COLUMBIA, S.C. — Taste of Lake Murray returns to the DoubleTree by Hilton Columbia on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 6 p.m. Presented by Lexington Health, this signature event brings together the region’s top culinary talent for an evening of exceptional flavors, live entertainment, and community spirit—all in support of Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration.
What’s on the menu?
From savory to sweet, this year’s lineup promises a showstopping culinary experience, featuring dishes and beverages from some of the Midlands’ most talented chefs and culinary teams:
- 518 Smokehouse — Ribs over cornbread with banana pudding
- Bessie’s Burgers and More — Spicy peach wings, garlic parmesan wings, mini smashburgers, banana pudding
- Big Boys BBQ — Pork sliders and “mini porkos”
- Blue Marlin — Shrimp & grits
- Cola’s Restaurant — Beef short rib ragu with Persian gnocchi, whipped ricotta, microgreens
- Columbo’s — Sesame ginger beef bao with Asian slaw and Thai red curry sauce
- Ember — 48-hour short rib with pot roast vegetables and mashed potatoes
- Halls Chophouse — Wagyu beef sliders with bacon onion jam and pimento cheese
- Juniper — Blue Ridge rabbit and dumplings with Saluda County vegetables
- Lexington 2 Innovation Center — Firecracker shrimp slider with Thai green sauce and slaw
- Mother’s Oysters + Pies — Wood-fired sourdough pizzas and oysters
- Roy’s Grille — Pulled pork nachos
- Sarah’s Rockin’ Kitchen — Whiskey meatball subs
- Savage Craft Ale Works — Poached shrimp over spiced grit cake with gazpacho
- SouthShore Grill & Grocery — Shrimp & grits
- TakoSushi — Southwest tuna tartare
- The Bistro — Pulled pork sliders
Menu items are subject to change based on availability.
More than just great food
Entertainment will keep the energy high throughout the evening. Right To Party will headline with a high-energy live performance featuring multiple vocalists, horns, and crowd-favorite hits.
New this year, the Liberty Lounge—presented by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture—offers an expanded outdoor experience. Guests can enjoy music from DJ Stingray 803, local samples, food trucks, and the Spirit of ’76 Dance Floor, all while highlighting a farm-to-fork initiative in partnership with Fresh on the Menu.
Signature sips and experiences
Hollow Creek Distillery joins as the Signature Spirit Sponsor, serving the featured “Lakeside Lemonade” crafted with Low Water Vodka.
Guests can also participate in the Stars & Stripes Silent Auction, sponsored by Michelin, with prizes ranging from Savannah Bananas tickets to an Edisto Beach getaway.
The raffle lineup includes:
- $1,500 cash prize
- $700+ in restaurant gift cards
- Four tickets to the Spirit of Lake Murray Fireworks Cruise on July 4, 2026
Event details
Tickets are $150 and available online. Proceeds directly support Lake Murray’s Independence Day Celebration, helping sustain one of the Midlands’ most beloved annual traditions.
