The Fourth of July falls on Friday this year, bringing with it a packed weekend of festivities beyond the usual fireworks. Here’s a roundup of events happening across the Midlands to help you plan your holiday weekend.
Ongoing Attractions:
- Riverbanks Zoo & Garden
- South Carolina State Museum
- EdVenture Children’s Museum
Thursday, July 3
- Fireworks with the Phil 2025, 8 p.m., Segra Park, Columbia
Enjoy a fireworks show synchronized to the SC Philharmonic’s performance of the 1812 Overture. Food, drinks, and a kids’ zone from 6:30 to 8 p.m. - Y’all Pick Pop-Up Farm Stand, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Ridgeway Town Hall
Fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from Bushels and Bags Farm. - Rockin’ Stars and Stripes Spectacular, 5:30-9:45 p.m., Buford Athletic Complex, Lancaster
Amusement rides, inflatables, food trucks, gaming trailer, hot dog and lemonade contests. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. - Public Tour: Sam Gilliam & Let’s Have a Talk, 6-7 p.m., Columbia Museum of Art
Explore the works of Sam Gilliam and the role of Black artists in 20th and 21st-century abstraction. - Jazz Party Thursdays, 7-10 p.m., The Aristocrat, Columbia
Live music by the Amos Hoffman Trio with an open jam session. - Purple Martin Cruise, 7-9:30 p.m., Spirit of Lake Murray, Ballentine
Evening cruise to view the Purple Martins returning to roost on Bomb Island. Food and drinks available for purchase.
Friday, July 4
- Born in the USA Four Miler, 6:30 a.m., Forest Acres
Four-mile run, two-person relay, and Firecracker Youth Run. Cash prizes for top finishers and best-dressed participants. - Independence Day Fun Flat Fifty, 8 a.m., Caughman Road Park, Columbia
Self-supported 31-mile and 47-mile bike rides through Lower Richland County. - Lexington Peach Festival, 8 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Gilbert Community Park
Peach pies, ice cream, car show, craft market, parade, live music, and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. - Harper Street Bike Parade, 9:30 a.m., Newberry
Decorate your bike, wagon, or golf cart and join the patriotic parade. - Lower Saluda Guided Paddle Tour, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saluda Shoals Park
Guided kayak tour down the Lower Saluda River. Tickets required. - Red, White & Chill, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Gorget Distillery, Lugoff
Live music, food, and frozen adult beverages. - Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration, 4-9 p.m., Hilton Field, Columbia
Live music, family activities, and fireworks. Open to the public. - Orangeburg County Fair Fourth of July, 4-9:30 p.m., Orangeburg
Water slides, bounce houses, food, live music, hot dog contest, and fireworks. - Lake Wateree State Park Fireworks Show, 4-10 p.m., Winnsboro
Fireworks by the lake. Snacks and beverages available. - Newberry Law Enforcement Fireworks, gates open 6 p.m., Newberry High School
Synchronized fireworks display around 9 p.m. - Columbia Fireflies vs Augusta Green Jackets, 6:35 p.m., Segra Park, Columbia
Baseball game followed by fireworks. - Town of Lexington Independence Day Celebration, 7-9:20 p.m., Icehouse Amphitheater
Live music by the 246th Army Band and fireworks. Food and beverages available for purchase. - 4th of July Laser Light Show, 7-10 p.m., Moore Park, Irmo
Family event with complimentary hot dogs, shaved ice, and laser light show. - Lexington Blowfish: We Love America Night, 7:50 p.m., Lexington County Baseball Stadium
Baseball game with neon-themed “Glowfish” uniforms and post-game fireworks.
Friday & Saturday, July 4-5
- Carowinds Star-Spangled Nights, 9:30 p.m., Carowinds, Charlotte
Theme park open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. with fireworks shows both nights near the Hurler roller coaster.
Saturday, July 5
- Urban Photography Meetup, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Harden Street, Five Points
Explore, shoot, and network with fellow photography enthusiasts. - Columbia Fireflies vs Augusta Green Jackets, 6:35 p.m., Segra Park
Marvel Superhero Night with free comic books for the first 1,000 fans and fireworks. - Summer Rock Fest, 7 p.m., Art Bar, Columbia
Live performances from several rock bands. 21+ only, $12 cover. - Super Nash Bros, 9:45 p.m., Tin Roof, Columbia
High-energy cover band performance.
Saturday & Sunday, July 5-6
- Columbia Anime and Video Game Expo, Jamil Temple, Columbia
Over 100 vendors, panels, celebrity guests, and arcade games. Tickets available in various packages.