Head to one of these wild LGBTQ+ events to celebrate Cork Pride
Bring. It. On.
It might be starting off a bit overcast this weekend, but that won’t stop us from soaking up the joyful atmosphere of Pride Week that’s unfolding across the city.
After two years on the back burner during the pandemic, a full schedule of LGBTQ+ events is set to take place over nine days starting this Saturday, July 23rd and running until Sunday, July 31st.
This year, Cork Pride is packed to the rafters with fun days and nights out that include Heels on Wheels, a love boat harbour cruise, walking tours, a drag brunch, a menopause café, and bingo as well as community and awareness-building events- all leading up to the final Pride weekend and a spectacular after-party, headlined by cultural iconic and OG baddie, Nadine Coyle.
With all of this going on, here are just five events that we are looking forward to this Pride week, starting on Sunday:
1. Ring Masters Drag Race with Paul Ryder
One of Ireland’s most prolific drag queens, performer, host, and acclaimed Ireland’s Got Talent contestant Paul Ryder is set to rock the Crane Lane Theatre on Sunday, July 31st with his own show Ringmaster’s Drag Race alongside a collection of fantastical performers such as Regina George, Dr. Count Evil and Irish Eurovision entrant Brooke Scullion.
Tickets for the 9pm show are on sale via Eventbrite, and cost €15 excluding booking fee.
View this post on Instagram
2. Pride Brunch
Candy Warhol is joined by special guests Victoria Lodge and London’s Marian Mary The 6th for a special Pride Brunch on Saturday, July 30th in Chambers Cork.
Tickets are €25 and include two mimosas, a delicious dish from the food menu, drag cabaret performances, and games. Sittings will be at 2pm and 4pm and can be booked through the portal here.
View this post on Instagram
3. I’m Grand Mam + Cheeky Girls
The chart-topping Cheeky Girls will take the stage to celebrate their 20th anniversary, accompanying the queens of Mockie Ah on Sunday, July 31st in Cyprus Avenue for an exclusive Irish show.
Cork legends Kevin Twomey and PJ Kirby of the madly popular ‘I’m Grand Mam’ podcast will be joining in on the fun and games throughout the night as well as performing their new single Fastline. The Pride Party will be hosted by Candy Wardol with special Guest DJ NATMAC and friends playing disco, pop and house throughout the night.
Tickets are €22-€38 and are available from Evenbrite here.
View this post on Instagram
4. Dykon WLW Night
Dykon is a queer woman and non-binary night taking place in Cyprus Avenue on Friday, July 29th.
Dykon aims to create a safe space for queer women and NB people in Cork by hosting dedicated WLW (women who love women) events in the city.
Tickets for the second installment start from €12 and are available through Eventbrite here. On the night you can expect to relive the 90s glory days, partake in stage games and enjoy live performances from RJ the DJ, Pastiche and Chubby Cat.
View this post on Instagram
5. Drag Ball Race
Stars from RuPaul’s Drag Race join Ireland’s drag haus, Mockie Ah, at Cyprus Avenue on Saturday, July 30th in what is set to be Cork’s largest-ever Drag Race event.
Three international queens- Crystal, Sister Sister, and Anubis- will perform a two-hour show and will host a number of runway competitions on the night. There will also be drag and burlesque performances plus an after-party with DJ NatMac and special guests spinning disco, pop, and dance oldies until the wee hours.
Tickets start from €22 and are available from Eventbrite here.
View this post on Instagram
