Outfest Columbia South Carolina 2027

Outfest Columbia focuses on the LGBT community of Columbia, SC, showcasing our local talent, vendors, and businesses

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • Shows
    • Musicians
    • Drag Performers
    • Outfest Pageant
    • Live Performances
    • Performance Sspaces

Outfest Columbia South Carolina 2027

Outfest Columbia focuses on the LGBT community of Columbia, SC, showcasing our local talent, vendors, and businesses— all celebrated during national Pride month!

Outfest Block Party

  • Next Edition: Awaiting dates
  • Outfest features a weekend of fun in the gay bars and clubs of Columbia. The main event takes place on the Saturday at The Vista.  Enjoy great dining, drinks and more during the day and meet up with gay guys from Columbia and beyond. This event attracts visitors from all over the state.
  • The event kicks off at 12 pm and live performances continue throughout the day on 1100 block of Park Street (between Gervais and Senate). Outfest is designed as an informal, good-time event with world class drag performers, top musicians and even an Outfest pageant.
  • Stay close to the Oufest parties at the gay friendly Aloft Columbia Downtown, just a short walk to all the shows and close to the gay bars and clubs.

Outfest Drag Pageant

  • Outfest Columbia Drag Pageant is a pageant for female impersonators (Miss Outfest) and male impersonators (Mr Outfest) who understand that community service is integral to the betterment of our LGBT Community.
  • The Pageant will be presented throughout the day at Outfest Columbia. Categories are Presentation, Evening Gown, Talent, and Onstage Question. The theme is “Be the Rainbow.”
  • Outfest began as an outgrowth of the annual S.C. Pride festival on Main Street, which will take place in October.

The Venue – The Vista

  • The Vista is a a South Carolina cultural district and sits on the banks of the Congaree River spanning 48 blocks and is full of great bars, restaurants and performance spaces.  In the heart of Columbia, the Vista is adjacent to the South Carolina State House and the University of South Carolina.

Recommended Hotels in Columbia

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action,

Graduate ColumbiaHilton ColumbiaHampton InnSpringHill Suites

Gay Map of COLUMBIA

Address: 1619 Pendleton Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • Graduate by Hilton Columbia SC mixes playful retro design with Southern charm, right beside the University of South Carolina. Rooms are stylish, comfortable, and full of character, with a welcoming vibe.
  • The Trophy Room bar and restaurant, plus bike rentals and pet-friendly policies, add to the appeal.
  • A relaxed, inclusive stay that works well for LGBT travellers exploring Columbia’s campus and downtown scene. Website

Address: 924 Senate Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • Hilton Columbia Center sits in the heart of the Vista district, close to USC, nightlife, and the Colonial Life Arena.
  • Rooms are comfortable with modern touches, and the on-site Ruth’s Chris Steak House adds a stylish dining option.
  • The outdoor pool, gym, and friendly service make it a solid downtown choice.
  • LGBT travellers will appreciate the inclusive atmosphere and walkable access to Columbia’s social scene. Website

Address: 511 Lady Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • SpringHill Suites Columbia Downtown/The Vista offers spacious all-suite rooms with modern style and comfort.
  • Its location in the Vista district puts you close to USC, restaurants, and nightlife.
  • Free breakfast, an indoor pool, and a friendly team make it a solid base.
  • LGBT travellers will find it a welcoming, convenient stay for exploring Columbia’s inclusive downtown scene. Website

Address: 822 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • Hampton Inn Columbia Downtown sits in the Vista district, close to USC, bars, and nightlife.
  • Rooms are clean, comfortable, and the staff earn high praise for being welcoming and helpful.
  • Free hot breakfast and a great walkable location add to the appeal.
  • LGBT travellers will find it a convenient, friendly base for exploring Columbia’s inclusive downtown scene. Website

Address: 1109 Assembly Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • PT’s 1109 is Columbia’s landmark gay bar and nightclub, famous for its drag shows and late-night parties.
  • The atmosphere is lively, with a mix of locals, students, and travelers filling the dance floor.
  • Friendly bartenders and themed nights keep the energy high throughout the week.
  • A must-visit for LGBT travellers wanting to experience Columbia’s most iconic queer nightlife spot.
  • Open: Daily 5pm-2am (closed Monday)
  • Facebook

Address: 1002 Gervais Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • The Capital Club is one of South Carolina’s oldest gay bars, offering a mix of elegance and inclusivity in Columbia’s Vista district.
  • Known for its friendly staff and regulars, it feels like a welcoming community hub.
  • Drag shows, happy hours, and showtune nights keep the energy lively.
  • A must-visit for LGBT travellers wanting history, charm, and nightlife in one spot.
  • Open: Daily 5pm-2am
  • Facebook

Address: 1211 Park Street, Columbia, South Carolina 29201

  • Art Bar is Columbia’s go-to for alternative nightlife—an inclusive, creative space with drag shows, live bands, and themed dance parties.
  • It’s lively, messy fun rather than polished, making it perfect for LGBT travellers or locals looking for community, music, and a laid-back night out.
  • Open: Daily 5pm-2am, Saturday 8pm–2am, Sunday 6pm-2am
  • Facebook

Address: 2107 Greene St, Columbia, South Carolina 29205

  • Taneyhill’s Group Therapy is a Columbia institution in Five Points, known for its laid-back vibe and sports bar energy.
  • The courtyard makes it easy to mix and mingle, with cheap drinks drawing a lively college and local crowd.
  • Strong Gamecock ties and weekend parties keep it buzzing late.
  • LGBT travellers will find it a casual, friendly stop to soak up Columbia’s nightlife spirit.
  • Open: Saturday 7pm–2am
  • Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Columbia By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Columbia that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars

Graduate Columbia
4 Star – Central Location

Graduate Columbia
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Classic Furnishings, Business Center
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Work desk, seating area
  • Ideal for business travelers with a classic touch & ample meeting space, free WiFi.

Hilton Columbia
3 Star, Luxury

Hilton Columbia
Booking.com
  • 3-Star, Flat-Screen TV, iPod Docking Station
  • Close to the gay district
  • Coffee machine, desk included
  • Comfortable rooms with modern amenities, perfect for a convenient stay in Columbia.

Hampton Inn Columbia
3 Star – Great Amenities

Hampton Inn Columbia
Booking.com
  • 3-Star, Cable TV Channels, Fully Equipped On-Site Gym
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Coffee maker, refrigerator
  • Offers comfortable rooms & gym facilities, ideal for a relaxing stay near Columbia's historic district.

Spring Hill Suites
3 Star – Perfect Location

Booking.com
  • 3-Star, Self-Catering Facilities, Free Breakfast
  • A short walk to the gay bars
  • Microwave, fridge, cable TV
  • Features self-catering rooms & complimentary breakfast, perfect for an enjoyable Columbia stay.

Video Of the guide to The Visa, Columbia

The Vista, Columbia SC

The Graduate Columbia

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