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Park Circle Pride 2026
Park Circle Pride returns for its 6th year, June 2-7, 2026! More Info here www.parkcirclepride.com
Celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a pride festival featuring the largest and most diverse prides in the south. A week of events at businesses throughout the Park Circle Neighborhood of North Charleston, SC. Benefit for We Are Family and AFFA.
Park Circle Pride Sapphic Night
Sapphic Night returns as a late-night celebration centering sapphic, queer women, and WLW communities with music, dancing, and performance. This 21+ event features burlesque performances by Bright Lights Burlesque alongside DJs and community energy that keeps the night moving into the early hours.
Admission is free, with tipping strongly encouraged to support bar staff, performers, and artists. Sapphic Night is designed as both a celebration and a safe, affirming space for queer joy, connection, and expression.
Friday, June 5 | 8:00 PM–2:00 AM | Bar Polari | Free | 21+
Part of Park Circle Pride
Park Circle Pride Block Party & Day Rave
The Park Circle Pride Block Party & Day Rave is the signature daytime celebration of the week, bringing together DJs, LGBTQ+ organizations, and a full vendor market. This all-ages event transforms Commonhouse Aleworks into a high-energy community space filled with music, connection, and local pride.
Attendees can expect an afternoon and evening of live sets, community resources, food and drink, and local vendors showcasing queer-owned and allied businesses. This event is free and open to all ages, designed as a welcoming space for the entire community.
Saturday, June 6 | 1:00–8:00 PM | Commonhouse Aleworks | Free | All ages
Part of Park Circle Pride
Tanger Pride at Charleston Tanger Outlets
AFFA is proud to be a beneficiary of Tanger Pride, a family-friendly community activation centered on creativity, celebration, and connection. Activities include face painting, “Color Your Flag,” Jar of Hearts, candy bar fun, mocktails, decorating sunglasses, and a community talent show.
This event is free to attend, designed for all ages, and focuses on interactive, hands-on engagement with Pride themes. It is a welcoming space for families, shoppers, and community members to engage with Pride Month programming in a casual, accessible setting.
“The Dads” Film Screening & Panel Discussion
Grab your popcorn, soda, and candy of choice!
Join AFFA for a hosted screening of The Dads, a film that centers on six fathers as they gather for a fishing trip and discuss the love for their trans and LGBTQ children, their fears for their kids' safety.
After the credits roll, stick around for a discussion on the film and parenthood within the LGBTQ+ community from panelists who've faced the same challenges right here in SC.
We invite you to bring along your family and friends — all are welcome, this event is designed to foster understanding across families and generations.
Grand Strand Pride
AFFA will join Grand Strand Pride in Myrtle Beach for a full day of celebration, advocacy, and community connection. At 3:15 PM, make sure to watch the stage as AFFA will be speaking, highlighting Myrtle Beach’s leadership in LGBTQ+ inclusion in SC, and recognition of their HRC Municipal Equality Index score — the best in the state! The day will feature performances, vendors, and community organizations coming together in a shared celebration of visibility and pride.
Colors of Pride with Upstate Pride SC
Visit the AFFA tent at the 2026 Upstate Colors of Pride: an all inclusive community festival held annually in downtown Greenville, SC. Pride of Colors is an opportunity to love and be loved regardless of ethnicity, identity, orientation, and gender.
Charleston Pride Parade + Festival
Join AFFA for Charleston Pride 2026 as we march in the parade and celebrate at the festival. Walk or ride with us on our float, get a free AFFA shirt, and visit our table for activities, community, and Pride giveaways all day long.
Park Circle Pride's Brewing On Books: Advocacy Panel
Local LGBTQ+ advocates and leaders will gather for a powerful community conversation exploring the history and present-day realities of queer life in Charleston and across South Carolina. Moderated by AFFA Executive Director Ashley Peele, the panel will examine progress made, ongoing challenges, and pathways for meaningful civic engagement and advocacy.
Panelists include:
Phil Ford
Founder and CEO of advocacy nonprofit Ford & Ford Group.
Harlan Greene
Author, historian, and expert on Charleston's Queer history.
Courtney S. Waters
South Carolina State House Representative of the Charleston 113th District
Zachery Williams Matthews
2026 Prince of Charleston Black Pride
Beau O'Bishop
First King of Charleston Black Pride royal court
A curated selection of LGBTQ+ books will be available for purchase, with 15% of sales benefiting AFFA and We Are Family during Park Circle Pride week.
