin City Council, through the Dublin City Sport & Wellbeing Partnership, will deliver an extensive programme of inclusive sport, fitness and community activities throughout June, ensuring there are opportunities for everyone to participate in Pride in a way that suits them.

The Dublin Pride Festival offers something for everyone, from large-scale events and performances to community gatherings and local activities, culminating in a citywide celebration of diversity, visibility and belonging. Dublin City Council encourages everyone to plan their visit, explore the programme and be part of Pride 2026.

For more information on events and how to get involved, visit dublinpride.ie

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme