Watch for the next dates, usually the third week in October. The eclectic Bluffton downtown setting showcases a street fest on the final two days with as many as 100 regional and local art vendors including sweetgrass baskets; food from some of the favorites such as fresh seafood, barbecue, desserts, snacks and beverages plus educational and entertaining activities during warm...

Visiting musical and dramatic shows are hosted here as well as special community events and art exhibits in the gallery. Something is always going on, with varying themes and ticket prices. It’s professional and popular, with tickets which should be reserved early for the big shows. February’s month-long exhibit is the annual Gullah art exhibit opening the Gullah Celebration.

Beaufort is a quaint town on the Intracoastal Waterway sharing Port Royal Island with the smaller town of Port Royal. The entire downtown is designated a historic district along with 90 historic sites. These include cemeteries, bed and breakfast inns, private homes, churches and other buildings which also are listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Beaufort was named a SC...

This extraordinary culinary adventure kicked off May 7, 2016, with all the fun of a bacon themed block party mixed with a full scale festival experience.   Many of the area’s top restaurants, several of the area’s top bands and hundreds of the area’s top food lovers gathered to celebrate American traditions – Beer, Bacon & Music. This event featured...

Bluffton is much older than Hilton Head. American Yemassee Indians first settled here. It’s on the mainland in the southern portion of Beaufort County, perched on the high bluff overlooking the May River. It was incorporated as a town in 1852. Then during the Civil War it was shelled and burned. The remaining structures which are preserved today include seven...

Bluffton International and Craft Beer Festival, begun in 2011, is enjoyed in November in Old Town Bluffton. The festival continues the tradition of offering an exceptional selection of more than 200 beers from around the world, featuring more than 40 styles from 80 breweries. The international tasting event typically is from 1-5 pm and features a food court, vendors, and live music....

Annual festival set for early October in Shelter Cove Community Park.  At this fun-filled festival, local restaurants are cooking their best slider burgers to compete for the vote; meanwhile in the beer garden taste 20 different brews. The sliders might be beef, chicken, pork or seafood. Recent winners of the People’s Choice awards: 1st Charbar Co, 2nd Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront...

Charleston is a beautiful historic city about two hours north of Hilton Head and well worth a visit for shopping and dining as well as touring. The best view is a horse-drawn carriage tour departing from the Visitor Center. The interesting detailed architecture of churches and homes is among the many reasons to visit Charleston. Charleston was named in Forbes...

This is a super HOT and fun family event scheduled for early October rain or shine (for 32 years and counting). It’s sponsored by the Kiwanis Club and includes a local competition of anything-goes chili which is judged in professional and amateur categories. Local judges name winners as well as the attendees who vote after sampling it all for one...

While the rich Gullah history and heritage is celebrated any time, the month-long Gullah Celebration every February includes one of the many recognized opportunities for large scale tasting events as well as an art exhibit and various additional showcases of music and crafts. The event is presented by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association which hosted the 21st...

The annual festival is celebrated in the park on the beautiful Beaufort waterfront for four days each Memorial Day weekend. It’s an educational and entertaining event observing the African American culture of the Sea Islands. Additional events often are presented in area churches. Music, dancing, storytelling, dramatic performances, lectures, crafts, food and kids’ activities vary each year, and thousands of...

Annual event usually set for the third Saturday in September, this includes plenty of Italian food, grape stomping, bocce ball, stick ball, silent auction, Italian car show, kids’ activities and entertainment. The 2017 event was rescheduled due to Hurricane Irma, and the combination with Meatball Madness in mid-November promises the World’s Largest Meatball Challenge! Purchase tickets in advance online and...

A major gathering for oyster lovers is set for a mid-November weekend each year. In addition to steamed, fried and chowder for the oyster eaters, shrimp, chili, hotdogs and hamburgers are offered. Activities for kids, a craft show and silent auction also are included. Live music is planned for a full day of entertainment, and a good time is on...

This quaint historic town shares Port Royal Island with the city of Beaufort. It boasts one of the deepest ports on the East Coast, although not in operation, and has a marina and a unique river beach with a scenic boardwalk for fishing and strolling. The Cypress Wetlands includes a walking and biking pathway around beautiful marsh. The town’s historic...

Mid-May marks the Rib Burnoff and Barbecue Festival sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubat Honey Horn.  Restaurants and amateurs begin cooking the night before the festival, and competition HEATS UP every year. Food typically may come from as many as 20 cooks including the favorites: Frankie Bones, the Smokehouse and One Hot Mama’s Local bands present live entertainment; jumper activities are offered...

Typically set for early March and including a week full of activities, this annual fundraiser has been enjoyed for seven years. Live entertainment surrounds the festivities while more than a dozen restaurants serve their seafood specialties. Expect treats from Black Marlin, Crazy Crab, Hudsons, Red Fish, Old Oyster Factory, Skull Creek Boathouse, and more An Iron Chef competition provides additional flavor, and...

The huge Wine & food Festival is typically set for early March, and it is an important event featuring tastings, dinners and a grand showcase of food and wine in an outdoor setting as well as educational sessions and a chefs’ competition. It runs through six days and has grown and succeeded for 33 years. Most activities now take place...

Local restaurants cook their best wings in mid-March in a family-friendly festival. It’s a lot of good food, a friendly competition among some favorite restaurants and fun for everyone. Activities include a kid’s zone, rock climbing wall and bungee jump. A big screen television is set up for basketball fans to watch all the March Madness, and live entertainment includes...