PRIDE IS WELL underway this year, with the annual festivities set to ramp up even further this weekend. The end of June is the traditional pinnacle of the celebration of queer identity, with Pride also acting as a reminder of the long, ongoing journey towards equality.
Open mic nights, art exhibitions and collective art making nights have all taken place this month, acting as warm-ups to the main weekend of Pride, which is Friday the 23rd to Sunday the 25th. Over the weekend, we’ll see Dublin covered from head to toe in rainbow flags, as the city gears up for several annual Pride highlights, such as the Pride Parade and the Mother Block Party.
If you’re looking for some inspiration on things to do to make the most of Pride weekend, we, together with Absolut, have you covered. There’s something on for everyone at the weekend, from family fun days to a massive two day block party, so the only issue you’ll have is narrowing down what you want to do!
Taking place on Friday and Saturday, the now annual Mother Block Party returns to the National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts & History (Collins Barracks) for an evening filled with immaculate vibes and dance floor classics. Headlined by the fantastic Self Esteem on Friday and the groovy Purple Disco Machine on Saturday, the full lineup includes DJs Kelly-Anne Byrne and Tara Kumar, as well as a host of some of the most impressive drag performers in the country.
Mother has been throwing parties in Dublin for over a decade, and is considered by many as the leading light of the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene, so you know a great night is in store. Absolut are the lead sponsor for the two day party and will have numerous bars onsite for all the dancers in need of refreshment. This is the largest ticketed event of Pride, and we strongly recommend getting your hands on some tickets as soon as possible before they sell out.
This year’s Dublin Pride Parade marks 40 years of pride parades in the capital and to celebrate this anniversary, the entirety of O’Connell Street (both sides) will be used as the assembly ground for the parade for the first time ever. The parade is set to commence at 12pm on Saturday, and the route will bring those taking part down the quays and up Westland Row before arriving at Merrion Square, where family-friendly events will be running all weekend (more on that later).
The parade is set to dominate the city this Saturday, with the Red and Green LUAS lines closed temporarily. LGBTQ+ support, advocacy and social groups will lead the parade as usual, and the collective Grand Marshall of this year’s march is the founders of the Sexual Liberation Movement, the organisers of the original pride march to Fairview and the activists who fought for the decriminalisation of homosexuality.
Mother and Absolut X are teaming up for The Pride Block Party After Party at Button Factory on Friday, running from 11pm-late. As lead sponsor of the Mother Pride Block Party and longtime supporters of innovative and inclusive club culture, the iconic spirits brand is organising the perfect afterparty to day one of the block party. A unique club night is promised for those in attendance, with ABSOLUT X always delivering for those clubbers looking for something out of the ordinary.
The Button Factory will be transformed especially for the occasion, with pioneering custom-built digital installations dotted across the dance floor, allowing for a more interactive clubbing experience for those quick enough to grab tickets. Ghostboy, a much-loved Mother regular, will headline the night. To enhance the unique vibe of the night, bespoke bars will also offer Absolut Made to Mix cocktails and premium serves all night.
Tickets are expected to sell out, especially after the success of the previous ABSOLUT X event in Dublin, so make sure to get your tickets ahead of the night.
An all-day festival in Merrion Square is taking place on Saturday, perfect for families looking for something to do after attending the parade. This is a free event suitable for all ages and is supported by Dublin City Council and the Pride festival sponsors. The festival includes 2 stages with entertainment all day, community zones, family area, quiet zone, food vendors and a new sustainability zone. There’s no need to book, you can simply show up when it suits you and enjoy the festivities.
If you are more into history rather than late-night partying, you may be interested in a novel and unique tour of the award-winning GPO Museum. The Rebel Pride Tour is a specially designed guided tour that aims to celebrate and bring the role of LGBTQ+ rebels during the 1916 Rising and beyond to a wider audience.
The tour will look at the experiences of the rebels during a turbulent time in Ireland’s history, and the crucial role many had in the fight for independence. The tour takes place at 11 am on Saturday morning, and it is essential that you book your place.
We hope you enjoyed our preview of Pride Weekend, brought to you by Absolut Vodka.
Keep an eye on @absolutirl for more upcoming events.
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