Celebrate Kilkenny’s growing Pride scene: over 500 people marched, the city hosted a four-day festival with new film and youth programming, and organisers are already planning to expand the festival by 2027 , a colourful, inclusive weekend that put queer culture centre stage in this artistic city.

Essential Takeaways

  • Big turnout: More than 500 people joined Kilkenny’s second Pride parade, creating a lively, joyful atmosphere.
  • Four-day festival: Events ran Thursday to Sunday and included the first Kilkenny Pride Film Festival, Queer Céilí, Séid after-dark shows, and a family fun day.
  • Youth-led energy: The Youth Pride Committee marshalled the parade and ran a packed youth programme , talent show, Rocky Horror screening, brunch and crafts.
  • Inclusive aim: Organisers stress visibility and safe spaces, positioning Pride as part of Kilkenny’s year-round arts and festivals calendar.
  • Plans to grow: Kilkenny Pride organisers are already looking to expand the festival through to 2027, signalling ambition and staying power.

A colourful surge through historic streets

Kilkenny’s medieval lanes and riverside quays felt different over the weekend , brighter, louder and full of song. The parade theme, “Express Yourself”, translated into face paint, flags as capes, handmade banners and plenty of pop tunes. According to local coverage, more than 500 people turned out, and the mood was buoyant and communal.

That energy didn’t appear overnight. Kilkenny has a long festival pedigree, and organisers are keen to fold Pride into that existing cultural calendar. For residents and visitors it felt like the city had rediscovered a playful, inclusive pulse, for one weekend at least.

Practical tip: if you missed it, keep an eye on the Kilkenny Pride website for next year’s route and volunteer calls , these events grow with community input.

What made this year different: film, céilí and after-dark shows

This second festival introduced the Kilkenny Pride Film Festival for the first time, alongside established social strands such as Queer Céilí and Séid , the late-night mix of DJs and drag. The programme aimed to offer something for different tastes and ages, from family-friendly activities to club-style shows after dark.

Organisers told local press they deliberately widened the line-up to include both community-focused daytime events and celebratory nightlife. The result was a layered festival that felt thoughtful rather than one-note.

If you’re planning to attend next year, decide what you want first: movies and conversations, family time at the Butler Gallery, or late-night performances. Each strand has a different vibe.

Youth Pride: leading from the front

One clear highlight was the Youth Pride Committee taking the role of grand marshals. Young people weren’t just attendees; they ran a talent show, hosted a Rocky Horror screening, held a pre-parade brunch and organised a craft corner at the Butler Gallery family fun day.

A Youth Pride spokesperson described the theme of expression as especially resonant for younger participants, who used costume and performance to celebrate identity. That visible youth leadership signals a festival that’s building roots, not just staging an annual march.

For families and younger allies, the mix of creative workshops and safe spaces made the weekend feel accessible and sincere rather than touristy.

Kilkenny Pride and the city’s cultural identity

Kilkenny has long been known for its arts and festival calendar, and organisers want Pride to sit naturally alongside that heritage. Co-chair Niamh Morgan spoke about visibility and making Kilkenny a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.

This positioning matters: when Pride becomes part of a city’s cultural DNA, it’s easier for inclusive practices to stick beyond one weekend. Local partners , galleries, youth groups and venues , helping to host events makes the festival feel collaborative.

Observation: small cities can do big-hearted Pride weekends by leaning on local arts infrastructure and youth networks, and Kilkenny appears to be doing exactly that.

What’s next , growing towards 2027

Organisers have flagged plans to expand the festival up to 2027, which suggests Kilkenny Pride will keep evolving in scale and scope. Expect more programming, deeper community outreach and potentially larger parades in coming years.

If you want to support that growth, consider volunteering, donating, or pitching an event idea to the team. Local festivals often rely on grassroots enthusiasm as much as funding.

It’s a small change that can make every future Pride bigger and friendlier.

Source Reference Map

Story idea inspired by: [1]

Sources by paragraph: