News Summary
The Park Circle Pride festival in North Charleston will celebrate its fifth year from June 3 to June 8, featuring over 50 events that support the LGBTQ+ community. Activities include drag shows, theme nights, and a variety of community-focused events, all aimed at promoting inclusivity. With many free events available, the festival welcomes participation from a wide audience while raising funds for local nonprofits dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ rights and youth.
North Charleston Hosts the 5th Annual Park Circle Pride Festival
The Park Circle Pride festival is set to take place in North Charleston from June 3 to June 8, 2025, marking its fifth year of celebration to honor and support the LGBTQ+ community. Over 50 events are scheduled, showcasing a diverse range of activities such as drag shows, theme nights, and block parties under the slogan, “You being you makes us us.” Most events are free to attend, making the festival accessible to a wide audience.
Event Highlights and Schedule
The festival kicks off on June 3 with a variety of activities aimed at promoting inclusivity and joy within the community. Key featured events include:
- DIG in the Park (6:30-9 p.m.) – A free all-ages party featuring performances by drag entertainers and a DJ.
- Holy City Brewing (6:30-9:30 p.m.) – A free book fair with a DIY zine station, organized by Itinerant Literate Books.
- Wit’s End Comedy Lounge (8-10 p.m.) – A comedy show spotlighting queer comics, with ticket prices starting at $11.75.
On June 5, the festival continues with events such as:
- Wyrd Sisters Brewing (6-10 p.m.) – A 21+ LEGO-themed event featuring beer and exclusive brews, with tickets starting at $50.
- Vinyl Drag Night at Stems & Skins (8-11 p.m.) – A free 21+ event showcasing drag performances.
June 6 features a barbecue and live music event at Commonhouse Aleworks (5-9 p.m.) with performances by queer musician Sam Gleaves, free to the public. The festivities ramp up on June 7 with an all-day event at Commonhouse Aleworks (2-8 p.m.), offering over 50 vendors, live music, and a rainbow-themed attire contest.
For those looking to engage creatively, a flower arrangement workshop at Roadside Blooms (6-7:30 p.m.) is available for $65. Later on the same day, the Queer Adult Prom will occur at the Park Circle Community Building (6-10 p.m.), emphasizing themes like gothic chic for tickets priced at $75.
The festival concludes with the Feminist Magic Market (11 a.m.-4 p.m.) on June 8, featuring nearly 100 artisans and food trucks, and is free to attend.
Beneficiaries and Community Impact
Proceeds from the Park Circle Pride festival will benefit two local nonprofits: Alliance For Full Acceptance and We Are Family. Both organizations focus on supporting LGBTQ+ youth and advocating for rights and acceptance in the Lowcountry. This financial contribution underscores the festival’s commitment to fostering an environment of support, openness, and celebration for all individuals.
Background and Significance
The Park Circle Pride festival seeks to reinforce the importance of diversity and inclusivity within the North Charleston community. By providing a platform for various identities, the festival emphasizes unity and belonging among attendees, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This year’s events are designed to ensure that everyone can participate, with a mix of free, ticketed, 21+, and all-ages programming.
As the festival approaches, excitement is building in North Charleston, with residents and visitors eager to partake in the celebrations. The Park Circle Pride festival not only enhances community spirit but also serves as a vital reminder of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Pride Month Events in Charleston
- Charleston City Paper: Celebrating Pride Month
- CHS Today: Gay Bingo for Pride Month
- The State: Opinion on LGBTQ+ Celebrations
- Live 5 News: North Charleston Incident
- Wikipedia: LGBT Pride
- Google Search: LGBTQ+ Rights Charleston
- Google Scholar: LGBTQ+ Events Charleston
- Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBT Rights
- Google News: Pride Month Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The HERE Charleston Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Charleston community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Charleston : Our team includes lifelong Charleston residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Charleston's equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., Charleston Technical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
