Pick of De Pride

Lucy Spraggan

Monday June 19: The George: 11pm: €5

Lesbians are a dime a dozen on The X Factor these days, but back in 2012, Lucy Spraggan was a novelty, not only because she was out ‘n’ proud, but because she actually wrote and sang her own songs. With her trademark guitar, beanie and quirkly tunes, she’s kicking Pride week off at The George. Get in the queue.

The Great Gatsby Rave

Wednesday June 21: Café En Seine: 6.30am; €11

Morning Gloryville is a pre-work dance party that gets you in the mood for the day, with lots of extras including free massage and yoga, a breakfast bar and tippity-top DJ’s. For Pride, it’s going jazz age, Gatsby stylee. Grace the floor in your spatz and release those gorgeous endorphins!

The Pantibar Block Party

Saturday June 24: 2pm: Free

It’s Parade day and Panti’s all-day street party is a must-do. If you haven’t danced on Great Strand Street of a Pride day, you haven’t lived, gurls. Do it.

Queer History Walking Tour

Sunday June 18: The George: 2pm: Free

At GCN we’re particularly disposed towards this stalwart of the Dublin Pride celebrations because it’s hosted by our friend and co-founder, Tonie Walsh. This year he’ll be joined by Ciarán Coleman of the Irish Queer Archive, and the tour will be preceded by a screening at The George of Our Love Is History, Caroline Campbell’s award-winning documentary in which the politics of Dublin’s dance floor of the 1980s are revisited and remixed by a new power generation.

The Gaylí

Thursday June 22: Pantibar: 9pm: Free

It’s a particularly Irish Pride tradition that disappeared for a few years there, but thankfully is back in situ. You can expect rí rá agus ruaille buaille go leor, and confused queer tourists eventually falling under our charms go leor. Irish dancers and musicians who feel like joining in are encouraged to come along.

The Mother Pride Bloc Party

Saturday June 24: Tivoli Grounds: 4pm: from €16

With a line-up including Panti and Eurovision legend, Loreen, you can expect absolute euphoria at the biggest Pride festival party in the city, with its massive main stage, Mother DJs, food stalls, bespoke interactive installations, and inside and outside bars until 11pm, with a bangin’ afterparty until the wee small hours afterwards. Tickets from eventbrite.ie, get ’em quick!

Youth Work Ireland and Belong To Pride Breakfast

Saturday June 24: The Buttery, Trinity College: 10:30am: Free

The noise will be jubilant at this celebratory breakfast in The Buttery, Trinity College, for over 300 young LGBT+ people traveling to Dublin to march in the Dublin Pride Parade. There’ll be chowing down and chatter before walking together to the beginning of the Parade at Stephen’s Green.

The Parade & Party In The Square

Saturday June 24: 12 noon: Stephen’s Green

This year’s parade assembles from 12 noon at Stephen’s Green, where the great and the good of the community will be rallying the troops from the top of The George float before the whole kit and caboodle departs at 2pm sharp, marching across the Liffey to Smithfield Square and the Official Dublin Pride After Party. Expect a plethora of performers, community stands, food stalls, a Pride shop, a community area, and all sorts of queer craic. Whoop!

A Dozen Divas with Charlie Hides

Wednesday, June 21: The George: 8pm: €10

She may have given the worst Lip Sync For Your Life evah, but she looks like Meryl Streep and her impersonations are sickening. As part of Witchy Wednesdays, Charlie will be serving up 12 courses of pure diva realness like a one woman snatch game. Bam!

Dublin Pride Annual Debate

Monday June 19: Outhouse: 7pm: Free

So, we all thought we were on the frontlines for full equality during the marriage referendum campaign two short years ago, but turns out there’s more to fight for. The annual Pride Debate, therefore, is entitled ‘Maintaining the Momentum Towards Full Equality’, and a gang of head honchos from the community will be getting heated on the topic.

Gold Tea Party

Saturday June 24: Outhouse: 3pm: Free

Not into celebrating Pride with the aid of buckets of booze? Feeling like you don’t exactly get down with the new kids on the gay block? Then Outhouse’s post-parade, alcohol-free party in association with LGBT group, Gold, might be right up your alley.

We Party Olympic Gaymes

Saturday June 24: The Button Factory: €15

Dublin club Euphoria brings one of the world’s biggest circuit parties to Dublin to celebrate Pride with a literal marathon of dancing to the tunes of DJs Karl Ray, Arthur Cavalli, Dave Mladi, MACAU, Rafa Mafra, a special performance from Ms Milleny Campbell, and go-go dancers galore. It’s gonna be hot, hot, hot. Tickets at euphoriaclubdublin.com