South Georgia Pride Festival

The South Georgia Pride Festival is an afternoon festival in Unity Park in downtown Valdosta, organized by South Georgia Pride. The group was established in 2009 and held its first festival in 2010. It also works year-round to create safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people in south Georgia.

South Georgia Pride grew out of Valdosta Diversity Pride, which formed in 2008 as part of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Valdosta State University. In 2009 the group decided to become independent from the campus. Its mission is charitable work for the rights, equality and well-being of LGBT people across the South Georgia area.

The first festival had solid sponsorship but modest turnout. By 2012 the event had grown considerably, bringing entertainers and speakers from around the country to the amphitheater at Saunders Park and drawing more than 2,000 people, with support coming from Valdosta as well as Atlanta, Jacksonville, Gainesville and other cities. The festival has since moved to Unity Park, and the group stays in touch with supporters by email and social media.

Pride events celebrate LGBTQ+ people and mark the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. Most combine a parade or march with a festival of performers, community groups, vendors and food.

South Georgia Pride Festival has included festival.

South Georgia Pride Festival was first held in 2009.

The next edition is October 3, 2026. It usually falls early October, on a Saturday.