The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Outfest Columbia kicks off SC Pride, celebrates LGBTQIA community with performances and vendors

To mark the start of Pride Month, the South Carolina Pride Movement hosted Outfest, showcasing a variety of vendors, small businesses, and a vibrant drag pageant. The one-day festival, held in Columbia’s Vista, drew around 10,000 attendees to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

A supporter with a pride flag wrapped around their body during the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest, run by South Carolina Pride since 1989, features LGBTQIA+ events like the Famously Hot SC Pride Festival, Get Lit Nighttime Parade & Concert and more.
A supporter with a pride flag wrapped around their body during the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest, run by South Carolina Pride since 1989, features LGBTQIA+ events like the Famously Hot SC Pride Festival, Get Lit Nighttime Parade & Concert and more.
Supporters gather around the stage and watch the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. During Outfest, spectators watched various sections of the drag pageant, including talent, evening wear, and more.
Supporters gather around the stage and watch the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. During Outfest, spectators watched various sections of the drag pageant, including talent, evening wear, and more.
KoKo Dove, Miss Trans South Carolina, posing for a picture during the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest Columbia, part of South Carolina Pride, showcases the LGBTQIA+ community's fortitude and spirit with local talent and business engagements during Pride Month.
KoKo Dove, Miss Trans South Carolina, posing for a picture during the drag competition at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest Columbia, part of South Carolina Pride, showcases the LGBTQIA+ community's fortitude and spirit with local talent and business engagements during Pride Month.
Drag king performer Doc Hollidaze tipping a hat to the crowd during the drag competition on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, had the theme 'Yeehaw Y’all! A Celebration for All!.
Drag king performer Doc Hollidaze tipping a hat to the crowd during the drag competition on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, had the theme 'Yeehaw Y’all! A Celebration for All!.
A spectator smiles while watching the drag competition during Outfest on June 1, 2024. Attendees had the chance to enjoy food, drinks, and watch the drag pageant throughout the day.
A spectator smiles while watching the drag competition during Outfest on June 1, 2024. Attendees had the chance to enjoy food, drinks, and watch the drag pageant throughout the day.
Catherine Baz, owner of 7 Moon Mystics, doing henna at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, features many different vendors from around the Columbia area, offering a variety of goods and services for attendees.
Catherine Baz, owner of 7 Moon Mystics, doing henna at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, features many different vendors from around the Columbia area, offering a variety of goods and services for attendees.
Supporters gather and cheer for a drag performer at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Along with the drag pageant, fans also had the chance to enjoy performances from past winners of the pageant and a performance by Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
Supporters gather and cheer for a drag performer at Outfest on June 1, 2024. Along with the drag pageant, fans also had the chance to enjoy performances from past winners of the pageant and a performance by Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
Drag performer Vanessa Vanjie Mateo pouring a drink down an audience member's mouth during Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest Columbia is a one-day event that showcases drag talent, businesses, and vendors from across South Carolina.
Drag performer Vanessa Vanjie Mateo pouring a drink down an audience member's mouth during Outfest on June 1, 2024. Outfest Columbia is a one-day event that showcases drag talent, businesses, and vendors from across South Carolina.
Drag performer Hellen Heels being crowned Mx. Outfest 2024 during the drag competition on June 1, 2024. South Carolina Pride's Outfest includes a drag pageant where contenders vie for three titles: Mr., Ms., and Mx.
Drag performer Hellen Heels being crowned Mx. Outfest 2024 during the drag competition on June 1, 2024. South Carolina Pride's Outfest includes a drag pageant where contenders vie for three titles: Mr., Ms., and Mx.
Drag performer Colbi J with her hands raised after winning Ms. Outfest 2024 on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, also has a drag pageant with three different titles to win: Mr., Ms., and Mx.
Drag performer Colbi J with her hands raised after winning Ms. Outfest 2024 on June 1, 2024. Outfest, hosted by South Carolina Pride, also has a drag pageant with three different titles to win: Mr., Ms., and Mx.