Looking for a show? Here’s where to see fireworks in the Midlands over July 4 weekend

There will be no shortage of colorful explosions in the sky across the Midlands during the Fourth of July weekend.

Somehow, though we live in an era with endless entertainment opportunities and technology that pushes the bounds of science, we are still collectively fascinated by the simple, mesmerizing joys of the fireworks show. There is perhaps not a time when that is more true than when the Fourth of July approaches, especially in the South, where roadside fireworks stands spring up on street corners and in gas station parking lots, tempting passersby with their incendiary offerings.

And while it might be tempting to grab a couple bags of fireworks from a local store or stand and become the pyrotechnic king or queen of your neighborhood, sometimes you just want to leave things to the professionals. If that’s the case, you’re in luck this weekend in the Midlands.

Whether you are looking for baseball or an orchestra or a Peach Festival, there are a host of fireworks-adjacent events happening across the area for Fourth of July weekend. Here’s a look at a few of the highlights.

•Independence Day Celebration at Lexington Icehouse Amphitheater (July 1): This one will take place in the heart of downtown Lexington at the town’s popular amphitheater, located just behind Alodia’s restaurant. And you won’t just get the booms the sky. You’ll also get a concert.

The 246th Army Band will perform a concert from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m., and then the fireworks will begin. Town officials say some of the best viewing areas for the fireworks will be the Icehouse Amphitheater, Main Street restaurants, Lexington Square Park, the Lexington Veterans Monument and any public parking lot in the downtown area. The parking lots along Church Street will be closed all day, and Virginia Hylton Park will close at 7 p.m.

•Celebration on Lake Murray (July 2): This will be the 34th annual Fourth of July celebration on Lake Murray, making it one of the longest-running in the area. The day will start with a patriotic boat parade on the lake at Bomb Island at noon.

Then, at about 9:15 p.m., a fireworks extravaganza will begin. (Host Capital City/Lake Murray Country bills it as the largest such show in the state.) Fireworks launch from two spots on the lake — Spence Island and Dreher Island — and can be seen from numerous vantage points. Radio station 106.7 FM will broadcast special patriotic music to accompany the show, and WLTX is set to televise the fireworks.

•Fireworks with The Phil at Segra Park (July 2): You’re probably accustomed to the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd being the sounds that come from Segra Park on a summer night. But Saturday night will be more symphonic.

The South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra is set to return to the baseball stadium at BullStreet for a concert and fireworks show. Gates open at 6 p.m., the concert starts at 8 p.m., and fireworks will start at about 9:15 p.m. Segra Park officials said all of the concession stands at the ballpark will be open for the event.

In addition to patriotic tunes, the S.C. Phil recently said on its Facebook page that selections from famed movie composer John Williams also will be part of the show. Tickets for Fireworks with The Phil start at $8 and can be purchased at firefliestickets.com or the stadium box office.

•Fireworks celebration at Fort Jackson (July 2): For the first time several years, there will be a public Independence Day weekend fireworks show at Columbia’s Fort Jackson, the nation’s leading U.S. Army training installation. The event will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday with two free concerts, headlined by musician Breland, followed by a large fireworks show.

Anyone coming to the event is asked to use Gate 4, Boyden Arbor Road, to access Hilton Field, which will be open at 4 p.m., according to a release from the Army. Small coolers will be allowed, along with lawn chairs, towels and blankets, officials said. Anyone planning to attend who is older than 16 must possess a valid state or government issued identification card for entry, and the vehicle driver must possess a valid driver’s license, valid proof of insurance and a valid registration

The Columbia Chamber has a lengthy list on its website of items that are prohibited at the Fort Jackson event.

•Rockin’ Red, White and Blue in Blythewood (July 2): The patriotic fun is set to return to Blythewood’s Doko Meadows Park. This one will include live music from Robbie Cockrell, the Blues deLuxe Band, and D.B. Bryant, as well as food trucks and vendors from across the state. The event lasts from 5 to 10 p.m. July 2 and will culminate with a fireworks show.

•Lexington County Blowfish baseball games (July 1, 3, 4): There has long been a symmetry between the Fourth of July and the national pastime. This weekend, you’ll have several chances to catch some Lexington County Blowfish baseball followed by fireworks.

The Blowfish, a collegiate woodbat team that plays in the Coastal Plain League, has home games at Lexington County Baseball Stadium on Ballpark Road on July 1, 3 and 4. Each of those games starts at 7:05 p.m. and will be followed by a fireworks and laser show. Tickets start at $6 and can be purchased at goblowfishbaseball.com.

•Columbia Fireflies baseball game (July 4): There will be more than just the Columbia Fireflies neon green uniforms glowing on July 4.

The Class A Fireflies, an affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, will host the Myrtle Beach Pelicans at 6:05 p.m. on July 4. There will be a fireworks show after the game. The Fireflies are known for their booming fireworks extravaganzas throughout the season but have typically turned things up a notch for their Fourth of July shows.

Tickets for the July 4 game start at $5 and can be purchased at firefliestickets.com or the Segra Park box office.

•Lexington County Peach Festival (July 4): After a couple years off amid the pandemic, the Peach Festival in Gilbert is returning and bringing its traditional fireworks show with it.

There will be live entertainment and events throughout the day July 4 at Gilbert Community Park. There will be fireworks at 10 p.m. behind Gilbert Primary School.