News Summary

The fifth annual Park Circle Pride festival will be held in North Charleston from June 3 to June 8, featuring over 40 events aimed at fostering inclusivity. Organizer Simon Cantlon highlights the festival’s commitment to bringing the community together through diverse activities such as drag shows, movie screenings, and family-friendly events. The festival will also benefit local nonprofits and coincide with broader Pride celebrations throughout the region.

North Charleston to Host Fifth Annual Park Circle Pride Festival from June 3 to June 8

The fifth annual Park Circle Pride festival is set to take place in North Charleston from June 3 to June 8, featuring more than 40 events, making it the largest celebration to date.

Key organizer Simon Cantlon emphasized that the festival is committed to inclusivity, aiming to bring the entire county together, regardless of individual identities. The festival’s broad range of activities is designed to cater to all attendees, ensuring that everyone can find something enjoyable.

Festival Highlights

This year’s festival boasts an array of family-friendly activities, such as pool parties, movie screenings, and drag shows, ensuring a vibrant atmosphere. Major anticipated events include Drag Bingo, Queer Prom, Cabaret Brunch, and Laser Tag. Remarkably, most events during the festival will not have an entry fee.

Kickoff and Opening Events

The kickoff event will feature the raising of the Pride flag at Commonhouse Aleworks on June 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. North Charleston Mayor Reggie Burgess is scheduled to deliver a welcome speech during this inaugural ceremony, which will also include musical performances by the Palmetto Peace Choir.

In addition to the flag-raising, June 3 will also showcase a “Build Your Own Burger Night” at Seaseme Burgers from 5 to 9 p.m., along with an “All Inclusive Speed Friending” night at Holy City Brewing for attendees aged 18 and over.

Community Impact

The festival will also benefit two local nonprofits, with proceeds supporting their initiatives. This alignment with charitable causes reflects the festival’s commitment to strengthening the community and promoting diversity and inclusivity.

Ongoing Pride Celebrations

The Park Circle Pride festival forms part of a broader celebration of Pride within the region, coinciding with various events throughout June. Charleston Pride will coordinate a separate schedule of 10 events intended to further promote the LGBTQIA+ community.

Historical Significance

The Park Circle Pride festival is a key event that wraps up a month-long celebration of Pride, coinciding with the annual commemoration of the Stonewall Riots, a pivotal moment in the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement.

With its focus on outreach, community involvement, and a diverse array of activities, the Park Circle Pride festival is poised to be a landmark occasion for North Charleston, celebrating unity, acceptance, and the vibrant diversity of its residents.

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4: Park Circle Pride Returns
• Wikipedia: LGBT Rights in the United States
• WVGazetteMail: Celebrate Pride Month Events
• Google Search: Pride Month 2025
• Post and Courier: My Charleston Weekend
• Encyclopedia Britannica: LGBTQ Rights