Charleston Pride Festival 2023

Charleston Pride Festival 2023

Charleston Pride is one of the later pride events in the USA, taking place in the fall. It is the perfect excuse for a post Summer escape with great weather and a charming welcome.

• Visiting Charleston? Stay close to the centre of gay life in the Historic District’s French Quarter. Stay at The Loutrel, rated “Exceptional” by guests, with a modern fitness centre, perfect location and stunning rooftop terrace offering a 360 degree view of Charleston.

Charleston Pride Festival at The Refinery

• Awaiting Dates – Typically on the final Friday and Saturday of the week long celebrations.
• Head to The Refinery  for the Charleston Pride Prism Party where guest DJs will be spinning tunes all night. You can enjoy more than a dozen drag performances plus a selection of food trucks and adult beverages.
• The Charleston Pride Festival will take place the following day at the same location with an array of family friendly entertainment including a lineup of more than 20 performances.
• Stay in the centre of Charleston’s popular Historic District and gay friendly French Quarter.

The Refinery

• Venue for 2023 to be confirmed.
• The Refinery is a community centre, situated between North Charleston and Downtown Charleston, a 10-minute drive from the gay-friendly bars along King Street.
• Featuring an outdoor music amphitheatre, it is the perfect venue to host one of Charleston Pride’s biggest events with over 45,000 sqft of space.

PRISM After Party

• Awaiting Dates – PRISM – The Official After Party of Charleston Pride is one of the most anticipated gay events in the Lowcountry and attracts visitors far and wide

Other Events

• Monday – An LGBT Karaoke Night at Bangkok Lounge, a 7 night a week Karaoke bar located in downtown Charleston.
• Tuesday – Taco Tuesday’s with live DJs at Taco Boy Downtown, serving tacos innovative fillings & frozen cocktails in a funky, vibrant setting, plus outdoor seating.
• Wednesday – Happy Hour Wednesdays with Drag Shows at Madra Rua, an authentic Irish pub and one of the most popular in Charleston.
• Thursday – Therapy Drag Show at Dudley’s on Ann, always a busy gathering spot!
• Sunday – Drag Me to Brunch at Port of Call, Charleston’s premier food hall in the heart of the historic district at 99 S. Market street.

Gay Charleston

Charleston is an open and accepting city with a growing number of gay and gay friendly bars, restaurants, and lounges. The colonial seaside city  has long been a popular weekend getaway for gay visitors looking for a romantic and upmarket escape dripping in Southern charm.

The majority of bars and places to go out are concentrated around the south end of King Street. You can start here and easily barhop on foot. If you do get tired, hop on the delightful Charleston on the DASH Trolley. it is free and the three lines can take you where you need to go.

• Dudley’s is an energetic LGBT-friendly hangout with drag performances, karaoke, billiards & dancing and is in the USA top 50 list of gay bars to visit! On weekends, everyone flocks to Dudley’s for dancing and their creative original cocktails.
• Grab a martini or sip on a glass of wine at the elegant Grill 224 inside the Market Pavilion Hotel, one of the most popular gay friendly hotels in the city.
• For something completely different head to the King Street Public House, a sports bar with great beer and sponsor of the Pride Festival. You will always find a warm welcome and great list of beers on tap.

Where to stay?

Charleston is one of the top places to visit in the USA, especially in the Fall/Autumn season, so book well in advance if you are planning to visit during these months

The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the city’s top attractions and a short ride to the gay bars and pride celebrations:

Hotel Bennett,  The Dewberry,  86 Cannon Historic Inn,   XV Beacon Hotel