South Carolina
Pride Parade & Festival 2027

South Carolina Pride Parade & Festival 2027

The SC Pride Parade & Festival or Famously Hot South Carolina Pride as the Locals know it takes place in early Autumn in the capital city, Columbia as the temperatures cool a little and the parties last long into the night.

• Visiting South Carolina for Pride? Stay close to the state capitol building, close to all the pride activities and some of the city’s most popular gay and gay friendly bars and restaurants.

South Carolina Pride

• Next Edition: Awaiting dates 
• South Carolina celebrates pride in mid October Each year and celebrates the 37th edition in 2027.
• Events take place along Main Street in downtown Columbia, close to the South Carolina State House.
• Highlights include the GET LIT Nighttime Parade, live concerts, international drag performers, community stages and late-night parties.
• The main festival and parade are free to attend, with separate tickets for selected VIP experiences and afterparties.
• Events typically end with a special after party featuring international guest DJs.
• Check out the top hotels in Colombia.

GET LIT Nighttime Pride Parade

• Next Edition: Typically Friday – The GET LIT Parade is the signature event of South Carolina Pride, bringing an illuminated procession through downtown Columbia after sunset.
• The parade follows Main Street, with spectators gathering along the route between Richland Street and Lady Street.
• Expect decorated floats, colourful costumes, marching groups, music and plenty of illuminated accessories.
• For a central viewing position, arrive early and choose a spot around the State House end of Main Street.
• The area around The Grand on Main is convenient for combining dinner and drinks with the parade.

RockOUT Pride Festival

• Next Edition: Typically Saturday – RockOUT transforms Main Street into a pedestrian-friendly festival space with entertainment, food, drinks and community activities.
• The Brave the Rainbow Community Stage provides a platform for regional LGBTQ+ talent.
• Explore stalls featuring local businesses, Pride merchandise, nonprofit organisations and community services.
• The festival attracts a mixed crowd of locals, visitors, families and groups of friends.
• VIP packages are available for guests seeking an upgraded festival experience.

Gay Columbia – Where to Go Before and After Pride

Columbia’s gay nightlife is concentrated around downtown and the Vista, with several established bars within walking distance of Main Street. Five Points offers an alternative collection of mixed bars and late-night venues.

• The Capital Club – One of Columbia’s longest-established gay bars, located on Gervais Street. A relaxed choice for cocktails, meeting locals and starting your Pride evening.
• PT’s 1109 – Long-running gay nightclub on Assembly Street, known for drag entertainment, dancing, karaoke and a late-night crowd.
• Art Bar – Alternative bar on Park Street with an eclectic interior, live music, karaoke and themed parties. Popular with Columbia’s LGBTQ+ community and a mixed creative crowd.
• The Grand on Main – Restaurant and entertainment venue on Main Street, convenient for dinner and drinks before the parade.

Where to Stay

Stay in Downtown Columbia for easy access to the parade, festival stages and the city’s gay bars. The Vista District is particularly convenient for restaurants and nightlife, while hotels directly on Main Street put you closest to the Pride celebrations.

• Sheraton Columbia Downtown Hotel – Historic hotel directly on Main Street with contemporary rooms and a rooftop bar. One of the most convenient locations for the parade and festival.
• Aloft Columbia Downtown – Modern hotel in the Vista with stylish rooms, a lively bar and easy walking access to Pride events and gay nightlife.
• Hilton Columbia Center – Upscale downtown hotel with comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool and on-site dining. Ideal for combining Pride with restaurants and entertainment in the Vista.
• Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC – Characterful boutique-style hotel near the University of South Carolina, featuring playful interiors and a relaxed bar. A quieter base within reach of downtown Pride events.

Exploring Columbia

• South Carolina State House – Explore the historic State House and its landscaped grounds, just steps from the festival.
• Soda City Market – Visit the popular Saturday morning market on Main Street for local food, artisan stalls and fresh coffee before Pride begins.
• Columbia Museum of Art – Discover contemporary exhibitions and an international art collection in the heart of downtown.
• Riverbanks Zoo and Garden – One of Columbia’s leading attractions, featuring extensive gardens, wildlife exhibits and riverside scenery.