Wicklow Pride CLG has officially unveiled the schedule for the highly anticipated Wicklow Pride Festival 2026, which is set to run from June 28th to July 4th.
Since registering as a charity in 2024, the organisation has dedicated itself to creating safe, welcoming, and joyful spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and allies across the county. What began in 2024 as a localised celebration featuring a single parade, a gathering at Black Castle, and four other events has expanded significantly. Following a successful 2025 expansion to 10 events across four towns, the 2026 tradition of community joy continues with 9 events spread across Arklow, Blessington, Bray, Delgany, and Wicklow Town.
The 2026 Committee Chair, Ricque Porter, highlighted the growth and purpose of the festival, stating: “We created the week-long Wicklow Pride festival in 2024 and hold other events throughout the year around County Wicklow so the LGBTQ+ community and allies in our area can gather in a safe space and just be. I have witnessed the sense of community and joy at every event I have attended and am excited about the variety of events we have planned for 2026.”
Event Schedule
Sunday, June 28th
- Coffee Morning (10:00 am – 12:00 pm) | Location: Pigeon House, Delgany. An opening event designated for coffee, chats, and kicking off the festival week.
- Pizza and GAYmes (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) | Location: Grizzly X Napkin, Arklow. A ticketed evening welcoming strategic masterminds, casual dice rollers, or anyone looking for a brilliant night out filled with board games and great food.
Monday, June 29th
- LGBTQ+ Voices in Literature (7:30 pm – 9:00 pm) | Location: Bridge Street Books, Wicklow Town. A ticketed literary evening featuring readings and a Q&A session with special guest authors Claire Lynch and Jarlath Gregory. The evening also includes an open mic opportunity for aspiring writers to share original stories or poetry.
Tuesday, June 30th
- Paint & Sip (7:30 pm – 9:30 pm) | Location: Art Lab, Bray. A ticketed event marking the festival’s very first Paint & Sip initiative. It offers a relaxed evening of painting, snacks, light music, and community socialising, with absolutely no artistic talent required.
Wednesday, July 1st
- Queer Art Expo (6:00 pm – 8:00 pm) | Location: Blessington Tourist Office, West Wicklow. The festival returns to West Wicklow to celebrate LGBTQ+ and ally artists, featuring fabulous works of art, nibbles, drinks, and music. Note for Artists: Interested exhibitors must contact deirdre@wicklowpride.com by 19th June to secure a space.
Thursday, July 2nd
- Gay Bowl (7:00 pm – 9:00 pm) | Location: Bray Bowl, Bray. A ticketed event returning by popular demand, providing participants with a full two hours of free-play arcade games, pool, and bowling.
Friday, July 3rd
- Lunch & Learn (12:00 pm – 2:00 pm) | Location: The Palm, Bray. A ticketed community conversation regarding the development and accessibility of youth resources within County Wicklow. The panel features notable guest speakers from Seomra / Bray LGBT Youth & Friends, Mammies for Trans Rights, and Belong To.
Saturday, July 4th (The Grand Finale)
- Wicklow Pride Parade (2:30 pm sharp) | Route: Starts at Abbey Street Carpark, moving along Main Street and Castle Street to Black Castle. The main parade moves through Wicklow Town. Individuals and groups wishing to march or volunteer must register online.
- Pride at the Castle (3:00 pm – 7:00 pm) | Location: Black Castle, Wicklow Town. The parade is immediately followed by an afternoon of outdoor entertainment, food, drink, and fun, showcasing an array of local arts and crafts vendors alongside a live performance line-up.
How to Get Involved
To book tickets for the individual events, apply to volunteer, or register a group to march in the parade, please visit the official digital channels:
- Website: wicklowpride.com
- Facebook: facebook.com/wicklowpride
- Instagram: @wicklowpride_