The first Dublin Pride March was all the way back in 1974 and the Pride Parade joined in 1983. Since then, it’s grown exponentially and We’re hoping for fantastic weather as Dublin Pride 2023 gets underway this June!
It’s more than just a celebration of Dublin’s LGBTQA+ communities. It’s a way to reflect on what has and hasn’t changed in society since that very first march back in the ’70s and since pivotal moments like the Stonewall Riots in the US back in 1969.
Walking openly through Dublin city centre hand in hand with a loved one, dressed however you want to dress is something that everybody should be able to do and Pride provides the opportunity for this kind of expression. So, choose your outfit (or just stick some jeans on) and head down to these fantastic Pride events in Dublin where you can be whoever you are and see a sea of other people doing the same.
1. Pride Parade
Firstly and most importantly, Dublin’s Pride Parade will take place on June 24 from 12 pm. It will mark the 40th anniversary of the first-ever Dublin Pride Parade, and hopefully, in another 40 years, we’ll have even more to celebrate!
For the first time ever, all of O’Connell Street will be blocked off so that rainbow-clad Dubliners can proudly make their way through the city centre. After that, the parade and march will head to Eden Quay, then Custom House Quay, Talbot Memorial Bridge, City Quay, Lombard Street, Westland Row, and Lincoln Place, ending at Merrion Square.
2. Pride Village
Once you reach Merrion Square, you’ll find the Pride Village where people will gather for lives music, and good times after the march. It’s a completely free event and it’s also alcohol-free.
There will be plenty of performances to entertain as you chow down on something from the sustainable food area. There’s also a community area and a neuropride zone.
3. Pride Brunches
There are tons of Pride brunches to choose from this June like a hip-hop and brunch Pride rooftop party at Hyde on June 24. There’s also a drag brunch at The Terrace Kitchen & Social House on June.
Check out a disco drag brunch at The Well on June 24 or the Head Banger’s brunch on the same day at Doyles Corner if you’re into heavy metal. Dog lovers can enjoy a doggy Pride brunch at Oscars Smithfield on June 24 too!
4. Pride Parties
The Pride Village might be alcohol-free but you can be absolutely certain that the booze will be flowing freely across Dublin on Pride weekend. Friday 23 and Saturday 24 are gunna be two spectacularly lively nights!
There are countless events taking place in the city but there are a few that are bound to be super popular. Dyke Night is back at Wigwam on June 23 from 8 pm and there you’ll be royally entertained by The Wild Geeze. Expect pole dancer, burlesque, and DJ Kate Brennan Harding.
Mother Pride Block Party will take over National Museum of Ireland-Decorative Arts & History on June 23 and 24, hosting Self Esteem and Purple Disco Machine. There will also be loads of drag performers, including several alumni from Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and US!
On June 23, The Grand Social will host Spinster Pride, where you can dance until 3.30 am to tracks spun by Ragin Spice and DJ Greta. At Wigwam on June 20, you can enjoy some punk drag at B3nder Pride too!
Pride Month is packed full of gloriously gay events and they’re not to be missed! It’s always best to book tickets if you’re interested in brunches or parties because they do sell out fast but if you make your way around Dublin city centre on the evenings of June 23 and 24, you will undoubtedly and automatically be right in the middle of Dublin Pride celebrations.