EXPLORE OUR COMMUNITY
Here in Columbia SC, we believe y'all means all.
We pride ourselves on being a hub of unique individuals with a gritty spirit that all come together to make our vibrant community. For over 30 years Columbia SC has been home to an active, statewide LGBTQ+ nonprofit dedicated to fighting for equality and inclusion, SC Pride.
From LGBTQ+ owned businesses to the largest Pride event in South Carolina, our region welcomes travelers and locals to experience the heart of SC.
EVENTS
While June is national Pride month in the US, in Columbia we like to keep the celebrations going throughout the year. Starting with Outfest in June, this one-day festival focuses on the local community - showcasing vendors and most of the talent from the Columbia region. Headlining an unforgettable show in 2022 was Willow Pill, Season 14 winner of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Celebrate the creativity and beauty of our LGBTQ+ community of color when attending Black Pride. The annual event is back and packs in a block party, cultural & wellness festival, Pride brunch, and more into one long-weekend. Hosted in August, this a weekend you'll want to be a part of.
Parade your Pride down Main Street at the Get Lit Night-Time parade held in October. Community members are encouraged to march along or spectate, but joining in the dance party at the final stop is mandatory. Keep the good times going and the love spreading at Saturday's festival. Paint Main Street rainbow and enjoy music, drink, and food vendors.
Keep your eye on our calendar of events to stay up to date and see when the next Pride events are happening around the city.
AROUND TOWN
Columbia has a wide variety of locally owned business that support the LGBTQ+ community. These hotspots all over town are proud to bring support, education, and vibrancy to the growing community in the capital city. Just to name a few places you won't want to miss -
Historic Columbia, the local resource for history preservation in Columbia and Richland County, has created the LGBTQ Columbia History Initiative in partnership with South Caroliniana Library and USC's Department of Oral History. This project is bringing light to untold stories of Columbia's LGBTQ+ community over the years through an interactive project. The "We're Here! Story Map" is an interactive map that is just one of many resources created. This map tells stories of Gay Columbia from the past and iconic landmarks around the city. It's time to brush up on some history!
Every good day should start with a good cup of coffee and at Azalea Coffee Bar you can choose from plenty of speciality drinks, affectionately named after important ladies or social movements. May we suggest "Orange You Glaad," in support of the organization GLAAD that focuses on the protection of the LGBTQ+ community portrayed in media? If you order "The Pride" cold brew come June, a percentage of the proceeds go to local LGBTQ+ groups.
Aimed at creating a more diverse and vibrant Columbia, Trustus Theatre produces their own renditions of classics such as Rock of Ages, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Down in the Holler, a play focused on class, queerness, and discovery. Catch a show after a glass of vino and tapas at Gervais & Vine or mocktails and art at Motor Supply Co. Bistro.
Looking for brunch and some entertainment? Grab a table at The Venue for The Revue: Drag Brunch hosted by Paris Lefaris. Held every Sunday, treat yourself to a Sunday funday with mimosas and delicious bites.