Where to Watch Fireworks in the Columbia SC Midlands This Fourth of July

July is my favorite time of year in the Midlands. Everything is green, the lake is full, and the whole area just feels alive. And every summer without fail, the same question comes up — where are the fireworks? So here is your answer, all in one place, for Fourth of July week 2026.

The Big One — Lake Murray Fireworks

This is the marquee show of the Midlands, and if you have never seen it, it is worth making a night of it. The fireworks are launched from Spence Island and Dreher Island out over the lake, and they are synchronized to patriotic music airing live on 93.1 FM. It really is something — the whole lake lights up, and you can hear people cheering from the shore. If you want to watch from home, WIS usually carries it on their broadcast.

The show starts at 9:30 PM. Here are the best places to watch from shore:

1. The public beach on the Lexington side of the dam — Free, great views, and the most popular spot. Get there early. I mean early. The parking lot fills up well before showtime, and people start claiming spots on the grass in the afternoon.
2. Dreher Island State Park — A solid option if you want to be closer to the action. It does require a parking pass, and those can sell out, so check availability before you drive out.
3. Macedonian Lutheran Church in Prosperity — This is a local favorite that most visitors do not know about. Less crowded, good sightlines, and a more relaxed feel.

And if you have access to a boat, honestly, getting out on the water is the best seat in the house. You are right there under it, surrounded by thousands of other boats, and it is the kind of night people remember for years.

Other Fireworks Shows Around the Midlands

Lake Murray gets the most attention, but there are several other shows happening around the area during Fourth of July week:

• Segra Park — The Fireflies play at home July 3, 4, and 5, with fireworks after the games. It is a good time — family-friendly, not too overwhelming, and a great way to spend an evening if you want something a little more low-key than the lake show.
• Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater — Fireworks on July 3. This is a newer venue and a nice option if you are on the Lexington side of things and do not want to fight the Lake Murray crowd.
• BOHO on Old Hilton Road — Also Friday, July 3. Another local option with its own celebration.
• Shealey Fireworks Show on Highway 391 toward Prosperity — This one is on Friday, July 3 at 9:30 PM. It is a separate show from the Lake Murray fireworks, so do not confuse the two. It is about a mile past the traffic circle on 391, and locals have been going to this one for years.

Tips from a Local

A few things worth knowing before you head out:

• Arrive early for the popular spots, especially the public beach on the dam. I cannot say this enough — people start showing up in the early afternoon to get a good spot.
• Bring chairs, blankets, and bug spray. It is July in South Carolina. You know what I mean.
• Check if Dreher Island parking passes are still available before you drive out. There is nothing worse than making the trip and getting turned away.
• If you are new to the area, go. Seriously. This is one of the best ways to see what the Midlands community is really like. You will be standing next to families who have been coming to the same spot for twenty years. That is the kind of place this is.