“High-energy celebration” — Famously Hot SC Pride returning for its 35th year
COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) — Famously Hot SC Pride is set to return October 3rd and 4th!
Columbia, S.C. — The South Carolina Pride Movement is set to host its signature event, the Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Parade and Festival, October 3–4 on Main Street in downtown Columbia.
The organization says this year’s theme, “Y2K25: Now That’s What I Call Pride,” promises a nostalgic and high-energy celebration of unity, visibility, and community.
Weekend Lineup
The weekend kicks off Friday, October 3, with the Pride Parade at 7:00 p.m., followed by the Get Lit Concert featuring iconic singer Debbie Holiday and dazzling performances from RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Phoenix and Irene the Alien.
On Saturday, October 4, the festival officially opens at 12:00 p.m. and runs through 9:30 p.m.
Festivalgoers can enjoy:
● Smirnoff Main Stage headlined by Grammy-winning superstar Mýa, alongside performers
Rayvon Owen (American Idol), Willam, Nicole Paige Brooks, Jewels Sparkles, Jeorgeous,
Daya Carter, Lamar, and more.
● Brave the Rainbow Community Stage featuring South Carolina entertainers.
● Family Pride Area with activities for all ages.
● Health & Wellness Hub offering resources and screenings.
● Dozens of local vendors and food trucks.
● Casamigos VIP Lounge with curated cocktails, games, small bites, indoor amenities, and a
friendly cocktail competition in partnership with the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging
Association.
The celebration continues with Meltdown: The Official Afterparty at New Brookland Tavern in Five
Points, featuring multiple rooms, DJs, and performances.
Pride Week Events
Leading up to the Parade and Festival, Pride Week will bring the community together with poetry slams,
film screenings, art tours, author talks, and more.
scpride.org | info@scpride.org
6 Clusters Ct, Columbia, SC 29210
Community Impact & Partnerships
Now in its 35th year, SC Pride is the largest and longest-running Pride event in South Carolina, drawing tens of thousands annually and standing as Columbia’s most attended free festival.
New this year, SC Pride has partnered with the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association to highlight Midlands Restaurant Week. Visitors are encouraged to “stay and play,” exploring Columbia’s restaurants, hotels, and nightlife.
Several restaurants will feature specialty Pride cocktails during the week.
“Visibility matters. Unity matters. We are South Carolina — and Pride is the time we celebrate our community, reflect on the work still ahead, and remind ourselves that joy is a form of resistance,” says Dylan Gunnels, President of the SC Pride Board of Directors.
“This year’s Parade and Festival will be our most vibrant yet, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone,” he adds.
The Famously Hot South Carolina Pride Parade and Festival is FREE to attend, though a $5 cover
charge applies to drink at the Parade and Festival. Proceeds help keep the event accessible and free
for all.
For more information, schedules, and VIP tickets, visit www.scpride.org.
