Laois Pride 2026 will bring a lively mix of community events, culture, youth activities and nightlife to the county from 7 to 13 September. With a flag-raising, film screening, parade, fun day and after-party planned, the festival offers plenty of ways to celebrate, connect and show support.

Essential Takeaways

  • Festival dates: Laois Pride 2026 runs from Monday 7 September to Sunday 13 September.
  • Main parade: The parade begins at Laois School of Music at noon on Saturday.
  • Family-friendly afternoon: An Dún will host food, music, performances and drag from 1pm to 4pm.
  • Evening entertainment: Kavanagh's Bar will finish the celebrations with live acts and DJ Ruth.
  • Creative opportunity: A writing competition themed around "Finding Community" will honour queer journalist Joe Drennan.

Laois Pride 2026 starts with a flag-raising

The festival opens at Laois County Council at noon on Monday 7 September, when the Pride flag will be raised. It's a simple but powerful beginning, turning an official civic space into a visible statement of welcome and solidarity.

That opening moment also sets the tone for the week ahead. Rather than squeezing everything into one parade day, Laois Pride spreads its programme across several days, giving visitors and local residents more chances to take part. County event listings show how varied Laois's wider cultural calendar can be, from community gatherings to arts programming.

A film screening adds a thoughtful pause

On Wednesday evening, Dunaimase Arts Centre will screen Girls & Boys at 7pm. The film event brings a quieter, more reflective note to the programme, offering space for audiences to settle in, watch together and continue conversations beyond the usual festival bustle.

That balance matters. Pride isn't only about bright flags, loud music and a packed dancefloor; it's also about stories, representation and the chance to recognise experiences that may not always be visible. Arts venues across Laois regularly provide that kind of communal setting, according to local listings.

Youth Pride Party brings the energy

Friday's Youth Pride Party, organised in collaboration with Youth Work Ireland, gives younger attendees a dedicated space to celebrate. A youth-focused event can make a real difference, particularly for people who are attending Pride for the first time or looking for friendships that feel easy and genuine.

The most useful tip is to check the latest event guidance before travelling, including age requirements, timings and any booking details. Youth and community organisations often update practical information closer to the date, so it's worth checking their social channels rather than relying on an old poster or forwarded message.

Saturday is the big community day

The main parade leaves Laois School of Music at noon on Saturday 12 September, before the celebrations move to An Dún for a Pride Fun Day from 1pm to 4pm. Expect music, performance, drag, food and drinks, with a sociable atmosphere that should suit both regular Pride-goers and curious newcomers.

If you're attending, comfortable shoes and a phone charger are sensible additions. Parades have a habit of taking longer than expected, especially when people stop to chat, dance or wave at friends. The wider Laois events calendar is a useful place to watch for updates on local access and arrangements.

The week ends with music and a creative legacy

The Laois Pride After Party at Kavanagh's Bar will be hosted by Paul Ryder, with Sing Along Social, The Misses, Dylatrix, Regina George and DJ Ruth on the bill. It's the more flamboyant finale, designed for those who want to keep the music going after the daytime events have ended.

Alongside the entertainment, organisers are inviting emerging LGBTQ+ writers to enter a competition inspired by the theme "Finding Community", held in honour of the late queer journalist Joe Drennan. The partnership with the Laois Nationalist gives the project a strong local connection, while similar memorial competitions have shown how writing can keep personal stories and community memory in circulation.

That combination of celebration and reflection feels especially fitting. Pride can be a party, a protest, a creative outlet and a reassuring reminder that belonging is built by people showing up for one another.

It's a colourful week with room for dancing, thinking and finding your people.

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