Updated June 2026
Fireworks with the Phil
Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: $10
Details: The South Carolina Philharmonic will perform patriotic favorites and beloved classics in a powerful live concert, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display lighting up the Columbia sky. Bring your family, wave your flags, and celebrate the spirit of summer and country with an unforgettable night at the ballpark.
This year’s celebration takes place the evening before Carolina Day—a South Carolina tradition commemorating the 1776 Battle of Sullivan’s Island, a pivotal victory in the American Revolution. It’s the perfect way to kick off a weekend of history, community, and celebration with music under the stars and a spectacular fireworks display.
Throughout the event, food and beverage will be available to purchase from concession stands at the ballpark. The SCU Kids Zone will be open from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
38th Annual Carolina Celebration of Liberty
Date: Sunday, June 28, 2026
Time: 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Location: First Baptist Church Columbia, 1306 Hampton Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: Free but you need a ticket to enter
Details: The Carolina Celebration of Liberty is the longest running event of its kind in our state. Led by our Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra, it is a flag-waving, patriotic extravaganza in which we honor those presently serving, our veterans, and those who have given the final full measure of devotion for our liberty. It is estimated that it has been seen in person and on television by well over one million people.
With various state and local dignitaries, special honorees, and thousands in attendance, we come together to honor God and thank Him for this free land that has been a beacon of freedom and liberty around the world.
Town of Lexington Independence Day Celebration
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 7 p.m. – 10p.m.
Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 West Main Street, Lexington, SC 29072
Cost: Free
Details: Come out to the Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington, SC to celebrate the 250th. Activities begin at 6 pm. The Lexington Community Band will begin at 7 pm. Fireworks will follow at 9:20 p.m.
Pre-Fourth of July Party with the Columbia Fireflies
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: $12 – $24
Details: It’s our pre 4th of July Party presented by SC250, featuring post-game fireworks.
Blowfish vs. Macon Bacon (Independence Fireworks, Red, White & Blue Night, Blowie’s Birthday Weekend)
Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 7:05 – 10:05 p.m.
Location: Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072
Cost: $9.50 – $12.50
Details: We encourage everyone to come dressed in all red, white and blue to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Stick around after the game for a “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show. It’s guaranteed to be the biggest fireworks show in the state of South Carolina on this night.
Activities:
- Reading Program Parade
- Blowfish Cap Shuffle
- Kids chase Blowie the Blowfish
- Blowie Race
- Blowie Swim
Born in the USA Four Miler
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 7:04 a.m.
Location: North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206
Cost: $30+
Details: Kick-off your 4th of July with a 4 miler, 4-mile 2-person relay, or a firecracker youth run for kids. This event will take place rain or shine.
Lexington County Peach Festival
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Gilbert Community Park, 115 Rikard Circle, Gilbert 29054
Cost: Free to attend, $5 to park
Details: The famous Lexington County Peach Festival is back! This one-day family friendly festival is an event for all ages! Travel to “Gilbert, America” for a celebration like no other. Festivities will celebrate the community, Independence Day, and the Queen of all fruits, the peach! Enjoy live entertainment, fresh peach treats, arts and crafts, the peach parade, fireworks, beauty pageants, and so much more!
Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: Begins at 4 p.m.; Fireworks at 9 p.m.
Location: Fort Jackson – Hilton Parade Field, Hartsville Guard Road, Columbia 29207
Cost: Free
Details: Join us as we celebrate the nation’s birthday for independence, Fort Jackson style.
🎸 Steve Ray Ladson and 🥁 282nd Band
🚚 Food Trucks Galore
💥 Fireworks
🎡 Carnival Rides for Children
🌭 Hot Dog Eating Contest
💂 Static Display with Role Players
📣 CYS Cheerleaders
🚗 Car & Jeep Show
Independence Day with the Columbia Fireflies
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 7:05 p.m.
Location: Segra Park, 1640 Freed Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Cost: $12 – $24
Details: There is no better place to spend Independence Day than with our 4th of July Celebration presented by SC250, featuring the official City of Columbia fireworks show, our biggest and brightest fireworks show of the year!
Blowfish vs. Glowfish (Independence Fireworks, We Love America Night, Blowie’s Birthday Weekend)
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 7:05 – 10:05 p.m.
Location: Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Road, Lexington, SC 29072
Cost: $9.50 – $12.50
Details: We encourage everyone to come dressed in all red, white and blue to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. Stick around after the game for a “Concert in the Sky” fireworks show. It’s guaranteed to be the biggest fireworks show in the state of South Carolina on this night.
Activities:
- Reading Program Parade
- Blowfish Cap Shuffle
- Kids chase Blowie the Blowfish
- Blowie Race
- Blowie Swim
Annual 4th of July Celebration on Lake Murray
Date: Saturday, July 4, 2026
Time: 9:30 – 10 p.m.
Location & Cost: This celebration will feature two spectacular fireworks shows launched from Spence and Dreher Islands over Lake Murray. Spectators are encouraged to experience the fireworks by boat for the full Lake Murray experience, but several land-based viewing opportunities will also be available.
- By boat on Lake Murray – The best way to experience the show!
- Dreher Island State Park – Public viewing available; normal park admission and parking fees apply ($6 adults; $3.75 SC Seniors [age 65 & older]; $3.50 children age 6-15; ages 5 & under free).
- Pine Island State Park – Family-friendly fireworks viewing event from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM Admission is $25 per vehicle through online registration only, and space is limited.
- Lake Murray Public Park (Irmo side): Fireworks viewing access available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park will close once it reaches capacity.
- Lake Murray Public Park (Lexington side): Public viewing available; normal park admission fees and reservation system applies ($5 for vehicles – single day use). Ticket holders will be allowed to remain in the park throughout the duration of the fireworks show. Reserve your spot online here.
Details: The fireworks show is synchronized to music. Tune your radio to 93.1 The Lake to hear patriotic music while enjoying the view. Thousands of spectators take to their boats to celebrate under the stars in true red, white, and blue style! Can’t make it to the lake? WIS will livestream the fireworks celebration live on WIS.com the night of the event.
Tips for Enjoying Fireworks with Kids
✔ Bring bug spray
✔ Pack water and snacks
✔ Bring folding chairs or blankets
✔ Arrive early for parking
✔ Consider noise-reducing headphones for young children
✔ Have glow sticks or light-up toys for evening entertainment
✔ Check weather forecasts before heading out
Celebrate America’s Birthday in the Midlands
Whether you prefer fireworks over Lake Murray, small-town charm at the Peach Festival, a patriotic concert, or a baseball game with a fireworks finale, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Independence Day around Columbia this year.
Know of a 2026 Fourth of July event we missed? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it to our list!
Events are subject to change. Be sure to verify details with event organizers before attending.
