Dublin Pride 2022: Here’s what’s happening across the capital this weekend

But first, a bit of history about Dublin Pride. One of the highlights of the Dublin summer calender, Pride has grown from a one-day parade into a jam-packed, multi-day festival with countless queer events.

A huge part of the city’s cultural identity, the first Dublin Pride parade will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year and dates all the way back to 1983 when the first march was organised from St Stephen’s green to the GPO on O’Connell Street. 

Here are just a selection of events happening across the capital for Pride this weekend. 

Pride Parade

The capital’s much-loved annual Pride parade will make a triumphant return to the streets of Dublin this Saturday. Both a march and parade in one, the festivities kick off at 12 noon and will see over 13,000 take to the cobblestones in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community. 

A celebration of the community’s people and culture, the parade itself plays an important role in promoting diversity, inclusion and belonging within society. It’s also a great opportunity to showcase the many LGBTQIA+ organisations working around Ireland along with ally groups who take a visible stand in support of LGBTQIA+ people. 

Since the first Dublin Pride Parade in 1983, it has grown to become one of the most popular and loved events within the city and continues to leave a lasting impact on all those who attend. 

Pride Village

A full-day festival in Merrion Square, Dublin’s Pride Village opens to the public this Saturday. A free event suitable for all ages, there will be two different stages with entertainment throughout the day along with various food vendors, community zones, a relaxed family area, a quiet zone and a new sustainability zone too.

Mother

Mother is gearing up for a whole weekend of Pride celebrations – starting tonight with the Mother Pride Opening Party. Taking place at The National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, tonight’s show will welcome Years & Years to the stage as part of their The Night Call Tour. Limited tickets remain and you can get yours here. 

Saturday and Sunday will see the iconic Mother Pride Block Party return. Back after a three-year hiatus, the team has pulled out all the stops this year and attendees can expect one hell of a good time. More information here. 

12-hour Pride party

With illicit Dublin hosting the main room and ResoundDublin hosting room two, you can expect BIG party vibes from the minute doors open at Bow Lane Social Club’s marathon 12-hour Pride party. 

Playing a broad range of music including disco, house, techno and ghetto tech, their playlist will keep you dancing right up til the wee hours when you can say your goodbyes and escape to the nearby chipper for tasty post-party feast.

Doors open from 3pm and entry is free, but once they’re full, they’re full so best arrive early to guarantee entry. 

Secret History of Gay Dublin tour 

Organised by Alternative Dublin, this is a tour of Dublin city like no other and will bring you on a romantic stroll through the city, teaching you all about the history of Gay Dublin as you go. From heroes like Oscar Wilde to dashing gay villains, this 90-minute walk is an enlightening look into some of the city’s lesser-known stories. 

The tour starts at the Oscar Wilde statute at Merrion Square and ends at Dublin Castle. Your guide will take you through various chapters of the gay movement in Dublin discussing the fight for equal rights and equality. Tickets cost €14.50 and you can book your spot here. 

Big Gay Quiz

An evening of gorgeously gay questions for those looking to test their brain skills, the Big Gay quiz is hosted by the Haus of Wig dolls (Shaqira Knightly, Naomi Diamond and Donna Fella) and takes place at WigWam this Friday at 8pm. Entry is free but spaces are very limited so get onto them ASAP if you’re interested in popping down. First prize is a €50 Bodytonic voucher, second prize is four Bodytonic gig tickets and third prize is a round of drinks for you and your group.

EPIC Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC is hosting two different Pride-centred events this weekend – one a family-friendly workshop, the other a Pride Festival tour. Details below.

You in the World Pride Festival Workshop

A family-friendly Pride workshop, You in the World will help you explore your experience in the world through interactive art activities and discussion. Open to children six years and older, the workshop will also include discussions on topics such as what it’s like to be part of a minority community, self-expression, censorship, identity, representation, communication and exclusion. The workshop will take place Saturday morning from 10am to 11am. 

Pride Festival LGBTQIA+ Tours

Discover Ireland from the outside in through the stories of the people who left and the culture they brought with them. These tours have been organised specifically for Pride, to highlight Irish LGBTQIA+ stories from around the world – including that of Dr James Barry, who completed the first successful caesarean in the world, to prolific award-winning lesbian author Emma Donoghue. Tours run on Saturday and Sunday at 12pm. 

Pride Bottomless Brunch

Bottomless brunch? Say no more.

Taking place at The Square Ball, €35 will get you a delicious breakfast, bottomless drinks and tunes from some of our favourite gay icons. This Saturday at 12pm, booking is essential – be there or be square (ball). 

Happy Pride one and all!