As the main sponsor of Pride 2026, Dublin City Council, through its Sports & Recreation Services Section, has launched a comprehensive programme of inclusive sport, fitness, and wellbeing events scheduled across June to promote physical activity and community connection.

The sports programme is headlined by two major marquee events taking place concurrently on Saturday 20 June:

Pride Football Festival: Organised in partnership with Shelbourne FC at Irishtown Stadium, this charity tournament will feature between 16 and 20 teams. Teams can enter for a €50 fee, with all proceeds directly supporting charitable causes while fostering inclusion within the sport.

Sporting Pride Sports Day: Hosted at Wanderers RFC in collaboration with Sporting Pride, Phoenix Tigers, Emerald Warriors, and additional partners. The event will welcome up to 80 women and non-binary participants to compete across three different sports, culminating in a community social gathering with food and entertainment.

In tandem with these flagship tournaments, a diverse range of Pride-themed activities will be hosted across various Dublin City Council sports and community facilities. These local initiatives include inclusive fitness classes, aqua sessions, cycling groups, dance workshops, and community-led exercises tailored to ensure accessibility for all.

Encouraging wide public engagement, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam, said: "Pride 2026 is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the role sport can play in bringing people together and building inclusive communities. Whether you are part of a team, trying something new, or simply getting active, these events are about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported. I would encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come along, get involved and experience the positive, inclusive spirit of Pride through sport."

Beyond the athletic schedule, Dublin City Council is coordinating visible representations of support across the capital via public displays of the Pride flag, localised street activations, and pop-up installations designed to reinforce themes of visibility and belonging.

The annual Dublin Pride Parade consistently draws over 100,000 participants, highlighting the scale of civil participation and its role in strengthening social connections and equality. Through the 2026 sports delivery, the Council aims to maintain its leadership role in advancing LGBTQ+ inclusion across the sporting sector.

Dublin City Council invites individuals, local teams, and community organisations to participate in the upcoming events. For further details on the full programme and registration guidelines, visit dublinpride.ie.