COLUMBIA, S.C. — Thursday is July 4, Independence Day for the United States.
A national day of celebration, the evening usually closes out with a professional fireworks display (or two or three). Here in the Columbia and Lexington areas, there are quite a few opportunities to oooh and ahhh at pyrotechnic displays. Just check out the list below and, where available, pack a blanket and lawn chairs for an evening of fun.
Lexington County Peach Festival, 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Gilbert Community Park, Gilbert. Car show, parade, food trucks, live entertainment, and everything peachy. Fireworks start around 9:15 p.m.
Orangeburg County Fair: 4th of July at the Fairgrounds. Gates open at 11 a.m., 350 Magnolia St., Orangeburg. Enjoy food trucks, a kids' play area, and live entertainment by Men of Distinction. Fireworks start around 9 p.m.
Lexington Independence Day Celebration, 7 p.m., Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington. The 246th Army Band takes the stage at 7 p.m. and later, tune in to 93.1FM The Lake to listen to patriotic music during the fireworks show. Note: parking lots along Church Street will be closed
Lexington Blowfish vs Glowfish, gates open at 6 p.m., first pitch at 7:05 p.m., Lexington County Baseball Stadium, 474 Ball Park Rd., Lexington. Enjoy a 7-inning game, fish fry and postgame Independence Day fireworks.
Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration, 4-9 p.m. Hilton Field, Fort Jackson. Carnival rides, food and beer trucks, misting stations, live music and fireworks show (around 9 p.m.). Free and open to the public.
Laser Light Show at Irmo Community Park, 7-10 p.m., 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo. No loud booms! This family-friendly event is perfect for those trying to avoid the noise of fireworks but still want to see a light show. Free hot dogs, live music, bring a chair or blanket, laser light show starts around 9:30 p.m.
Fireworks with the Phil, gates open at 6:30 p.m., Segra Park. Enjoy an evening of live orchestral music celebrating the 4th of July. Kids Zone is open until 8, closing when the concert begins—fireworks after dark. Food and beverages are available for purchase. Tickets start at $10
Lake Wateree Fireworks Show starts at 9 p.m. at Lake Wateree State Park. Drive up or boat to Lake Wateree State Park, 881 State Park Rd., Winnsboro, for fun and excitement—donations accepted by the Lake Wateree Association to produce this and future events.
Note: If you plan on creating your own fireworks show in the backyard, remember that Richland County put in place a new fireworks ordinance in 2023 limiting the hours you can shoot off fireworks and the fines you can expect to pay if you violate the law.