Hilton Head Island: Festivals & Events

7th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival
When: October 15-22, 2011
Where: Calhoun Street, Old Town Bluffton
More Info: www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com
The seventh annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival will be held in the charming and eclectic historic district of Bluffton (just over the bridge from (Hilton Head Island), well known for its unconventional arts community and the beautiful setting along the May River. The festival is a week-long event offering numerous activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, history, art and Southern hospitality of Old Town Bluffton. The Saturday Calhoun Street festival is free and open to the public.

Cajun Fest
When: Saturday, October 15, 2011, 11:00am-4:00pm
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island
More Info: www.islandreccenter.org
The Island Recreation Association is pleased to announce this years’ Cajun Festival, Saturday, October 15th from 11am-4pm in Shelter Cove Community Park. The even offers authentic Cajun cooking, including: PoBoys, fried shrimp and oysters, red beans and rice, jambalaya, gumbo, and many other Cajun favorites. Beverages other concessions for kids available. Also featuring the ever-popular Kids Zone with moon bounces, arts and crafts, and a variety of games. Tickets are $5 and children 12 and under are free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Island Recreation Association’s Scholarship Fund.

Bluffton Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk
When: Saturday, October 15, 2011, 8:00-11:00am
Where: The Calhoun St. Promenade, Old Town Bluffton
More Info: www.gotrisports.com/events
Go Tri Sports is excited to again bring you the Weniger Plastic Surgery Bluffton Half Marathon and 5K Run / Walk. The unique course takes competitors through historic and scenic Bluffton, and welcomes all levels of runners / walkers. Race Date & Time: Saturday, October 15th. 8:00 AM Start at 1297 May River Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910 Call Go Tri Sports: 843.842.4786 or visit the website: http://www.gotrisports.com/events/. Go Tri Sports is also offering the Hilton Head Bridge Run on Sunday, October 23 and the Jingle Bell run on Saturday, December 17.

The Salty Dog Shrimp Festival & Lowcountry Boil
When: October 22, 2011, 4:00-8:00pm
Where: The Salty Dog, South Beach Marina in Sea Pines
More Info: www.saltydog.com
Celebrate the local Hilton Head Island lowcountry shrimp harvest, with live music, kid’s games, Jake the Salty Dog and shrimp and Lowcountry Boil!

Dreamgirls
When: Now through October 23, 2011, 8:00-10:00pm nightly
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
More Info: www.artshhi.com
The spunky, flashy and infectious Broadway smash that has audiences merrily singing its tunes - these are the backstage stories of the popular Dreams, the hottest girl group in the 1960s and ‘70s. Winner of six Tony Awards and two Grammys, Dreamgirls looks at the making of musical superstars. Featuring the hits, “One Night Only,” “I Am Changing” and the powerful “And I am Telling You I’m Not Going,” Dreamgirls is a worldwide phenomenon that the LA Times called “Groundbreaking.”
Tickets: Adults $51. Children $35.

Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival &
Concours d'Elegance
When: When: October 28-November 6, 2011
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Hilton Head Island
More info: www.hhiconcours.com
One of the nation's signature vintage automobile events, the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance was recently named to the Southeast Tourism Society’s ‘Top 20 Events’ list. The tenth annual festival will take place from October 28-November 6, 2011, featuring four signature events: the Savannah Speed Classic at The Westin on Hutchinson Island (Oct. 28-30), and three events at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn on Hilton Head, including the Car Club Jamboree (Nov. 5), the Motoring Midway (Nov. 5 & 6) and, the highlight, the Concours d’Elegance competition (Nov. 6).

Oyster Festival Presented by South Carolina Bank & Trust
When: Saturday & Sunday, November 12-13, 2011, 11:00am-5:00pm
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head Island
More Info: www.islandreccenter.org
The Hilton Head Oyster Festival two-day event will feature a variety of oysters and shrimp, an assortment of beers from Budweiser and a collection of wines from Rollers Total Beverage. This family event features live music and a kid’s zone, including moon bounces, carnival games, prizes and more from Jumpin’ Jaxx. Thanks to Custom Audio Video, football fans can catch both the NFL and college games at the park. There will also be a Holiday Craft Show and Silent Auction, featuring items such as rounds of golf, local artisans crafts, and restaurant certificates. All proceeds go to the Island Recreation Association’s Children’s Scholarship Fund.

