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19th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival

Arts and Entertainment

September 22, 2023

From: Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival

Schedule Of Events

October 14, 2023

Walk For Freedom

9:00 am - 11:00 am: Oyster Factory Park

On October 14, people will rally in hundreds of cities across the globe for the 9th annual Walk For Freedom. This event is a collective effort led by A21, a global nonprofit organization determined to eradicate human trafficking through awareness, intervention, and aftercare. Walk For Freedom is A21's global response to human trafficking, raising awareness and funds for the millions enslaved in the world today. This is another way Bluffton can come together to stand against this injustice and by walking for them in silence, our actions will speak volumes to let them know they are seen and heard. Stop all slavery now!

Bluffton State of Mind Supper Soiree

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Calhoun Street, Historic Old Town Bluffton

Eat in the street 4 Course Dinner with music, wine, served in the center of Historic Calhoun Street highlighting some of our local chefs.
Come enjoy a night under the stars!

$150 per person; limited to 120 attendees.

October 15, 2023

11:00 am - 4:00 pm: Art In The Park- A celebration of all things local

Stroll Old Town Bluffton and see our state designated cultural district come alive!
POP UP ART on the street, on gallery porches and in Martin Park - temporary art displays join the many galleries to highlight the artistic and cultural side of Bluffton.

A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art including oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and much, much more. Enjoy music by Angela Easterling 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM.

Art Exhibits, Music by Pete Carroll and More in Old Town.

Blessing of The Fleet, Parade

4:00 pm: Gospel Music Wright Park

Bring your lawn chair, view the Boat Parade and enjoy Gospel music by Lavon Stevens on the bluff or join the parade in your own boat. Make plans now to gather at the sandbar before 3:00 PM and process to the Public Dock in Wright Park following our Admiral of the Fleet, LINDA TOOMER, in the biggest shrimp boat fleet you've ever seen!

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Oyster Fest

Bluffton Oyster Factory Park

First Oyster Roast of the Season ($20 for a bucket of oysters), Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Live Music with Crosstown Traffic.

October 16, 2023

May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

Dinner & Learn

Tour Of Waddell Mariculture Center

Tours available at 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm, 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton. Only closed toe shoes.

Reservations required. $45/ per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org

Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. The tours will be given at five times, 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner presentations will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources by Kim Jones and Al Stokes.

October 17, 2023

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: May River Oyster Farm Tour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions.

This 2 hour tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world. Afterward enjoy lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability.

October 18, 2023

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

Author Night

5:30 pm hors d'oeuvres, 6:00 pm showtime

Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park
11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910

"Cherishing Bluffton's Past" through a panel of local historians sharing stories and history of Bluffton through the decades.

Join us as we host a panel discussion discussing what makes Bluffton special, and sharing stories of the innovators and characters that helped Bluffton evolve from a May River hamlet of 500 residents and one restaurant to the boom town of tourist and commerce we are today. Panelists include: - former Mayor and native Blufftonian Emmett McCracken - Award-winning Island Packet columnist David Lauderdale - Long-time Bluffton Today columnist Annelore Harrell - Bluffton native and long-time town activist Allyne Mitchell

October 19, 2023

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

10:00 am - 12:00 pm: May River Oyster Farm Tour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions.

This 2 hour tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world. Afterward enjoy lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability.

7:30 pm: Outdoor Pops in the Park - (rain or shine)

Martin Family Park
68 Boundary Street

Celebrate the return of live concerts! Enjoy the sweet sounds of your own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra under the stars. General lawn seating; please bring your own folding chairs and blankets and a picnic dinner.

October 20, 2023

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

Red Apron Sips & Seafood Prelude Party in the Promenade

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm: Benefiting Bluffton Self Help

Enjoy the sounds of the Evolution Big Band as they perform in St. Joseph Park. Peruse the shops and enjoy champagne and appetizer samplings along the way. Complete your evening with dinner at one of our fine restaurants in the Promenade.

October 21, 2023

Free Shuttles provided from Red Cedar Elementary

10:00 am – 9:00 pm

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

8:00 - 10:30 am: Old Town Oyster Race & Run

10K Road Race, 5K Run Options

Bluffton Oyster Factory Park

Presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Join us for a run through Old Town Bluffton with scenic river and marsh views. Compete in a fast-paced 10K or complete the 5K with the entire family! Both events will be professionally timed.

Awards presentation and After-Party immediately following. Music, Cold Beer, Oyster Shooters, May River Mimosas, and much, much more!

10:00 am - 1:00 pm: Take a Kid Fishing Tournament - Wright Park

Take a Kid Fishing Tournament sponsored by Bluffton Marine Sports and Supplies, Boat Floats, Coldwell Banker Platinum Partners, Spartina Marine Education Charters, and managed by the Bluffton Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association.

Register between 10:00AM-11:00AM at Wright Park. Weigh-In at 1:00PM at Wright Park. Children 13 and under welcome with parents. There is no fee. Prizes will be awarded.

Bring your own fishing equipment if possible; limited equipment will be available on a first come first serve basis.

10:00 am - 5:00 pm: Street Fest

Historic Downtown Bluffton. Fun for All!

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more.

Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street. Take a break at the tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team's game while enjoying craft beer and music.

Music & Entertainment

All Day

Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.

Schedule

Art in The Park
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
DuBois Park on Boundary Street

Children's art activities conducted under the pavilion. Visit the stations around the pavilion and create your very own masterpiece. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

Rockin' on the Dock
6:00 pm - Dusk
Bluffton Oyster Co.

Seafood Extravaganza Tasting
Live music with the Chiggers
Fireworks at Dusk
End the full day of activities with a grand finale.
Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember!

October 22, 2023

Free Shuttles from Red Cedar Elementary

10:00 am – 5:00 pm

May River Boat Tour

Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour

Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.

Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.

$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.

10:00 am - 4:00 pm: Street Fest

Historic Downtown Bluffton. Fun for All!

Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states, displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more.

Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street. Take a break at the tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team's game while enjoying craft beer and music.

Music & Entertainment

All Day

Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.

Schedule

Art in The Park
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
DuBois Park on Boundary Street

Children's art activities conducted under the pavilion. Visit the stations around the pavilion and create your very own masterpiece. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

October 27, 2023

6:00 pm - 10:00 pm: Sips & Seafood Party - Hewitt Oaks

Join us for a grand celebration under the stars on the beautiful grounds of Hewitt Oaks. The evening includes sensational Lowcountry dining, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull, live auctions as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need.

Date:
October 14 – 22, 2023

Location:
Various Venues, Bluffton, SC 29910

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