(Columbia, SC) – Taste of Lake Murray, presented by Lexington Health, will take place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia. The region’s favorite “party with a purpose” features an evening of food, entertainment, and community spirit in support of Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration.
Taste of Lake Murray is the only fundraiser for Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, which lights up the sky each summer with fireworks launched from two locations on Lake Murray. Since 1989, Capital City/Lake Murray Country has proudly produced and brought this show to Lake Murray. Proceeds from Taste of Lake Murray directly support this long-standing community tradition.
The 2026 event will be especially meaningful as it commemorates the 250th Anniversary of the Revolutionary War, with patriotic themes woven throughout the evening. Guests will enjoy tastings from new and returning restaurants, a refreshed event logo, and a reimagined ballroom layout designed to enhance the guest experience and sponsor visibility.
New restaurants such as Cola’s, Ember, Mother’s Oysters and Pies, SouthShore Grill & Grocery, and TakoSushi join returning favorites including 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 even more to come!
This year’s event will also introduce the Liberty Lounge, sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. This expanded outdoor experience will feature a DJ, food trucks, local samples, and an enhanced farm-to-fork initiative highlighting locally sourced ingredients from across the region.
Live entertainment will keep the celebration going throughout the night. Right To Party will energize the Spirit of ‘76 Dance Floor with a high-energy live performance of favorite hits, while DJ Stingray 803 will keep the outdoor space moving with upbeat mixes. Guests will also have the chance to bid in the Stars & Stripes Silent Auction featuring a wide variety of exceptional items and experiences.
Taste of Lake Murray is open to guests 21 and older. Seating is limited, and only sponsors and guests with reserved seating are guaranteed seats.
Tickets for Taste of Lake Murray 2026 will go on sale Thursday, January 22 at 12:00 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance, as none will be sold at the door. General admission is $150 per person, with optional reserved seating available for an additional $25 per person.
Each ticket includes event entry, food from all participating vendors, and beverages including water, tea, beer, wine, and assorted sodas. Tickets are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for any other Lake Murray Country item.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting: https://tickets.coladaily.com/events/taste-of-lake-murray-3-26-2026
CCLMC extends sincere appreciation to the event sponsors whose support helps make 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 are encouraged to contact Jennifer Howell at events@lakemurraycountry.com.
Guests can stay up to date on event announcements by following Instagram and Facebook pages. 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.
