Shoppers, locals and visitors are gearing up for Longford Pride 2026, a week of bright, bold celebration from August 3–9 that mixes free community events with ticketed nights out; here’s what to see, where to go and why this small-town festival feels bigger than ever.

Essential Takeaways

  • Dates and scale: Longford Pride runs August 3–9 with a mix of free and ticketed events, from workshops to a headline parade.
  • Key highlights: Parade at 4pm on August 8, Pride Craft Market 11am–3pm, and the Longford Pride Party at P.V’s Red Room from 9pm.
  • Family-friendly & active: Colour Fun Run 5km on Sunday at 2:30pm is free to register; bring a white T‑shirt for the colour toss.
  • Creative and reflective: Free poetry workshop, art exhibition “My Body, My Self”, and intersectionality discussion offer thoughtful programming.
  • Tickets & prices: Early Bird and concession entry for the Pride Party from €10 on Eventbrite; door admission €15.

Where it all kicks off: Midtown Kitchen & Bar launch night

Longford Pride opens on Monday, August 3 with a launch at Midtown Kitchen & Bar at 7pm, so expect an upbeat local crowd and a cosy, sociable vibe. The evening sets the tone with a community focus , it’s intimate, colourful and very Longford.

Organisers have layered the week with accessible events, and launching in a popular bar helps draw people in who might not normally attend festival openings. If you want to meet volunteers or pick up wristbands, this is the night to do it.

Tip: arrive early to secure a table and scope out printed programmes; small venues fill fast when a festival is in town.

Poetry, art and conversation: the thoughtful side of Pride

Creativity threads right through the schedule, starting with Hayley Fox‑Roberts’ polyphonic poetry workshop and an art exhibition at Longford Library on Tuesday themed “My Body, My Self”. These sessions tend to feel quiet, reflective and surprisingly moving.

Wednesday’s “How To Be An Ally” workshop and the Intersectionality & Queerness discussion bring education front and centre, while Thursday’s Pride@Work talk “Quare Auld Times” traces queer histories in Ireland. It’s a nice balance to the louder, carnival moments.

Practical note: free events are open to all and often run on a drop‑in basis, but arrive early for seats and to chat with the artists and speakers.

Parade and party: Saturday’s parade, performances and late cabaret

Saturday, August 8 is the festival’s crescendo: a craft market through the day, then the parade starting at 4pm from the Barracks, led by grand marshal Eddie McGuinness. Streets will be lively, with live acts , Mr Pride, SuZen, Sassy Weef and Karma Violet , bringing a feel‑good soundtrack.

When night falls, the official Longford Pride Party at P.V’s Red Room promises cabaret, a drag spectacular from Haus of Kwen and a DJ keeping the tempo. Tickets are inexpensive, and the late show is a chance to support performers and local venues.

How to plan: buy Early Bird tickets on Eventbrite if you can, and arrange meeting points in advance , parades can get busy for groups.

Friday and Sunday: quizzes, run and an eccentric close

Before the parade weekend, Friday’s Pride Drag Table Quiz at Torc (from 8pm) is a lively, laugh‑filled night hosted by Kara Kalua , great for teams and bargain prizes. The festival then slows down on Sunday with a 5km Colour Fun Run at The Mall at 2:30pm , bring a white top and a sense of mischief.

Close the week with a very Longford finale: a comedy tabletop gaming show in the Green Room, hosted by the Midlands Adventurers Guild and led by Mr Bear Ireland 2026, Rob Partridge. Expect chaotic, family‑friendly nonsense and big laughs.

Practical tip: the Fun Run is free to register on Eventbrite, but if you want the official t‑shirt grab one at the market early in the day.

Why Longford’s festival feels bigger than its size

There’s a reason Longford Pride has been nominated for Event of the Year at The GALAS: it blends grassroots community work with festival polish. From heritage talks to riotous drag, the programme caters to curious locals, families and visitors looking for something different in the Irish summer calendar.

Community groups and local businesses are visibly involved, and that community buy‑in makes the week feel inclusive and welcoming. If you’re new to Pride events, Longford is a gentle, joyful place to start.

It’s a small change that can make every celebration more colourful.

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