News Summary
Rock Hill, SC is gearing up for a week of Pride events, culminating in an outdoor festival featuring over 150 vendors and performances. Starting with plays and art exhibitions, the celebration promotes inclusivity and community spirit, offering activities for all ages. The festival aims to honor the LGBTQ+ community and encourage authentic self-expression in a welcoming environment.
Rock Hill, SC – The Mercantile general store in Rock Hill is set to kick off a week of Pride events starting Monday night, culminating in an outdoor Pride festival on June 21. This festival, which is expected to attract over 20,000 attendees, signifies the sixth consecutive year Rock Hill has hosted Pride events, showcasing the growing demand within the community for such celebrations.
The highlight of the week will be the Rock Hill Pride Outdoor Festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 121 Caldwell St. More than 150 vendors, various performances, and a range of activities are planned to ensure a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The series of events begins with Main Street Theatre Pride Plays on June 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m., followed by March 4 Equality on June 18 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Both events will take place at 145 White St. East. Later that evening, attendees can participate in Pride & Prose from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Rock Hill Brewing, located at 121 Caldwell St.
Another key feature of the week will be the Don’t Hide Your Pride Juried Art Exhibition on June 19 at 7 p.m., held upstairs at The Mercantile. This will be followed by the Kaleidoscope Court | Queer Youth Prom on June 20 from 7 to 10 p.m., also at The Mercantile. Additionally, the Mister & Miss Rock Hill Pride Pageant will take place that same evening from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Hideaway.
The events will conclude with Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Kounter, located at 135 East Main Street, Suite 101.
Brittany Kelly, the owner of The Mercantile and the founder of Rock Hill Pride, has noted the importance of these events for the community. Many residents previously felt compelled to leave Rock Hill to pursue an environment where they could authentically express themselves. The festival is organized through the efforts of volunteers, local businesses, and families, distinguishing it from every other city-run initiative.
As Pride Month is recognized globally from June 1 to June 30, these events play a crucial role in honoring the LGBTQ+ community. The history of Pride Month can be traced back to the first Pride Parades held in 1970, commemorating the Stonewall Uprising that took place in June 1969. Officially designated as Pride Month in 1994, it evolved over the years from “Gay and Lesbian Month” under President Bill Clinton to its current designation of “LGBTQ+ Pride Month” under President Joe Biden.
The emphasis on the festival is to promote diversity within the community, as highlighted by co-founder Erin Anderson. The event will also feature a kid’s zone, local street vendors, musicians, and performances, creating an inclusive space for all visitors.
Overall, the Pride events organized by The Mercantile are expected to further strengthen the sense of community in Rock Hill, providing a platform for celebration and unity among diverse groups and individuals. The week ahead promises to foster an inviting atmosphere for all, marking a continued commitment to equality and acceptance in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Rock Hill Pride Events
- Wikipedia: Pride Month
- Charlotte Observer: Things to Do
- Google Search: Rock Hill SC Pride events
- WSOCTV: Rock Hill Pride Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gay Pride
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