Wednesday, June 3 | 7:30–9:00 PM | Commonhouse Aleworks | Free | All ages
Part of Park Circle Pride
Park Circle Pride Kick-Off Party
Immediately following the Flag Raising, the celebration continues with the official Park Circle Pride Kick-Off Party. This 18+ event brings the energy up with live entertainment from drag performer Brooke Collins and music by DJ Trevor D, along with additional surprise guests throughout the night.
While the event is free to attend, guests are encouraged to bring cash to tip performers and support the artists who make the night possible. The Kick-Off Party is designed as a high-energy, community-centered celebration to officially launch Pride Week in Park Circle.
Tuesday, June 2 | 6:30–9:00 PM | DIG In The Park | Free (18+)
Part of Park Circle Pride
Park Circle Pride Flag Raising
Park Circle Pride begins with a community Flag Raising ceremony that centers visibility, joy, and shared commitment to equality. This family-friendly gathering includes a welcome from Mayor Burgess, along with performances from the Palmetto Choral Collective and additional community guests. It is a moment to come together in public affirmation of LGBTQ+ pride and belonging in North Charleston.
This event is free and open to all ages, inviting residents, families, and allies to stand together as Pride Month begins. Attendees can expect a short program of remarks and music, followed by a collective celebration as the Pride flag is raised.
Tuesday, June 2 | 5:00–6:30 PM | Commonhouse Aleworks | Free | All ages
Part of Park Circle Pride
DAYBREAK
Ease into Pride Month the right way.
Join AFFA at DAYBREAK, Sightsee Coffee’s quarterly DJ day party, for a late-morning hangout filled with music, community, and caffeine. Whether you're gearing up for a full day or just looking for a laid-back way to celebrate, this is your moment to show up and show out.
Expect good tunes, great coffee, and a welcoming crowd as we kick off the season together.
We’ll also be hosting an exclusive raffle featuring prizes from Sightsee’s shop and brand-new AFFA merch, so come ready to enter and win.
Bonus: 1% of all purchases at Sightsee Coffee this quarter directly supports AFFA’s work across South Carolina.
Coffee & Chronicles
Start your morning with good coffee and even better conversation.
Join AFFA for Coffee & Chronicles, a relaxed and engaging discussion exploring the history of LGBTQ+ people in South Carolina. This special gathering will be led by historian and author Harlan Greene, whose work has helped preserve and illuminate the stories that shape our community today.
Whether you’re a history buff or just curious to learn more, this is an opportunity to connect, reflect, and deepen your understanding of the LGBTQ+ experience right here at home.
Come early, grab your favorite drink, and settle in for a meaningful conversation in a welcoming space.
Bonus: 1% of all purchases at Sightsee Coffee this quarter directly supports AFFA’s work across South Carolina.
Sapphic Night at Bar Polari
Join AFFA for an inclusive sapphic-centered night out at Bar Polari. This evening is all about celebrating our lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, queer, and all WLW aligned folks - because our community is expansive, vibrant, and stronger together.
2026 Spring Gala
Join AFFA for the 2026 Gala — an inspiring evening celebrating progress, community, and equality for LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.
Reserve your table and be part of the movement.
Advocacy 201: Power Mapping – In-Person & Livestreamed Workshop
Our sibling organization, AFFA Action, presents Advocacy 201: Power Mapping, a hybrid workshop that builds practical skills for understanding and influencing decision-making in South Carolina. Participants will learn the fundamentals of advocacy and practice power mapping to identify key decision-makers, understand influence, and plan more effective, strategic action.
Speed Friending
Make new friends in the Upstate! Join AFFA and Upstate Pride SC for a Speed Friending event celebrating Aromantic Awareness Week on February 27 at JudHub in Greenville, SC. 21+ with desserts provided and drinks available for purchase.
Queer History South 2026 - Virtual Conference
Queer History South is a regional network and conference dedicated to preserving, researching, and teaching LGBTQ+ history, with a focus on Southern experiences. At the fully virtual 2026 QHS Conference, this panel will spotlight South Carolina leaders and institutions working to preserve, elevate, and sustain LGBTQIA+ history through archives, education, and community-based memory work.
King BBQ's "Sundays Are A Drag"
Don’t miss King BBQ's fundraiser "Sundays Are A Drag" benefiting AFFA and featuring our Queens, Mercy Madison, Winter Madison and Susu Serenity. Doors open at 2. Show starts at 3pm. This is an 18+ event.
