June is Pride Month, a month to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture around the globe; however, in Kilkenny, the celebration extends throughout July.
The Kilkenny Pride Committee are pleased to announce the second year of the Kilkenny Pride Festival and Pride Parade taking place from the 23rd to 26th of July in venues around the city and county.
Following the success of last year’s festival and the city’s first Pride Parade, patrons can expect a vibrant lineup of community events including visual arts, film, queer céilí, music gigs, comedy, education, and family-focused activities over the four-day festival. The full programme is available on kilkennypride.ie.
The focal point of the festivities will be Saturday’s Pride Parade, under the theme “Express Yourself,” in conjunction with Kilkenny County Council. Last year, over 1,000 people turned out to participate and support Kilkenny’s first Pride Parade. This year, once again, the parade will start at Kilkenny Castle, make its way through High Street, and continue on to Bateman’s Quay. A post-parade family-friendly free event at the Butler Gallery will follow, with music, food, drink, performances, and family activities. All are welcome to attend.
Niamh Morgan from Kilkenny Pride commented,
“We are delighted to confirm Kilkenny Pride is back for 2026. We are planning a celebration of diversity, inclusion and community that will bring people together from across Kilkenny and beyond. Pride is an opportunity to celebrate how far we have come, while continuing to champion equality, visibility and community for LGBTQ+ people and all minorities. We look forward to welcoming everyone to join us from 23rd to the 26th of July 2026 for a programme of events, celebration and solidarity.”
Get involved
Kilkenny Pride is seeking artists, acts, singers, bands, and DJs to play at the family fun day at Butler Gallery, sponsored by Walsh Toyota, on the 25th of July and for the night-time ‘Séid’ events, sponsored by State Street, over the Kilkenny Pride Festival weekend.
Kilkenny Pride 2026 will take place from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26, 2026. For the latest updates, programme of events, and volunteer opportunities, check the Kilkenny Pride Official Website or follow the Kilkenny Pride Instagram.
