The spookiest time of the year is upon us, and between Halloween happenings and cosy autumn vibes, the magic is already in the air. If you’re among those who like to celebrate this time of year, here are some fabulous queer events happening across Ireland in October.
The GALAS LGBTQ+ Awards
October 3 | Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dublin
Ireland’s annual awards ceremony honouring the LGBTQ+ community is set to return to the Dublin Royal Convention Centre at the Radisson Blu Hotel this month. Organised by the National LGBTQ+ Federation (NXF) and GCN, The GALAS celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of individuals, companies and organisations making Ireland and the world a better place for queer people everywhere. Last tickets here.
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Gay Health Forum
October 2 | Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, Dublin
The 2026 Gay Health Forum will explore sexual health, LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing, and the different experiences, services and supports that shape our communities. The programme includes national sexual health and service updates, alongside sessions on STI screening and prevention, PrEP and DoxyPEP, ageing and relationships, EMIS-2024 findings, trans and gender-diverse health, chemsex research and more. GCN will also be livestreaming the event on YouTube.
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The Forbidden Sun
Until October 11 | Photo Museum Ireland, Dublin
This solo exhibition by Irish artist Robert Ellis evokes the experience of growing up in an atmosphere of silence and shame where uncomfortable truths lingered beneath the surface. Through photography, video, and ambient sound, The Forbidden Sun transports the viewer into a world without clear boundaries or geographic markers, where natural and synthetic elements collide. Find out more here.
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Mushrooms and Roses Festival
October 2 to 4 | Common Knowledge, Clare
Described as “an anarcho queer venture, rooted in land solidarity, that promotes health autonomy through prefigurative skill sharing and healing centred/ trauma-informed collective care”, Mushrooms and Roses will bring experts in herbalism and community care together to share the skills of botanical medicine, radical mycology, soil and seed work. Find tickets here.
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Daytime Dance Party: The Doll Edition
October 3 | The George, Dublin
Mother and Absolut are teaming up for the fabulous Daytime Dance Party: The Doll Edition, bringing together drag, DJs and dancing while celebrating Ireland’s trans, intersex and non-binary communities. Taking place from 3pm to 8pm, the signature Mother party will also be a fundraiser for Transgender Equality Network Ireland (TENI). Get your tickets here.
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ILGA-Europe Annual Conference 2026
October 7 to 11 | Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre, Dublin
Over 400 participants will gather in Dublin for the ILGA-Europe Annual Conference 2026, hosted by Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre and LGBT Ireland. This conference is a chance for LGBTQ+ activists and organisations to reconnect, support each other, and share knowledge. Find out more here.
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Crochet Circle
October 8 to 10 | Cork Arts Theatre, Cork
Created by drag artist Fruitcake, Crochet Circle is a wonderful show that features original songs, live music and a lot of green wool. Prepare to put on your second-hand glad rags, arm yourself with your natural fibre yarns and get yourself down to this circle-like gathering. Book tickets here.
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FUR!
October 10 | DV8, Dublin
Calling all bears, admirers and those who just love the vibe of a good inclusive night, the iconic FUR! event by Dublin Bears is just around the corner. This is a 100% body positive and kink-friendly event. Get tickets here.
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Art of Horror Movies Market
October 11 | Wigwam, Dublin
The Gauche Market is set to be back with a new themed edition that is all about the art of making horror movies. Featuring unique handmade crafts inspired by your favourite horror flicks, this market will have everything you could possibly need to make this Halloween the spookiest ever. Find out more here.
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Club GASS
October 16 | Róisín Dubh
Expect big tunes, outrageous drag, and plenty of dancing at the October edition of Club GASS. With Kiki St Clair as the fabulous host, this is sure to be an exciting night full of exceptional performances from some of Galway’s finest drag royalty. Book tickets here.
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IFI Horrorthon 2026
October 22 to 26 | Irish Film Institute, Dublin
With plenty of queer events to choose from in the programme, the IFI Horrorthon returns in October to celebrate the terrifying, the gory, the wince-inducing, and the discomfiting. This year, the IFI is also partnering with EGG Cabaret to present a prom night spectacular. Find out more here.
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Second-hand Fetish Gear Sale
October 24 | Pennylane, Dublin
The Leathermen of Ireland are bringing back their second-hand fetish gear sale this October, where people can shop for leather jackets, biker suits, bondage equipment and more. The sale will also raise funds for non-profit organisation Focus Ireland. Find more info here.
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Irish Life Dublin Marathon
October 25 | Dublin City Centre
The Irish Life Dublin Marathon returns in 2026, and GCN has recruited a new team of runners to take on the challenge! Six dedicated individuals have been selected, prepared to take on the 42.2km race in support of Ireland’s free, independent LGBTQ+ media. Support our athletes’ fundraising efforts here.
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SCANRA
October 26 | The Bewley’s Café, Dublin
An immersive night of music, myth and storytelling celebrating the Irish origins of Samhain, SCANRA features some talented queer voices. The event is part of the Dublin City Council Bram Stoker Festival’s after-dark series. Find more info here.
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Beards
October 29 to November 7 | Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
A farcical tale of hope and resilience, Beards by LemonSoap Productions is a rollicking new musical comedy that takes the audience on a fun, wacky trip to the Medieval ages. The story is about the huge pressure of God choosing four queers to co-parent the second coming of Christ. Tickets are on sale here.
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Mother: Halloween Night
October 31 | LoSt LaNe, Dublin
Prepare for a frighteningly stunning night of queer clubbing at Mother: Halloween Night. As light gives way to the delicious darkness, Mother promises a ritual of dance, drink and debauchery at this special night. Grab tickets before they sell out!
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These are only a few of the stunning queer events taking place across Ireland this October. Think we’ve missed any? Get in touch at [email protected] to let us know!
© 2026 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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