COLUMBIA, S.C. – Taste of Lake Murray, presented by Lexington Health, will be held Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. Known as the region’s favorite “party with a purpose,” the event features an evening of food, entertainment, and community celebration benefiting Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration.
Taste of Lake Murray is the sole fundraiser supporting the annual fireworks show, which illuminates the sky each summer with displays launched from two locations on Lake Murray. Since 1989, Capital City/Lake Murray Country has produced the fireworks celebration, making it a long-standing regional tradition.
The 2026 event carries special significance as it commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War, with patriotic themes incorporated throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy tastings from both new and returning restaurants, a refreshed event logo, and a redesigned ballroom layout to enhance the guest experience and sponsor visibility.
New participating restaurants include Cola’s, Ember, Mother’s Oysters and Pies, SouthShore Grill & Grocery, and TakoSushi, joining returning favorites such as Big Boy’s BBQ, Blue Marlin, Columbo’s, Lexington 2 Innovation Center, Roy’s Grille, Sarah’s Rockin’ Kitchen, Savage Craft Ale Works, The Bistro, and more.
A new feature for 2026 is the Liberty Lounge, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. This expanded outdoor area will include a DJ, food trucks, local samples, and an enhanced farm-to-fork initiative showcasing locally sourced ingredients from across the region.
Live entertainment will take place throughout the evening. Right To Party will perform on the Spirit of ’76 Dance Floor, while DJ Stingray 803 will provide music in the outdoor space. Guests may also bid in the Stars & Stripes Silent Auction, featuring a variety of items and experiences.
Taste of Lake Murray is open to guests ages 21 and older. Seating is limited, and only sponsors and guests with reserved seating are guaranteed seats.
Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 22, at noon and must be purchased in advance; no tickets will be sold at the door. General admission tickets are $150 per person, with optional reserved seating available for an additional $25 per person.
Each ticket includes event entry, tastings from all participating vendors, and beverages including water, tea, beer, wine, and assorted sodas. Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tickets may be purchased at:
https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/taste-of-lake-murray-3-26-2026
Capital City/Lake Murray Country thanks the event sponsors whose support makes Taste of Lake Murray and the annual fireworks celebration possible. Sponsors to date include Lexington Health, DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia, Dominion Energy, First Community Bank, Bentley Pontoons, Tidewater Boats, US Foods, Caughman-Harman Funeral Homes, Mid-Carolina Electric Cooperative, N.W. White & Company, Solara Hospitality, and the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain available. Businesses interested in supporting Taste of Lake Murray and Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration may contact Jennifer Howell at [email protected].
For updates, follow Lake Murray Country on Facebook and Instagram. Additional information is available at LakeMurrayCountry.com.
Those unable to attend but wishing to support Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration may donate online at LakeMurrayFireworks.com or in person at the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center, 2184 N. Lake Drive, Columbia, S.C. 29212.