Purchase your tickets here: https://order.toasttab.com/online/king-bbq-2029-carver-ave
How to: Understand Legislative Session – Virtual Workshop
Join our sibling organization, AFFA Action, for a virtual workshop that breaks down how the South Carolina Legislature works and what to expect in the fast-moving legislative session ahead. Learn key terms, track and influence bills, and understand how state legislation directly and indirectly impacts LGBTQ+ South Carolinians.
Lesbian Night at Bar Polari
AFFA is bringing Lesbian Night back to Bar Polari with a Pink Pony Club - inspired vibe, a Red Wine Supernova drink special, and an unapologetically sapphic dance floor. Join us for giveaways and a chance to win two AFFA Gala tickets, plus a midnight toast celebrating lesbian joy and community.
Taylor Mac's Holiday Sauce
On Tuesday, December 9, the incomparable Taylor Mac brings Holiday Sauce to the Gaillard, a joyful, irreverent, heart-filled celebration of queer community, chosen family, and holiday chaos in all its glittering glory. Expect an 8-piece band, a cast of dazzling performers, and the kind of spectacular drag-infused holiday extravaganza only Taylor Mac can deliver.
Learn more about the show here: https://gaillardcenter.org/events/taylor-macs-holiday-sauce/
As a special offer just for our organization, you can purchase $10 orchestra seats using the code AFFA10. This pricing is part of the Gaillard’s Black Friday promotions, but we’re being given first access, with the code activating now! Please note that no retroactive discounts are available.
We’re beyond thrilled to be able to share this with you. So slip into something fabulous, grab your friends, and join us for an unforgettable night at the Gaillard!
AND join us for the Sauce After Dark Dance Party | 9:30pm – 11:00pm
After the show, meet us in the Spiegeltent for Sauce After Dark — a house-music-driven dance party where the holiday spirit gets wild.
Curated by Charleston’s own Loose Ends Entertainment, with DJs Duwayne Motley & Baustin.
Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar within the Spiegeltent.
This is a $17.55 add-on ticket. Dance Party tickets do not include a ticket to Taylor Mac’s Holiday Sauce. Limited availability.
Charlotte Hornets Pride Night
AFFA is heading to the Spectrum Center for Charlotte Hornets Pride Night, and we’re fired up to be part of this incredible evening of visibility, celebration, and community. On this special night, the Hornets take on the Denver Nuggets while honoring LGBTQIA+ fans, allies, and organizations that help make Buzz City a place where everyone can show up as their full self. It’s a perfect blend of basketball, pride, and unmistakable Charlotte energy.
When you purchase discounted tickets through our dedicated link, a portion of your ticket directly supports AFFA’s work for equality and acceptance, and the first 200 purchasers get exclusive lower-bowl access to watch pregame warmups and connect with the Pride community. Kids can also take a post-game free throw on the court, making it a memorable night for families and fans of all ages.
Join us in the stands to show your colors, rally your people, and celebrate what it means to build inclusive community both on and off the court.
Purchase your tickets here!
Cycle For Good: Broadway Rave
Join AFFA at Cycle for Good: Broadway Rave on November 16 at Commonhouse Aleworks in Park Circle. Enjoy rhythm-based cycling, a Broadway-themed dance party, and community fun—all while supporting equality and connection in Charleston.
Rockabillaque Charleston
AFFA will be tabling at Rockabillaque Charleston on November 8, the South’s biggest rockabilly and Americana festival. Stop by our booth in Park Circle to learn more about LGBTQ+ equality, grab some merch, and join a celebration of community and self-expression.
Charleston Pride Festival
After the parade, keep the celebration going at the Charleston Pride Festival! AFFA will be at The Refinery all afternoon with resources, community vibes, and ways to get involved in our work. Whether you're looking to learn more about what we do, snag some AFFA swag, or just connect with affirming folks, our booth is the place to be. Stop by and say hi—we’d love to see you there!
Charleston Pride Parade
AFFA is proud to march in the 16th annual Charleston Pride Parade! Join us as we bring joy, color, and purpose to historic King Street. The parade begins at 9 a.m. at the corner of Anne and King and heads south through downtown. We'll have a fabulous float, and volunteers will walk alongside us handing out goodies to paradegoers. The first 30 volunteers to sign up will receive a free AFFA t-shirt to wear during the march—so don’t wait! Come show your pride and stand up for equality with us.
Splash For Equality
Join AFFA for a bold, bright, and joy-filled summer celebration at the iconic Starlight Motor Inn! This one-of-a-kind pool party is your chance to cool off, connect, and support LGBTQ+ equality in style. Whether you're floating in the pool, vibing to the DJ, or sipping on a cool drink, it's the perfect way to celebrate community and resistance during the heat of Pride season.