Taste of the Season
When: Friday, November 11, 2011, 6:00-9:00pm
Where: Hilton Head Marriott Resort & Spa
More Info: www.hiltonheadisland.org/taste
More than 30 of the Island's most accomplished chefs prepare their best dishes for attendees to sample at this not-to-be-missed event.

Music to Your Mouth Festival at Palmetto Bluff
When: Monday-Sunday, November 14-20, 2011, 11:00am - 3:00pm
Where: Palmetto Bluff Resort in Bluffton, SC
More Info: www.musictoyourmouth.com
Sponsored by Coastal Living magazine, this year's event includes a Chef Showdown, hosted by celebrity chef Gail Simmons of BRAVO TV’s Top Chef, a North & South wine dinner (with dueling sommeliers), a bourbon-themed boat cruise, Golf Outing and PIGnic, and the Potlikker Block Party. They've gathered the best tastes, tunes and tonics in the south.
Saturday’s spectacular Culinary Festival will be held at the Village Green & Riverfront. Tickets are $225. This is the highlight event — a gathering of culinarians, winemakers, growers, and artisans, emphasizing ingredients from our local waters and farms.

Winter Wonder Festival
When: Saturday, December 10, 2011, 4:00-8:00pm
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park
Golden Candy Cane Hunt, live holiday entertainment, roasting marshmallows, blowup rides, holiday crafts and more.
Ages 2-18, $10. Admission includes activities. Parents & Grandparents are free! All proceeds benefit the Island Recreation Association Children's Scholarship Fund.

Van Der Meer Tennis Pro Exhibitions
When: Monday Evenings, 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Van Der Meer Shipyard Tennis Resort
More Info: www.vdmtennis.com
Come watch the teaching pros play an exhibition doubles match!

Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island
When: Saturdays and Sundays through December 31, 2011
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
More Info: www.hhipublicart.org
Join the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry this fall for The Public Art Exhibition on Hilton Head Island, being on the beautiful grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. This public outdoor sculpture exhibition showcases 20 outdoor sculptures juried in from across the nation. In November, the Town of Hilton Head Island will choose one sculpture to be added to the town’s growing public art collection. Pieces will also be available for sale and for a special People's Choice Award prize. The Public Art Fund was established in 2006 with a goal to bring art into the public realm of Hilton Head Island, with the first piece installed in 2010, the Charles Fraser Walking the Alligator at Compass Rose Park. The exhibition is free and open to the public during regular museum hours, Saturdays, 9:00am-4:30pm and Sundays, 11:00am-3:00pm.

Low Country Critters
When: Daily, 3:00-3:45 pm
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
This Coastal Discovery Museum walk will teach you about alligators to no-see-ums and some of the area's other most intriguing residents.

Kayaking Jarvis Creek
When: Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00-11:00 am
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
Join a certified guide for a closer look at the salt marsh aboard a stable, touring kayak.  Venture into creeks and inlets to view local wildlife, such as dolphins. 

Salt Marsh Discovery
When: Friday, 10:00 am
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
On this hands on tour, you will see live oysters, crabs and shrimp up-close. Learn how to trap and harvest blue crabs.

Forts of Port Royal
When: Wednesday, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Where: The Westin Resort
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
Learn about the area's early explorers during the Civil War, Mitchelville, and the Steam Cannon. The tour visits the site of Fort Walker and other historical sites.  

The Farmers Market of Bluffton
When: Days/Hours Change. Check Website.
Where: Old Town Bluffton
More Info: farmersmarketbluffton.com
Very popular family-friendly event is an ideal place to find local and seasonal produce, to eat freshly prepared food, and enjoy live entertainment.

Honey Horn History Walk
When: Monday, 2:00 pm and Thursday, 10:00 am
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
Travel back in time with the stories of Honey Horn's past 200 years. This walk takes you past the places they lived and worked.

Dolphin and Nature Cruise
When: Wednesday and Friday, 3:00-4:30 pm
Where: Broad Creek Marina
More Info: 843-689-6767 | coastaldiscovery.org
Cruise through the waters of Broad Creek toward Calibogue Sound, while discussing the history of the area, and wildlife, such as dolphins and a variety of wading birds.

ArtStart
When: 10:00-11:00 am
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
More Info: 843-686-3945 | artshhi.com
Art classes for ages 2-5 are designed to help children develop fine motor skills and encourage creativity through the visual arts.