Looking for a July 4 weekend fireworks show in the Midlands? Here’s where you can see them
Let’s be real: We like to watch things blow up.
It’s right there in the national anthem, after all. “And the rocket’s red glare, the bombs bursting in air...”
While there won’t be literal bombs bursting in Columbia and the Midlands this Independence Day weekend, there undoubtedly be plenty of fireworks in the sky.
Certainly, there will be some who choose to shoot fireworks at home, with stashes purchased from the ubiquitous roadside stands that pop up each summer, or from year-round stores like Casey’s Fireworks on Rosewood Drive.
But while at-home fireworks shows certainly have their charms, there are many who — perhaps wisely — choose to leave the pyrotechnics to the professionals and attend one of the many celebrations, ballgames and festivals that include fireworks across July 4 weekend.
There are a number of events that include fireworks scheduled during this extended Independence Day weekend, beginning Friday, June 30, and stretching all the way to July 4. Here’s a look:
Independence Day Celebration at Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater (June 30) — The town of Lexington will kick off a weekend filled with patriotic events across the Midlands.
On Friday, Lexington will celebrate with an event at the Icehouse Amphitheater downtown. At 7 p.m. the 246th Army Band will play a concert on the amphitheater stage, and it will be followed with a fireworks show. Drinks will be available for purchase, and attendees can tune radios to 93.1 FM to listen to patriotic music during the fireworks.
Town officials said the best viewing areas for the fireworks will be the Icehouse Amphitheater, Main Street restaurants, Lexington Square Park, Lexington Veterans Monument and from any public parking lot downtown.
Celebration on Lake Murray (July 1) — The skies will come alive over Lake Murray as it hosts its 35th annual Fourth of July weekend celebration.
The party kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday with a patriotic boat parade at Bomb Island, which is viewable from either of the park sites near the Lake Murray Dam. Then, at roughly 9:30 p.m., one of the state’s biggest fireworks shows will pop off. Fireworks will launch from Spence Island and Dreher Island. Organizers note that the best viewing locations are from a boat. Turn your radio to 106.7 FM for patriotic music that plays in sequence with the fireworks.
Town of Blythewood Rockin’ Red, White and Blue Celebration (July 1) — Blythewood’s getting ready to rock once again.
The town’s annual Rockin’ Red, White and Blue Celebration is set for 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday and will feature live music (including a set from The Voltage Brothers), vendors and, of course, fireworks. The free event will take place at Doko Meadows Park at 171 Langford Road.
Columbia Fireflies baseball vs. Augusta (July 1) — The crack of the bats won’t be the only loud sounds you can hear at Segra Park on Saturday night.
The Class A Columbia Fireflies will host the Augusta GreenJackets at 6:05 p.m. Saturday in a Carolina League tilt. The game will be immediately followed by a fireworks spectacular. Tickets start at $5 and can be purchased at firefliestickets.com or the stadium box office.
Independence Day Celebration at Fort Jackson (July 1) — Midlands residents will have a chance to celebrate at one of the nation’s largest Army training facilities.
Gates will open at 4 p.m. Saturday at Fort Jackson for the installation’s annual Independence Day bash. There will be carnival rides, live music from acts such as Blanco Brown, and a dozen different food trucks. The evening will culminate with a massive fireworks show over Hilton Field at about 9:20 p.m. Make sure to bring a valid ID and car registration to enter Fort Jackson.
Lexington County Blowfish baseball games (July 3 and 4) — You can feel the boom two consecutive nights at Lexington County Baseball Stadium on Ballpark Road.
The Coastal Plain League’s Lexington County Blowfish will host the Asheboro Zookeepers on Monday, July 3, and the Glowfish on Tuesday, July 4. Both games will begin at 7:05 p.m. and each will be followed by a fireworks show. Visit goblowfishbaseball.com for ticket information.
Fireworks With the Phil (July 4) — There will be a symphony in the sky — and a literal symphony — on Tuesday, July 4, at Columbia’s Segra Park.
The South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra will play a concert at the baseball stadium, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. and music beginning at about 8 p.m., with the concert culminating with a big fireworks display. Visit firefliestickets.com for ticket info.
Lexington County Peach Festival in Gilbert (July 4) — One of the most charming July 4 traditions in the Midlands will happen once again in Gilbert.
The annual Peach Festival will be going on all day July 4 at Gilbert Community Park and will include a car show, a Peach Parade, live music, arts and crafts vendors and, you guessed it, a fireworks show at the end of the evening at about 10 p.m. For more information, visit lexingtoncountypeachfestival.com.
