Last month’s heat wave prepared us for the scorching days and simmering nights ahead with July presenting ample opportunities to get out onto our refreshing waterways or hide from UV rays with air-conditioned indoor activities. Lean into the peak summer vibes in the Heart of SC this month.
Kids Summer Movie Series at The Nick | July 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19
Pass the popcorn while passing your favorite childhood movies on to your own offspring. Each Wednesday and Saturday morning, enjoy nostalgic, family-friendly films like Kung Fu Panda, The NeverEnding Story, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Hook and more.
Purple Martin Cruise at The Spirit of Lake Murray | Thursdays and Sundays from July 3 - 31
As hundreds of thousands of Purple Martins fill the evening skies to roost for the night, you won’t want to miss the chance to witness this sunset summertime spectacle in style aboard Lake Murray’s signature yacht.
Independence Day Celebrations at varying locations | July 2 – 4
Get your fill of fireworks, baseball and all things Americana at various events happening throughout the region. Check out our 4th of July roundup here and get your patriotic plans in place.
Lexington County Peach Festival at Gilbert Community Park | July 4
It’s stone fruit season and we sure are keen on this 65-year tradition that thrusts the fuzziest of the bunch into the spotlight for a day of parade fun, live music, pageantry, fireworks and all the peach-filled treats you can get your hands on.
Guided Paddles at Saluda Shoals Park | July 4, 12, 13, 19, 20
Glide through the cool waters of the Saluda and learn about natural history, local wildlife, the Lake Murray Dam and more on this guided group excursion that incorporates swimming, island hopping and conquering the rapids in your kayak.
Bratfest 2025 at Bierkeller | July 12 – 13
If summer to you means firing up the grill and knocking back a couple cold ones, then you better run on over to Bierkeller, where they’re serving up brats every which way they can and the frothy German brews will be flowing.
Koala Bottle Harbison Half Marathon & 5K at Harbison State Forest | July 13
If you can’t beat the heat this summer, join it and get your sweat on at this environmentally sustainable and challenging annual trail run. Just don’t forget to hydrate!
Spritz Mix Happy Hour at Columbia Museum of Art | July 17 and 31
Who knew the CMA would be the happy hour hot spot this month. Come stir up some effervescent inspiration and let your sips bubble the creativity over into some arts and crafts.
Blowfish Baseball 20th Anniversary Celebration at Lexington County Baseball Stadium | July 19
Join Lexington County’s Coastal Plain League team to mark the special milestone of reaching two decades spent out on the baseball diamond.
Midlands Women’s Day at Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center | July 26
I bet we can all think of some women in our lives who deserve to feel pampered and empowered. Send them to the CMCC to enjoy treatments like chair massages, brow waxes, henna tattoos and manicures, learn self-defense, mingle with local female entrepreneurs and feel centered with some yoga and shopping.
