** buzzing with colour and community, Meath Pride 2026 arrives at the Village Hotel in Bettystown on 29 August, offering a full day of events for queer people and allies , from a relaxed Pride Coffee Day to an evening Pride Extravaganza with music, drag and a Pokémon merch pop-up.**
Essential Takeaways
- When and where: Meath Pride takes place on 29 August at the Village Hotel, Bettystown, with events running from midday into the night.
- Daytime vibe: Pride Coffee Day (12pm–3pm) offers a chilled chance to socialise, visit information stands and meet local support groups; it feels warm and community-led.
- Evening highlights: Pride Extravaganza for over-18s starts at 8pm, with drag performers and DJs , expect lively music, bright costumes and a dancefloor atmosphere.
- Unique attractions: KrabbyCards, Ireland’s biggest Pokémon trading community, will run a merchandise area , a quirky, nostalgic draw for collectors.
- Fundraising and support: A Gay Speed Dating fundraiser at PantiBar on 12 August helps fund the festival; the event is backed by local groups and government supports.
A gentle start: Pride Coffee Day for catching up and connecting
The festival eases you in with a relaxed Pride Coffee Day from midday to 3pm, a friendly hour to meet people and breathe in the sea breeze from nearby Bettystown. Organisers say it’s a safe space to chat, sip and pick up information about services in Drogheda and East Meath. Expect stalls from local organisations and a presence from the Drogheda and East Meath Credit Union , practical support alongside the social. If you’re coming with friends, use this time to plan your evening and scout the venue; it’s ideal for newcomers who want low-key inclusion.
Learn, browse and support: information stands and local groups
Scattered around the hotel will be informational stands showcasing LGBTQ+ services and community groups, so you can discover practical help or volunteering opportunities. Meath Pride aims to promote inclusion and visibility, and these stands are where that aim becomes tangible. Bring a notepad or save numbers to your phone , you’ll want to follow up on local meetups or health services. For anyone organising community work, this is a good moment to network and see what others are doing nearby.
A quirkier pop-up: Pokémon cards meet Pride
One of the more playful touches is a merchandise area run by KrabbyCards, Ireland’s largest Pokémon trading community, which should feel bright, nostalgic and slightly competitive. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just curious, there’ll be packs and traders to browse , a fun, unexpected crossover between pop culture and Pride. It’s a reminder that Pride can hold space for all interests, and it’s a neat reason to bring younger friends or collectors along.
Pride Extravaganza: drag, DJs and a buzzing nightscape
The festival culminates with Pride Extravaganza, an over-18s party from 8pm featuring performers such as AIDXN G, Bon Bon, RYO, Sassy Heels and Princess Fiana. Expect theatrical drag, upbeat sets and an electric atmosphere as the venue fills and the dancefloor heats up. Tickets are on Eventbrite, so book early if you don’t want to miss the headline acts. If you like a dramatic costume reveal and big show numbers, this is the night to lean into sequins and bold makeup.
Community fundraising and support: how the festival keeps going
Ahead of the main event, organisers and partners are running a Gay Speed Dating fundraiser at PantiBar on 12 August, hosted by Ariana Grindr and Peter James, with proceeds supporting Meath Pride. The festival also benefits from backing by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, NoLabel Events and the Meath LGBTQ+ Support Group. That mix of grass-roots events and institutional support helps keep the festival accessible and sustainable , buy a ticket, pop to the fundraiser, or volunteer if you can.
It's a small change that can make every visit feel warmer, and every performance feel more like home.
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