It’s right there in the name, SC Famously Hot Pride Festival is so hot they have to wait for the cooler months to host it. That’s why the 34th annual pride festival is parading into Columbia all week-long Oct. 13-20, 2024. It’s time to giddy up to the Pink Pony Club to celebrate individuality and inclusion in the #RealColumbiaSC – this year’s theme: YEEHAW Y’ALL! 
 
It’s a full week of positivity, partying, and of course, pride, leading us up to the grand events happening Oct. 19-20, but if you can’t swing into town for these, we’ll plan to see you out and about on Main Street on Friday and Saturday. We’ve got you covered on where to eat, refuel on caffeine, and where to spend your downtime in between activities this pride weekend. 
 
The Get Lit! Night Parade and Concert kicks off the weekend’s festivities at 6 PM. Beforehand, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants on Main Street. If you’ve got a big group grab a table on the outdoor patio at Market on Main and soak up the live music. For margaritas and quick bites (maybe a tequila shot, anyone?) head over to Cantina 76. Try your hand at cooking over at Moa Korean BBQ where you pick what to eat and grill it to your preference right in front of you.

The parade kicks off at sundown, usually around 7 PM, so hit up one of the many refreshment stations for some waters, soda, or a fun adult beverage to keep you hydrated during the fun. Once the parade is over you’re going to want to dance your way over to Five Points to attend Meltdown at New Brookland Tavern, aka the ultimate Get Lit! afterparty. This event is 18+ and you’ll want to grab your tickets beforehand to ensure a night of dancing, voguing, and 
strutting to Folk tech music. 
 
Saturday kicks off early, so we hope you were able to get even a *little* bit of rest. No worries if you didn’t, Cola is full of coffee shops to get you going including LGBTQ+ owned Azalea Coffee Bar which boasts signature lattes named after Queer icons, Bitty & Beau’s Coffee in the Vista which has perfect seating and views for a slow morning, Drip in Five Points that has a low-key vibe and serves classic, and so many more.

Curing a hangover or just curbing your appetite in the most southern-way possible will lead you to Flying Biscuit, Vicious Biscuits, or Rambo’s Fat Cat Biscuits. Want all-of-the-above all in one place? Soda City Market is where you’ll find coffee trucks, food trucks and trinkets to memorialize your travels all while casually strolling along until Pride starts at noon. With numerous stages, closed off streets, food and drinks, pride is an all-day long party. This year’s headliner is nonother than bounce music legend, Big Freedia. After the party is the after party, obviously, and Aftermath is taking court over at The Senate to close out pride week in style. Don’t worry if you end up leaving later than expected, check out where to get a quick late night bite before you hit the hay. 
 
 
Local or planning to make a day trip to attend some events? Here are the weekday events leading up to the weekend’s festivities: 

Sunday Oct. 13 

  • Yalloween
  • Tea Dance 

Monday Oct. 14 

  • Queer Queries Panel Discussion 

Tuesday Oct. 15 

  • T4T + Girls & Games 
  • Open Mic Night 

Wednesday Oct. 16 

  • Queens and Cowboys: A Straight Year on the Gay Rodeo film screening 
  • Rocky Horror Drag Show 

Thursday Oct. 17 

  • Pride Art Exhibits: Jasper Galleries 
  • The Art of Self Expression: Free Mom Hugs 
  • Reflection on Hope worship
  • PT’s Kickoff Party