Get a true taste of summer this month with culinary events highlighting the season’s bounty and time spent outdoors in our parks and on our waterways. Here’s how you can spend the long July days in the Heart of SC.
Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration 2026 at Lake Murray | July 4
Watch the sky sparkle, by boat or on land, over the waters of Lake Murray as we celebrate 250 years of America’s independence with a fireworks show worthy of the occasion.
Lexington County Peach Festival at Gilbert Community Park | July 4
This long-standing 4th of July tradition delivers peak South Carolina summer vibes with its parade, live music lineup, fireworks display and, of course, all the tasty peach-forward treats you can eat.
Reggaetronic Presents Lake Murray Palooza 2026 at Fat Frogs Marina | July 11
DJs and country, rock and reggae artists provide the soundtrack as you peruse the vendor village or take to the water by boat or by float to get the full experience.
Whimsical Garden Soiree: A Luxury Fairy Picnic Experience at Finlay Park | July 11
Add a dash of enchantment to your summer with an elevated park picnic that would make any pixie proud.
Koala Bottle Harbison Half Marathon & 5K at Harbison State Forest | July 12
Work up a sweat in the name of sustainability as this annual eco-conscious race boasts a mission to leave no trace behind on the trails.
Palmetto Palate at South Carolina State Museum | July 16
Our local chefs often source from South Carolina farms, but it’s not every day you see them actually teaming up with the farmers themselves to collaborate on dishes featuring the fresh, homegrown ingredients.
Floatchella at Fat Frogs Marina | July 18
That’s right, we have back-to-back weekends of on-the-water music festivals this month and we’re not mad about it in the least. Now that you’re rocking your base tan, come back, wade in and drift over the waves while the music plays.
South Carolina Anime Fest at South Carolina State Fairgrounds | July 18 – 19
Two days of cosplay, gaming and panel discussions featuring prominent voice actors within the genre await for fans of the Japanese art of anime.
Columbia VegFest at Segra Park | July 19
Plant-based eats, live fitness classes and a wellness-focused marketplace come together for a festival that’ll have you feeling your best from the inside out.
South Carolina Book Lovers Expo at Phillips Market Center | July 25
With workshops, featured author presentations, signings, giveaways, shopping and more, avid readers and aspiring writers alike will revel in the literary creativity and inspiration to be found both on and off the page.
Corks & Kayaks at Saluda Shoals Park | July 26
Slice through the water of the Saluda River for an evening guided paddle, then sip your way through a well-earned wine tasting. For those with more of a hankering for hops, there’s also a Paddle & Pint earlier in the month on July 10.
Twisted Creations: A Dinner with a Twist at Savage Craft Ale Works | July 30
A whopping six courses highlighting Latin American cuisine plus craft beer pairings to complement each specialty dish come together for a dining experience that proves this brewery takes pride in its team and culinary caliber.
