After weathering the storm that was Irish winter, it’s safe to say we’ve earned a summer to remember. With May promising drier and longer days aplenty, it’s time to fill them up with some fabulous queer events. Check out some of the best options below!
KING
May 1, The Grand Social
KING returns to The Grand Social this May bank holiday for a night full of big tunes and big energy. With Claire Beck and RJ the DJ on the decks, the dancefloor is ready to welcome dykes, queers, gays, theys and friends, all while raising vital funds for Dublin Dyke March. Get your tickets here!
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Raise your Spear
May 1-23, Droichead Arts Centre
Artist Dani Gill hosted a series of workshops over 2025 and 2026 exploring themes of identity, community and advocacy. Participants each customised their own spears, which will now be exhibited in public installations in Droichead’s gallery this May, alongside words and reflections from the process. Find out more here.
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Mother
May 2 & 3, Lost Lane
Mother is ringing in the start of summer with not one, but two club nights in their regular haunt, Lost Lane. While it’s business as usual on Saturday with pay-on-the-door entry, you need to book tickets for the Sunday party; do so here!
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Leathermen of Ireland’s second-hand fetish gear sale
May 2
If you have a penchant for harnesses, a kink for rubber, or you’re just on the market for a good old-fashioned leather jacket, then the Leathermen of Ireland’s second-hand fetish gear sale has got you covered. At least 10% of proceeds will be donated to GCN and the Switchboard. Head to Pennylane on Saturday to secure the best pieces!
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Doomslayers Live Podcast
May 3
The stunning trio behind the Doomslayers Podcast is ready to take to the stage at the Galway Theatre Festival for a discussion on “coping in an increasingly doom-filled world while remaining unfiltered, unabashed and gloriously unhinged”. Grab tickets at this link.
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Bealtaine Festival
Ireland’s national festival celebrating the arts and ageing is back this May, with a programme full of fabulous events. One particular highlight that people can look forward to is Not Dead Yet: Love, Intimacy and Dating in Later Life with none other than Panti Bliss, Leslie Dowdall and Dr Sabina Brennan. Find out more about the festival here.
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GLAMORAMA
May 2, Droichead Arts Centre
From All That Glitters cabaret, GLAMORAMA brings together a world-class cast of Ireland’s best burlesque, drag, circus and pole performers, as well as a very special guest from the UK, Cleopantha. It’s set to be the sexiest night in Drogheda, so don’t miss out; grab your tickets here.
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Wilde Stages
May 4-17, Dublin
Formerly known as the International Dublin Gay Theatre Festival, Wilde Stages takes over the capital for its 2026 edition this May. With close to 30 shows and events scheduled featuring artists from eight different countries, this year’s programme may be its most ambitious and dynamic yet. Find out more and buy tickets here.
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Club Gass
May 9, Róisín Dubh
Club Gass returns to the Róisín Dubh in Galway this month for another night of drag, dancefloor chaos and pure gass energy. Host Kiki St Clair will be joined by special guest Paul Ryder, and there will be performances from a range of fantastic acts. If that wasn’t enough, DJ Menance and DJ Lil Monica will also be on hand to provide the tunes. Get your tickets here!
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Emma Brennan and Thomas Wells—The House of Atreus
May 9-23, Pallas Projects / Studios
Next on our list of queer events happening this May is The House of Atreus, a collaborative project by artists Emma Brennan and Thomas Wells. It explores how working-class architecture reflects contemporary social and moral systems, confronting how identity, labour and space are constructed and contested under capitalism. Find out more here.
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Doris Day: A Date with the Girl Next Door
May 13, Arthur’s Jazz & Blues Club
Singer, actor and entertainer Truly DiVine is bringing an intimate evening filled with the songs and stories of Doris Day’s life, dressed in petticoats and candy smiles. Accompanied by the finest Irish Jazz Gentlemen, prepare to see Doris brought back to life! Tickets for this event are sold out, but there is another in June that you can book here!
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GCN’s My Big Fat Gay Pub Quiz
May 14, Street 66
GCN’s beloved pub quiz is coming back in May for a fabulous night of queer trivia and fundraising, hosted by The Misses. So gather all your most knowledgeable friends and get ready to compete for some amazing prizes! Tickets are on sale here.
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Queer Rave Fundraiser Day Party
May 16, Wigwam
DJ Manwelli is teaming up with Club Domhanda for this queer day party in aid of ShoutOut. Taking place on the Wigwam Terrace from 1pm to 10pm, expect tunes from Shannen Blessing, G!O, Katiee.eem, Acid Dave, Bull Horris, DJ RÍ, Aaron Grant, Blewit, Glamo and the host himself. Tickets for this are unfortunately all sold out, but keep your eyes peeled for any that become available!
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Carlow Arts Festival
May 28-June 1, Carlow
The Carlow Arts Festival kicks off this month with a range of amazing events to look forward to. One highlight is Barry Fitzgerald’s Mourning is a Muscle, which explores grief, connection, queerness and lineage. Book tickets here. What’s more, local Carlow legend SexyTadgh will be hosting a showcase of music, dance and drag. Get tickets at this link.
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Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash launch
May 28, The Boilerhouse
SMUT Press continues its mission to platform queer artists with the release of Cruising Archaeology II: Eurotrash, the highly anticipated follow-up to its 2024 cult favourite. The publication will be released on May 7, with a series of launch events happening across Europe, including one in the Boilerhouse on May 28.
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Mayo Pride
May 29-31, Westport
In addition to being packed full of incredible queer events, May is also the month that kicks off Pride season in Ireland. Mayo Pride returns in 2026 with a unique mix of nightlife, culture and outdoor activities to celebrate LGBTQ+ life in the west of Ireland. From ice cream walking tours to spectacular live shows and the iconic Pride parade, find information about the programme here.
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Wexford Pride Inside
May 30, Wexford Arts Centre
Wexford Pride Inside is back for an unmissable day of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. Taking over Wexford Arts Centre on Saturday, May 30, expect a vibrant event full of queer joy. Find out more information here.
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Glam Girls Community
May 30, Dublin
Hosted by Coco Ri, Glam Girls Community’s latest event offers much to look forward to! The first stop is Outhouse LGBTQ+ Centre for makeup and prep, before going to pre-drinks in Pantibar ahead of the main event at Jack Nealon’s. Tickets are available here.
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These are just some of the fabulous queer events happening in Ireland this May. If you think we missed one, let us know at [email protected].
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