Celebrate Pride with a big, glittering start , Mother has announced fresh additions to its Opening Party at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, promising two days of euphoric live music, DJ energy and drag glamour to kick off Dublin’s Pride weekend. Tickets are selling fast, so plan ahead.

Essential Takeaways

  • Headliner revealed: Scissor Sisters will headline the Mother Pride Opening Party with an energetic, milestone set.
  • Big-name support: Peaches joins on decks for a high-voltage DJ performance with a bold, electronic sound.
  • Drag and local flavour: Dublin favourites Naomi Diamond and Pixie Woo bring theatrical drag to the stage; Panti Bliss is also on the bill.
  • Outdoor vibes: A Clarke Square stage takeover by SPIN DJs Marty Guilfoyle and Jen Payne adds an outdoor dance-floor atmosphere.
  • Community boost: The block party supports GCN, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ press, with proceeds helping sustain the community resource.

A headline act that promises sparkle and sing-alongs

Scissor Sisters topping the bill is the clearest signal that Mother wants to open Pride Weekend with real pop-theatre energy. Expect big choruses, glittery showmanship and the kind of sing-along anthems that make a summer night feel cinematic. Fans who've seen them know their live shows land somewhere between club euphoria and camp cabaret , it’s the perfect mood-setter.

The decision to book a legacy act like Scissor Sisters also speaks to a wider trend: festivals leaning on beloved queer icons to anchor community celebrations. If you want the full experience, get there early, because the crowd will be buzzing well before the headliner.

Peaches on the decks , electronic fire and fearless performance

Peaches joining the lineup as a DJ adds an edgier, electronic counterpoint to the live pop. Her sets are known for being confrontational, playful and heaving with attitude, so expect a dancefloor that’s equal parts provocative and joyful. It’s a smart booking for anyone who wants Pride with a pulse.

If you’re deciding which parts of the night to prioritise, Peaches is the kind of act you don’t want to miss if you like your DJ sets daring rather than purely retro. Bring comfortable shoes and an appetite for loud, unapologetic beats.

Drag royalty and local stars bring the glamour

Alongside the music, Mother has pulled in beloved drag performers to keep the stage lively between sets. Naomi Diamond and Pixie Woo, both staples of Dublin’s drag scene, will add sharp humour, choreography and quick costume changes. Panti Bliss’s presence adds political and theatrical heft; their performances are as much about heart as they are about punchlines.

Drag at events like this does more than entertain , it connects festivalgoers to a culture and history. For visitors or first-timers, it’s a dazzling, affectionate introduction to why drag is central to Pride.

Clarke Square takeover: SPIN DJs and the outdoor dancefloor

Mother’s partnership with SPIN for a Clarke Square Stage takeover means the party spills outside the museum walls. DJs Marty Guilfoyle and Jen Payne will carry the night across an outdoor dance floor, which is ideal for those who want to mingle, dance in open air and soak up the summer atmosphere.

Outdoor stages change the pacing of a festival , they make room for lighter, social moments between headline acts. Pro tip: arrive early to claim a good spot on the square, and consider layers , nights can cool even after a hot day.

Why this block party matters beyond the music

Mother’s Pride Block Party is more than a stack of acts , it’s a fundraiser for GCN, Ireland’s national LGBTQ+ press. Supporting the event helps sustain a vital community voice, so your ticket does double duty: you get a great night out and you back an important resource.

Looking ahead, this kind of programming , mixing international names with local talent and community initiatives , is what keeps Pride both celebratory and meaningful. It’s a thoughtful balance that makes the weekend feel like a party and a purpose.

It's a small change that can make every Pride moment feel louder, prouder and more joyful.

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