Every Major Pride Event in South Carolina

Even though South Carolina may not be the most LGBT-friendly state in the country, there are plenty of pride celebrations throughout the year in the state. While this list may not cover them all, it includes the most notable pride festivals and parades in South Carolina

While Pride is typically in June, some South Carolina cities hold pride events at different times throughout the year. Read on for details about the biggest and best LGBTQ pride celebrations in South Carolina.

Charleston Pride Parade

Pride in South Carolina’s biggest city is a unique experience. Charleston, SC hosts a pride parade at the beginning of June to commemorate the national pride month. It also hosts a separate Pride Week in late fall. The parade and festival still attract tens of thousands of visitors every year.

The Charleston Pride Parade runs down King Street between Ann and Market Streets in downtown Charleston. The parade weekend is marked by several of events at local queer-friendly venues in Charleston.

The parade is family friendly – no inappropriate attire is allowed according to the parade’s official rules. The city of Charleston works with the local police department to make sure the parade is safe.

Charleston Pride Week

The same organization that hosts the June Pride Parade in Charleston also organizes a week-long series of events in late autumn.

Charleston Pride Week consists of shows, parties, and other events hosted at various LGBT-friendly venues around the city of Charleston, SC.

In the past, popular events included drag brunches, late-night dance parties, a standup comedy event, and a karaoke night – among many others!

An official “festival” including vendors, food, and entertainment takes place at a local venue or park. In the past, the festival has taken place at The Refinery, a newly developed space that features an outdoor amphitheater.

Dudley’s on Ann and The Refinery are both prominent participants in Pride Week. Dudley’s is the only official “gay bar” in Charleston. Many other queer-friendly venues also participate.

Some events during Charleston Pride Week are free but others are ticketed and paid. Check out the Charleston Pride website for more information about each event.

Outfest Columbia

South Carolina’s capital, Columbia, also hosts multiple pride events throughout the year. Outfest takes place at the beginning of June each year.

Outfest takes place in downtown Columbia and features vendors, entertainment, and local LGBTQ-owned businesses.

Live entertainers are present. In addition to local drag queens, famous national queens are sometimes present. In the past, well-known drag queens like Drag Race winner Willow Pill have been featured performers.

Outfest takes place on a Saturday and is free to visitors. An adults-only afterparty typically takes place at a local club for a modest cover charge.

Columbia’s Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Festival and Parade

Columbia hosts a second series of pride events in autumn, including a pride “Night Parade” which is accompanied by a second pride festival.

The Night Parade route follows Main Street in downtown Columbia. Main Street is also the site of the public after-party and Get Lit Concert that features live music on stage. The concert follows the parade. 

Like Outfest, the Night Parade and festival are family-friendly events and appropriate attire are required.

The same organization that hosts Columbia’s other pride events also hosts an annual President’s Ball in summer, which is an upscale, paid event that features famous drag queens.

Pride Myrtle Beach

Pride Myrtle Beach hosts a few pride events in June, but its flagship festival is Pride in the Park, which takes place in October.

Pride in the Park is a pride festival with vendors and entertainment, located in Valor Park, which is a small park near the Market Common shopping district.

Thousands of people attend this free, family event that features beer and wine, a kids’ zone, art exhibits, drag performances, and more.

In June, the non-profit Pride Myrtle Beach also hosts events like a Pride Month Celebration Picnic, which is free and also offers live music, food, and drinks. Check out Pride Myrtle Beach’s event calendar for information about other pride-related events.

Upstate Pride and Black Pride – Spartanburg & Greenville, SC

Upstate Pride Week takes place in autumn every year. The week culminates in a Pride March and Festival on a Saturday in downtown Spartanburg, SC. Upstate Pride has operated since 2008 and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Admission to the march and festival is free to all attendees. The festival and parade are centered around Barnet Park in downtown Spartanburg.

Other popular events in Pride Week have historically included drag shows, parties, movie nights, and sports and fitness events. Many events are free but a few have a modest charge. Check out Upstate Pride’s website for more information about these events.

Upstate Pride also hosts Black Pride Week in June, in downtown Greenville. The event is all-inclusive and features a parade and festival. Other events throughout the week include a pool party, faith-based events, drag events, and family-friendly events for kids.

Rock Hill Pride Festival

Rock Hill, SC hosts a week-long festival in mid-June that is supported by local businesses and individuals.

The main event is the Rock Hill Pride Outdoor Festival which takes place downtown, centered around Fountain Park. In the week leading up to the event, local businesses host events like speed dating, pride bingo, and teen and youth-centered events.

For specific information about Rock Hill Pride Week events, check out the Rock Hill Pride event calendar.

Rock Hill is located on the state’s border with North Carolina, and many residents also participate and attend the larger Charlotte Pride celebration.

Low Country Pride Parade and Festival – Bluffton, SC

Low Country Pride takes place in the southern coastal region of South Carolina. The main pride event takes place in autumn in Bluffton, SC. Bluffton is a short distance away from Hilton Head Island, a popular beach vacation destination for queer people.

Low Country Pride Parade and Festival is a free event that takes place at Oscar Frazier Park in Bluffton. The event is popular with members of the communities in Bluffton, Hilton Head, Beaufort, Port Royal, and the surrounding area.

Lowcountry Pride Group also hosts events throughout the year to support the local LGBTQ community. Events often take place at Kelly’s Tavern in Bluffton and Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal, SC.

Bonus Round: Other South Carolina Pride Events

Pride is about inclusivity, and we don’t want to leave anyone out. These events and organizations are also a critical part of LGBTQ pride in South Carolina. Always remember to support your local queer organizations!

• Charleston Black Pride  – Charleston Black Pride is an organization that participates in Charleston’s pride events and also hosts its own smaller events throughout the year. Check out their website for an event calendar to stay up to date on their activities.
• Park Circle Pride – Park Circle Pride takes place in North Charleston, SC in June of every year. It is a week-long celebration that involves dozens of events at bars, restaurants, and other venues throughout North Charleston.
• South Carolina Black Pride – SC Black Pride is a non-profit organization, founded in 2009, that hosts pride events in Columbia, SC. Major events that SC Black Pride hosts include a Pride Week in August and a Pride in The Park celebration in June, located at Earlewood Park.
• Nearby North Carolina cities also host many big, fun, and free pride celebrations.

References

• Out Carolinas – Pride Index
• GoUpstate – Spartanburg Celebrates Diversity