If the month of July invokes thoughts of star-spangled celebrations, days on the water, cookouts, baseball, fresh fruit and more, then we’ve got everything you need to live out the Southern summer of your dreams. We’ve handpicked some highlights for you to look forward to this month in Columbia, SC. 

Red, White and Blue

We’re kicking the month off with Fourth of July festivities galore. Take the boat out for the 34th Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Lake Murray, featuring a daytime Patriotic Boat Parade followed by the state’s largest fireworks show by night. Celebrate our nation’s independence with a free family-friendly event complete with fireworks at the Fort Jackson Independence Day Celebration. Or enjoy a performance by the 246th Army Band and, of course, a fireworks display put on by the Town of Lexington at the Independence Day Celebration at Icehouse Amphitheater. For more ideas on how to pack out the rest of the long weekend, check out our Fourth of July in Columbia SC blog

In Season

Summer’s bounty is on full display this month with the long-awaited returns of the Lexington County Peach Festival and the 11th Annual Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival, which gets started with a Tasty Tomato Festival Kickoff Party + Silent Auction the night before. Nothing beats fresh seafood this time of year, so get your fill at the Southeast Crab Feast.

Head to the South Carolina State Museum for the 2022 Palmetto Palate, where local chefs are paired with farmers from across the state to create small plates that reflect the true spirit of farm-to-table.

Community Calendar

You’ll definitely want to plan ahead and anchor your itinerary around these in-town events. The brand-new Solfest Rollfest 2022 features a day of live music, cold brews and a focus on sustainability with a stage that’s completely powered by bikes. 

The Columbia Fireflies baseball team takes on the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Augusta GreenJackets at home this month. 

Celebrate women by shopping from female-owned small businesses at the Femme x Midsummer Market or enjoying makeovers, free chair massages, karaoke, speakers, stage demos and more at the 5th Annual Midlands Women’s Day at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center

Stay cool in a dark theatre and snag tickets to Artists for Africa 10th Annual Performance Event at Township Auditorium or Broadway in Columbia’s production of Jersey Boys, The Legendary Tour with Earthquake featuring Donnell Rawlings comedy show and the Nephew Tommy & Friends Live speaking engagement at Koger Center for the Arts

Summer Soundtrack

Get ready to sing along as the South Carolina State Museum puts on Friday Night Laser Lights: Pop Royalty,  The Return of Frankie Beverly and Maze and Vince Gill perform live at Township Auditorium or Sister Hazel takes the stage at Icehouse Amphitheater

For more events going on this July in Columbia SC, visit our calendar of events