Belfast Pride Festival 2026 'What's On' Guide

85,000 expected to join landmark anniversary celebrations across Belfast!

Belfast Pride Festival 2026 is set to be the biggest and most vibrant celebration in its history as the organisation marks its 35th anniversary with an exciting programme of free events under the theme "Love in Every Colour."

From 18-25 July 2026, Belfast Pride will bring communities together through storytelling, family activities, gaming, arts and culture, film, dance, discussion, and celebration, culminating in the city's iconic Pride Parade on Saturday 25 July.

Q Radio is delighted to be the official Media Partner for Belfast Pride 2026! This partnership reflects our commitment to inclusivity, representation and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community across Northern Ireland including live event coverage and behind the scenes content.

The milestone anniversary offers an opportunity to celebrate how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come since 1991, when one hundred courageous individuals marched down Royal Avenue with homemade banners and placards, boldly declaring: "We're here, we're queer, and we ain't going anywhere!"

Thirty-five years later, Belfast Pride has grown into one of the largest civic events in Northern Ireland, with an estimated 85,000 people expected to take to the streets for the 2026 Belfast Pride Parade.

"As we celebrate 35 years of Belfast Pride, we honour the courage of those who marched before us while continuing to create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued and seen. Love in Every Colour reflects the diversity, resilience and joy of our community, and we invite people from all backgrounds to join us for what promises to be a truly unforgettable festival."

Festival Highlights

BELFAST PRIDE PRESENTS... GAME ON! @ REBOOT

Saturday 18 July | 12pm - 4pm
Reboot Gaming Café, Lisburn Road

Gamers of all experience levels are invited to enjoy an inclusive LGBTQIA+ gaming event featuring multiplayer action, social connection and community spirit in a welcoming environment.

BELFAST PRIDE FAMILY FUN DAY 2026

Saturday 18 July | 12pm - 4pm
The Pavilion at Stormont

The much-loved Family Fun Day moves to an exciting new location, offering a packed programme of activities including bouncy castles, a climbing wall, face painting, slime making, jungle shows and creative arts activities for all ages. Easily accessible by Glider and with free parking available, families are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy a day of fun together.

PRIDE TALKS BACK

Saturday 18 July | 2:30pm - 4pm
The MAC

Returning in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Pride Talks Back provides a space for open and honest dialogue. Marking both Belfast Pride's 35th anniversary and 25 years of the PSNI, the event will explore the evolving relationship between policing and LGBTQIA+ communities, with audience members invited to participate and ask questions.

CRAFTED WITH PRIDE

Sunday 19 July | 12pm - 4pm
2 Royal Avenue

Following hugely successful previous editions, Belfast's largest LGBTQIA+ makers' fair returns with an impressive showcase of locally produced crafts, artwork, textiles, prints, jewellery and handmade creations from queer artists and makers.

HOUSE OF MOTION: LGBTQIA+ DANCE LESSONS

Sunday 19 July | Sessions at 1pm, 2:25pm and 3:30pm
House of Motion, Lisburn Road

Celebrate Pride through movement with fun, free and inclusive dance classes led by experienced instructors. Open to all abilities, the sessions offer a welcoming opportunity to build confidence, make connections and share in the joy of dance.

TEN BY 9 PRIDE SPECIAL

Wednesday 22 July | 7:30pm - 10pm
Black Box

Belfast's acclaimed storytelling organisation joins Belfast Pride for a special evening of authentic stories inspired by the themes of pride, identity, belonging, love and community. Nine storytellers will each share a true story from their lives in this unique celebration of lived experience.

DYLAN HOLLOWAY: TOMORROW'S TOO LATE

Friday 24 July | 8:30pm - 11pm
Queen's Film Theatre

Presented in partnership with Queen's Film Theatre, this special screening of the award-winning documentary Tomorrow's Too Late follows British musician Dylan Holloway's gender transition journey. Attendees will also enjoy a live performance and audience Q&A featuring Dylan Holloway, director Terry Loane and editor Lauren McGuigan.

The Main Events

THE 2026 BELFAST PRIDE PARADE

Saturday 25 July | Parade starts 1pm
Custom House Square

The centrepiece of Belfast Pride Festival and one of the largest celebrations of equality and diversity on the island of Ireland, the parade will begin gathering from 11:30am before stepping off at 1pm sharp. Supporters, allies, community groups and organisations are encouraged to march together in a spirit of solidarity, inclusion and mutual support.

PARTY IN THE SQUARE 2026

Saturday 25 July | 12pm - 6:30pm
Custom House Square

The city's largest LGBTQIA+ celebration returns with a packed main-stage programme showcasing local talent, drag performers and musical entertainment. Performers include Maverick Queens, Union St Queens, Elle Vosque, Onya Becks, Mizz Tasty, Drag Kings, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift tribute acts, with a headline DJ set from legendary DJ Micky Modelle.

Hosted by Dick Von Dyke, Miss Tina Legs Tantrum and Q Radio's Gareth Woods, the event will feature enhanced accessibility measures, including a dedicated viewing area with sign language interpretation.

OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY

Saturday 25 July | From 9:30pm - 3am

The Telegraph Building

As the sun sets, the celebrations continue at Belfast's iconic warehouse venue The Telegraph Building, where Taboo's Official Belfast Pride After Party takes over from 9:30pm with massive pop and club anthems from resident Judas DJs, Froot Factory and stunning performances from The Queens of Belfast, alongside spectacular production and endless confetti right through until 3am.

Final remaining tickets for Taboo are available at www.taboopresents.com

Join the Celebration

Whether you're attending for the first time or have been part of Belfast Pride's journey since the beginning, Belfast Pride Festival 2026 offers something for everyone.

Join thousands of people from across Northern Ireland and beyond as Belfast celebrates 35 years of Pride, visibility, resilience and community, sharing a powerful message of Love in Every Colour.

For full event information and updates, visit Belfast Pride's official channels.

About Belfast Pride

Belfast Pride is Northern Ireland's largest LGBTQIA+ festival and parade, celebrating diversity, equality and inclusion. Founded in 1991, Belfast Pride continues to create opportunities for visibility, advocacy and community engagement while championing the rights and wellbeing of LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland.