January

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebrations. The annual Martin Luther King Jr. Observance Committee plans celebrations around this recognized holiday honoring the slain civil rights leader. Events usually include memorial services including ecumenical services, a breakfast and a dinner, gospel music celebrations, youth programs, and an observance march and program. Check local newspaper listings for schedules.


February

Native Islander Gullah Celebration. The month-long Native Islander Gullah Celebration highlights the low country’s Gullah heritage. Freedom Day at Mitchelville, gospel music celebrations, arts, crafts and food festival, art reception and exhibit, sweetheart dance, low country barbecue, storytelling, and other events. Sponsored by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association. 877-650-0676. www.gullahcelebration.com


March

Springfest. A month-long welcome to the spring season on Hilton Head Island. Sponsored by the Hilton Head Hospitality Association, the calendar includes the popular Winefest – the largest outdoor wine tasting on the East Coast – Wingfest, Chocolatefest, Youth Artsfest and other activities. 843-686-4944, 800-424-3387. hhha@rhsnet.com www.hiltonheadisland.com/hospitalityassociation


April

The Heritage of Golf. The annual PGA golf tournament at the world renowned Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head. For dates and ticket prices: 800-234-1107


May

Gullah Festival. Held Memorial Day Weekend in Beaufort, the four-day festival shines the light on the Gullah culture of the lowcountry. Entertainment, storytelling, symposium, cultural performances and other activities. 843-522-1998 www.gullahfestival.org

A Taste of Beaufort. Sponsored by Main Street Beaufort, USA. 843-525-6644

Family Fiesta Latina. Latin American celebration of culture, arts, music and food. Held at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-ARTS

Bluffton Village Festival. Held the second weekend in May. Food, parade, arts and crafts, Ugly Dog Contest and many other activities. www.heywardhouse.org


June

Daufuskie Day. Enjoy the quiet pace but rich culture Daufuskie Island on the fourth weekend in June. Islanders will sell their famed deviled crabs. Storytelling, memories shared by islanders, church service and other activities. The island is only accessible by boat, so plan early and well for this day trip.

HarbourFest. From mid-June through August, enjoy food, arts & crafts and entertainment each night at Shelter Cove Harbour on Hilton Head Island. Fireworks at dusk each Tuesday. 843-785-1106


July

Fourth of July Fireworks. Check with local Chamber of Commerces for information on where you can see spectacular fireworks.

Beaufort Water Festival. Annual activities, exhibits and entertainment. 843-524-0600. www.beaufortsc.org

Annual Island Packet Firecracker 5000 Road Race. Hilton Head Island. Sponsored by Bear Foot Sports, the race features a 5K run and 5K walk. 843-379-3440


September

Annual Celebrity Golf Tournament. Held Labor Day Weekend on Hilton Head Island. Benefits local children’s charities. Spectators invited to watch celebrity golfers at play on island golf courses. 843-842-7711

FoodFest. Island restaurants serve up a variety of foods and beverage at this festival, sponsored by the Hilton Head Area Hospitality Association. Music, fun, entertainment and lots of food at the Shelter Cove Harbour. 843-686-4944, 800-424-3387. hhha@rhsnet.com www.hiltonheadisland.com/hospitalityassociation

Renaissance. A spectacular Bluffton homecoming celebration. Memorial programs, parade, food and entertainment. Military veterans are honored as well as native Blufftonians. 843-757-3079


October

Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Includes 5K run and walk. 1-800-638-3525 or 843-524-3163


November

Taste of the Season. Holiday food tasting sponsored by the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce. 843-785-3673. www.hiltonheadisland.org

Penn Center Heritage Days Festival. St. Helena Island. Held annually the second weekend of November at Penn Center, Heritage Days celebrates the influence of the historic Penn School on Sea Island history and culture. 843-838-2432. www.penncenter.com

Minority Business Expo. Sponsored by the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce, the expo features speakers, seminars and business displays. 843-986-1102.


December

Annual Christmas Programs & Services. Contact local churches for schedules of annual Christmas plays and pageants, special services for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, and programs at other times of the month.

For more event information:
www.hiltonheadisland.org
www.beaufortsc.org