We'll have AFFA-branded color-changing cups, a free drink for the first 50 guests, and delicious bites available for purchase from a local food truck. Expect a laid-back afternoon full of great music, good people, and unexpected moments of joy – all in support of AFFA’s mission to achieve and defend equality for all.
This is a fundraising event with a suggested ticket donation of $12–$15, which helps cover your first drink and supports our ongoing advocacy. Bring your swimsuit, your friends, and your pride – we'll bring the party.
RSVP coming soon – stay tuned!
American Teenager Reading, Q&A, and Book Signing
Join us for an evening with journalist and author Nico Lang (they/them), celebrating their groundbreaking book American Teenager — a powerful portrait of seven trans youth and their families living in states like Florida, Texas, and Alabama. Through intimate storytelling and sharp reporting, Nico captures what it means to grow up trans in a time of heightened political and cultural scrutiny. The event will feature a reading, a moderated Q&A with Tayler Simon of Liberation is Lit and Baker Rogers of Queer Haven Books, and a book signing. Organized in partnership with local organizations, this gathering will also highlight community resources for LGBTQ+ youth and allies.
Partner with Pride & Allies | Magic: The Gathering Charity Tournament
Join Zenergy Gamers on Friday, June 27 for the Partner with Pride & Allies, a Magic: The Gathering Commander Charity Tournament, a celebration of identity, unity, and community gaming! Sign-ups start at 6:30 PM and the first round kicks off at 7:00 PM. A $10+ donation gets you in, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting AFFA. Expect casual Commander pods (3–4 players), reshuffled each round, with a special Pride twist: all Commanders gain the Partner ability—build with two legendary creatures, no proxies allowed. Come play, support equality, and let your deck get as wild as your pride!
Tanger Pride
The community is invited to the fourth annual Pride Celebration at Tanger Outlets Charleston, benefitting We Are Family and Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA), on Saturday, June 14 from noon – 3 p.m. The free event will feature music, refreshments, raffles, prizes and more as Charleston’s preferred shopping destination celebrates love and equality for all families. This year, a limited-edition t-shirt and tote bag featuring the winning art from our Pride Youth Art Contest will be available for purchase with 100% of sales donated to the event beneficiaries.
Feminist Magic Market at Itinerant Literate Books
Wrap up your Pride week with some feminist magic! This beloved market features 60+ vendors, food trucks, and local makers in a celebration of creativity and community. AFFA will be on-site with resources, gear, and a whole lot of Pride spirit.
Pride Block Party & Day Rave at Commonhouse Aleworks
This flagship Park Circle Pride event is not to be missed! Join AFFA and dozens of LGBTQ+ organizations and vendors for a joyful, high-energy celebration with music, community, and dancing in the sunshine. Stop by our table to grab some swag, sign up to volunteer, or just share the love.
Pride on Ann at Dudley’s and Music Farm
Keep the party going on Ann Street! AFFA will be hopping between Dudley’s and Music Farm for a block party full of dancing, performances, and Pride magic. We’ll be there until around 10:30 p.m., so come say hello before you hit the dance floor.
Brewing On Books
Dive into Charleston’s LGBTQ+ past and present with AFFA and Itinerant Literate Books for an evening of powerful storytelling. Hosted at Commonhouse, this conversation will feature Harlan Greene, Lynn Dugan, and Brooke Collins, spotlighting untold stories and community resilience. Stop by our table to learn how AFFA is carrying that legacy forward today.
Get your FREE tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/brewing-on-books-queer-history-panel-tickets-1360862439189
Pride Happy Hour and Pool Party
Make a splash with AFFA at our Pride Happy Hour & Pool Party at the retro-chic Starlight Motor Inn! Cool off in the pool, enjoy vibrant tunes, and connect with community as we celebrate Pride in style. Whether you're diving in or just soaking up the vibes poolside, this all-ages event is the perfect way to kick off your evening.
Drinks available for purchase. Swimwear encouraged but not required!
$20 For Pool Access – All Ages
Festival Kick-Off Party at Dig In The Park
AFFA is thrilled to join the official Park Circle Pride Kick-Off Party, hosted by the fabulous Brooke Collins with DJ Trevor D spinning all evening long. Come celebrate the start of Pride week with music, community, and high energy in the heart of Park Circle. We’ll be there to connect, dance, and get the celebration started right.
Pride Flag Raising
With Mayor Burgess, Palmetto Peace Choir, and Charleston Pride’s “Pride Proclamation for the City of North Charleston”
Free + family-friendly – join us in kicking off Pride with purpose!