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Belfast Pride Festival returns this month for its 35th anniversary with more than 150 events taking place across the city.
Running from Friday July 17 until Sunday July 26, this year’s festival will celebrate the theme ‘Love in Every Colour’, bringing together ten days of entertainment, activism and community events.
From storytelling and quizzes to cabaret, cocktails and the annual parade, Belfast Pride offers something for everyone, so we’ve rounded up eight events worth adding to your 2026 calendar.
Belfast Pride with Una Healy, Revolución de Cuba, July 25
The Saturdays singer Una Healy will headline one of Belfast Pride Day’s biggest parties at Revolución de Cuba.
The Irish pop star will be joined by drag performers, DJs and dancers for an afternoon of live entertainment, Pride anthems and performances in the city centre venue.
Una rose to fame as a member of The Saturdays, who achieved a string of top ten singles including Up, Higher and What About Us.
Further performers are expected to be announced ahead of the event.
Doors open at 2pm on Saturday July 25, with the event running until 7pm. Tickets are required and the event is open to those aged 18 and over.
Belfast Pride Parade, Custom House Square, July 25
The centrepiece of the festival, the Belfast Pride Parade will once again bring thousands of people onto the streets of the city centre.
Beginning at Custom House Square at 1pm, the parade will see organisations, charities, trade unions, political groups, businesses and individuals march together.
Part celebration and part protest, the parade aims to celebrate LGBTQIA+ lives while continuing to call for full equality.
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The build-up begins from 11am, with those not taking part encouraged to line the route and enjoy the colour, music and atmosphere as the parade makes its way through Belfast.
Pride Village, Donegall Quay, July 25
Those looking for a more relaxed or family-friendly way to enjoy Pride can visit Pride Village beside the Big Fish at Donegall Quay.
The free community-focused event will feature information stalls, children’s entertainment, music, bouncy castles and a dedicated quiet space.
Unlike many of the celebrations taking place elsewhere in the city, Pride Village is completely alcohol, smoke and vape-free.
The event prioritises LGBTQIA+ community organisations, support services and trade unions, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the groups working with and supporting people across Northern Ireland.
Belfast Pride Party in the Square, Custom House Square, July 25
The Belfast Pride Party in the Square will bring a full afternoon of live entertainment to Custom House Square on Pride Day.
Beginning after the parade returns to the Square, the main stage will feature a mix of local LGBTQIA+ performers, drag artists and tribute acts.
The line-up includes the Union Street Queens, Maverick Queens, Elle Vosque and Onya Becks, alongside tributes to Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, before DJ Micky Modelle closes the celebrations.
Food vendors and a licensed bar will be available throughout the afternoon, while accessibility measures include a dedicated viewing area and signed interpretation for the show.
The event runs from noon until 6.30pm.
Tenx9 with Belfast Pride, The Black Box, July 22
The popular Tenx9 storytelling night is joining forces with Belfast Pride for an evening exploring love, identity and community.
Nine people will each take to the stage at The Black Box to share a true story inspired by the theme ‘love in all its colours’.
The stories could be funny, moving, romantic or reflective, with the only requirement being that they are personal and true.
The event is free but operates on a first-come, first-served basis and is known to be extremely popular, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
The Big Gay Quiz, The Union Bar at Queen’s Students’ Union, July 23
The Rainbow Project’s annual Pride fundraiser returns to The Union Bar on Thursday July 23.
Supported by Taboo and hosted by quizmaster Oisin and Belfast drag performer Hester Ectomy, the evening will put teams through their paces with a series of questions and the chance to win a selection of prizes.
The Union Bar’s pizza kitchen will also be open throughout the evening for anyone in need of some extra brain fuel.
All proceeds from the event will go directly to The Rainbow Project, which provides health, wellbeing and support services for LGBTQIA+ people across Northern Ireland.
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The quiz begins at 7pm and is open to those aged 18 and over. Tickets cost £7.50 plus booking fee.
Queens, Kings & Icons: The Ultimate Pride Divas Variety Show, Cabaret Supper Club, July 24
Some of music’s biggest divas and most recognisable anthems will be celebrated at the Cabaret Supper Club on the eve of the Belfast Pride Parade.
Queens, Kings & Icons promises powerhouse vocals, extravagant costumes, comedy and theatrical performances inspired by the artists and trailblazers who have helped shape Pride culture.
Tickets include a prosecco reception, a main-course dinner and the full evening variety show.
The show begins at 6.30pm and runs until midnight. Tickets cost £45 per person.
A Quiet Pride, The MAC, July 25
Pride can be busy, loud and crowded, but A Quiet Pride offers an alternative for those who would prefer to celebrate at a gentler pace.
Visitors are invited to sit and read, knit, write, draw, work on a craft project or simply enjoy a cup of tea and a conversation with other “quietly proud” people.
Guests are welcome to bring their own books or craft projects, although reading materials and art supplies will also be available.
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There is no pressure to take part in a particular activity, making it a useful retreat from the crowds and noise.
The free, drop-in event takes place in The Den at The MAC from 1pm until 3pm and is open to those aged 18 and over.
