It’s pride week in Columbia. Main Street will soon be filled with rainbow flags, drag queens and sparkles as the city prepares for its annual SC Pride event, Famously Hot Pride.
There’s a jam packed week of events leading up to the weekend’s focal points: the parade and festivities. Here’s the Free Times guide to pride — everything you need to know before joining in on the fun.
The main parade and festival
When the sun goes down around 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 20, the parade kicks off. Grab a bite on or near Main Street before celebrating. Floats start their journey at Main and Laurel streets and move south to Lady Street.
After the parade is the “Get Lit” concert — where queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race will perform, beginning around 8:30 p.m.
Famously Hot SC Pride parade is Oct. 20.
Saturday is the 34th annual Famously Hot Pride festival, and it’s an all-day affair. Come as you are to Main Street — the party starts at noon and lasts until 10 p.m. Family pride events are from 1 to 6 p.m.
What to wear
This festival is meant to highlight and bring visibility to the LGBTQ community — and everyone is welcome, said James Agens, SC Pride’s vice president of festivals.
Whether its rainbow colors, glitter or just your everyday streetwear, wear what you want. Just make sure you wear something — nudity and obscenity are strictly prohibited at the parade and festival.
“So come as you are, wear what you feel comfortable wearing, and join the fun,” Agens said.
Where to park
SC Pride doesn’t coordinate parking for the event, so Agens recommends the parking garages on Taylor or Main streets. There’s also street parking in the surrounding couple of blocks.
Last year’s Get Lit Nighttime Parade
Where to eat
Columbia has no shortage of great food to enjoy before, during or after the festival, all within walking distance.
Here’s some restaurants along the strip of Main Street where the parade will be held:
- Ambrosia Taverna - Greek food
- Hendrix - cuisine and rooftop cocktails
- Smoked - seafood
- Lula Drake Wine Parlour - wine bar
- The Grand - new American cuisine
- Hanabi - hibachi and sushi
- Cowboy - Brazilian Steakhouse
- Good Life Cafe - vegan
- Hampton Street Vineyard - French cuisine
- Venezuela In One Bite - Venezuelan cuisine
- Stoner’s Pizza Joint - pizza
- Swanson’s Deli - sandwiches
- Sky Bistro Lounge - cuisine and cocktails
- Market on Main - new American cuisine
- Kao Thai cuisine
- Cantina 76 - Mexican food
- Takosushi - sushi
Who’s performing at the concert?
Friday night: Phoenix, Kornbread “The Snack” Jete, LaLa Ri, Detox, Naysha Lopez, CeCe Peniston
Saturday: Phoenix, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jade Jolie, JUJUBEE, Daya Carter, Sean van der Wilt
An LGBT pride flag is carried during a Charleston Pride event.
What if it rains?
Bring an umbrella or raincoat if there’s rain in the forecast — the parade doesn’t have a makeup rain date.
Other rules
City of Columbia police strictly prohibit throwing anything — even beads or candy — during the parade.
Don’t disrupt the parade in any way. If you do so, the SC Pride Committee could remove you from the event.
Other pride week events
Wednesday, Oct. 18: The Nick Theater will screen "Paris Is Burning" at 6 p.m. with a Rocky Horror drag show to follow at 8 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 19: Pre-pride party at PT’s 1109 at 9 p.m.
Sunday, Oct 22: 10 a.m. church service at Reformation Lutheran Church with a pride picnic to follow. SC Pride President Dylan Gunnels will deliver the sermon at 1118 Union Street.
How do I get involved?
Applications to volunteer or join the SC Pride board are available at scpride.org.
If you’re a South Carolina business owner and want a Brave The Rainbow window cling to show your support for the LGBTQ+ community, visit scpride.org/brave/
