Things to Do in Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Blythewood & Chapin, SC in July 2026

Lake Murray

Looking for fun things to do around the Midlands this July? From Independence Day fireworks and laser shows to concerts, Lake Murray events, family activities, markets, and even a dog show, July 2026 is packed with local events across Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Blythewood, Chapin, and the Lake Murray area.

July 2026 Midlands Event Guide

July 1 — Blythewood Independence Day Celebration

Location: Doko Meadows Park, Blythewood, SC Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Price: Free Celebrate Independence Day early with the Town of Blythewood at Doko Meadows Park. The event includes family-friendly activities and 250 free desserts for kids.

July 3 — Lexington 250th Independence Day Celebration

Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington, SC Time: 6:00 PM Price: Check event page. The Town of Lexington is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a special Independence Day event at Icehouse Amphitheater featuring the Lexington Community Band and more.

July 4 — Soda City Market

Location: Main Street, Columbia, SC Time: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Price: Free admission. Soda City Market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, with local food, makers, artists, vendors, and live street energy in downtown Columbia.

July 4 — Independence Day Guided Paddle Tour

Location: Saluda Shoals Park, Columbia, SC Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Price: $50–$80. A guided kayaking trip on the Lower Saluda River with equipment and return shuttle included. Open to ages 5 and up; advance registration required.

July 4 — Fort Jackson 4th of July Celebration

Location: Hilton Parade Field, Fort Jackson, Columbia, SC Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Price: Free. This public Independence Day celebration includes live music, food trucks, children’s rides, military displays, a car and Jeep show, and fireworks at 9:00 PM.

July 4 — Lake Murray Independence Day Celebration

Location: Lake Murray, SC Time: Evening fireworks Price: Free viewing; boating/parking costs may vary. Lake Murray celebrates America’s 250th birthday with fireworks launched from Spence and Dreher Islands.

July 4 — Irmo Laser Light Show at Moore Park

Location: Prisma Health Amphitheater at Moore Park, Irmo, SC Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Price: Free. A family-friendly Fourth of July event with DJ Ronny Lane, free hot dogs while supplies last, activities, and a laser light show at 9:30 PM.

July 4 — July 4th Dance & Potluck

Location: Bill’s Music Shop & Pickin’ Parlor, West Columbia, SC Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Price: $10. Enjoy an Independence Day evening of dancing, food, and community. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to share.

July 6–31 — Riverbanks Zoo Summer Zoo Camp

Location: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC Time: 8:45 AM – 4:00 PM Price: $285 members; $335 general public. Riverbanks Zoo has July summer camp sessions for kids, including Habitat Hopscotch weeks focused on animals, habitats, and conservation learning.

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July 11 — Reggaetronic Lake Murray Palooza

Location: Fat Frogs Marina, Lake Murray/Chapin, SC Time: 11:00 AM Price: General admission listed at $34.07 including fees; VIP listed at $165.91 including fees. A Lake Murray music festival with proceeds benefiting Shriners Children’s Hospital.

July 18 — Floatchella Lake Murray 2026

Location: Fat Frogs Marina / Lake Murray, Chapin area Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026 Price: Check Eventbrite ticket page. A large Lake Murray summer boating and floating event with thousands of people showing interest on the public Facebook listing.

July 24 — The Spirit & Grace Tour

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC Time: Doors 6:00 PM; event 7:00 PM Price: Paid event. Creflo Dollar’s Spirit & Grace Tour comes to Columbia for an evening event at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

July 25 — Roots & Wings Family Building Expo

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Price: Free. South Carolina’s first family-building expo focused on education, support, and resources for different paths to parenthood.

July 25 — Better the Breed Festival & Dog Show

Location: Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, Columbia, SC Date: July 25, 2026 Price: Check event page. A public dog-focused event celebrating responsible ownership, breed education, and proper care. Great fit for local dog lovers and families.

July 25 — Zoso: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience

Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington, SC Time: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Price: Check ticket page. A classic rock tribute concert celebrating Led Zeppelin’s sound and live-show energy.

July 31 — Parmalee

Location: Icehouse Amphitheater, Lexington, SC Time: 6:00 PM Price: Check ticket page. Country group Parmalee performs at Icehouse Amphitheater in Lexington.

Best Family-Friendly Picks

For families, the strongest July options are the Irmo Laser Light Show, Fort Jackson 4th of July Celebration, Soda City Market, Riverbanks Zoo Summer Camp, Blythewood Independence Day Celebration, and Roots & Wings Family Building Expo.

Best Pet-Friendly or Dog-Lover Pick

The top dog-related event is the Better the Breed Festival & Dog Show on July 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. It is a strong fit for local pet owners, dog lovers, and anyone interested in responsible dog ownership.

Local Tip from Palmetto Scoopers

Before you head out for July cookouts, fireworks, and backyard parties, make sure your yard is clean, safe, and guest-ready. Palmetto Scoopers helps homeowners across Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, Blythewood, Chapin, and surrounding Midlands areas keep their yards poop-free without lifting a finger.

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PetWaste Removal Service

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