Part of this event has been canceled for 2020. There will be limited events associated with the Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival. Please confirm with each vendor.
The best Rocking annual event in Bluffton, SC is the Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival. Music, kid-friendly activities, arts, crafts, guided tours, paddleboard, boat tours, food, and drink. Enjoy mouth-watering oysters and shrimp! This week-long festival has something to offer everyone of all ages.
The Sixteenth Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival will be held on October 17th – October 25th, 2020. The highlight of the festival is the Streetfest There will be over 100 artists from 10 different states showcasing their work. Local restaurants and caterers will be providing food. The Streetfest portion of the festival will be held on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th.
This unique event encompasses everything that highlights why Bluffton is one of the greatest places to live in South Carolina. Discover insight to the people who first settled in Bluffton, the artist and musicians who make the art scene so vibrant in Bluffton, and the local businesses who make our community better for locals and tourists alike.
In 2017, The 14th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival held showcased 110 artists from all around the country. The art showcase will be held on Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. Enjoy seeing a variety of art media such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, pastel, mixed media, photography, metals, clay and wood.
The Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival was created in 2005 to help further a sense of community and to benefit the citizens, the local area merchants, and artists through tourism. The citizens of the Town of Bluffton SC had and continue to express the need to protect and maintain the pristine quality of the May River and the historic Bluffton Oyster Company, as they are both instrumental to the very essence of the community. “As Bluffton continues to grow, it is paramount that we continue to introduce our citizens, old and new, to these precious Bluffton gems. Festivals are like magnets, they attract the young and old, rich and poor, locals and transplants, all to celebrate their community,” said Dan Wood, Festival Founder.
What began as a one-day event in 2005 and expanded to a weekend celebration in 2006 has, since 2007, been a week-long celebration highlighting the “gems of Bluffton”: the natural beauty of this river community; its rich history; the pristine quality of the May River; the bounty of the local waterways; and the cultural and artistic aspect of the community itself. It is touted as and truly is the celebration “where fine art and the bounty of the sea come together”!
The main goal with each festival is to help raise awareness that fosters protection of the May River and the rich culture and history of our area for the enjoyment of generations to come.
We can’t stress enough not to miss this event. Spend a week enjoying Bluffton and learn about Bluffton’s history and lifestyle. There’s no place like Bluffton, and we want you to see why. Visit Bluffton and be part of the Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival!
Schedule for Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival 2020
Saturday, October 17, 2020
ART & CHALK
Chalk the Walk Art Competition Presented by Bluffton Rotary Club Field of Dreams Pavilion, Oscar Frazer Park
Chalk Art Competition for children- Registration 9:30
Chalk Art Competition for children- 10:15
Judging & Prizes- 11:15
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER Cost is $35/per person and includes everything including Photography of your Adventure! 2 hours total time (includes the on-land instruction time). Lots of details & information on the website here: www.StandandPaddle.com. Tours are available from SunRise to SunSet everyday. To Schedule please contact Roddy via Text message 843-368-8690 or Email: [email protected]
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION (Meet and depart from Calhoun Street Dock).
Tucked between Bluffton and Savannah and accessible only by boat, Daufuskie is the island on ‘the other side of the river’ and a real gem. This is a trip back in time, providing a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of the Low Country history. Join us for a small-group tour of the ‘undeveloped side’ of Daufuskie with our interpretive guide and USCG Licensed Captain. Visit several one-of-a-kind places: the First Union African Baptist Church, the Praise House, the Mary Field’s School (where author Pat Conroy taught). the site of the Bloody Point Lighthouse and several artisans’ studios. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop and observe wildlife and historic points of interest. Daufuskie’s earliest inhabitants included European settlers. Learn about the native Gullah culture with its African and French influences and their struggle to hold on to their 100-year-old customs and way of life. SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE Attire: Casual clothing that may get wet, sunscreen Duration: 4 hours Fee: $85 per person Fee Includes: Round Trip Interpretive boat cruise, golf carts, tour destinations, USCG licensed Captain & Interpretive Historian, snacks and refreshments.
THE OUTBACK A fantastic excursion, the Outback combines boating and kayaking for a memorable Lowcountry experience. Begin your adventure with a boat cruise from Town Dock on the May River through salt marsh creeks en route to a private and secluded sea island. Your captain will choose one of several interesting routes that offer beautiful views of the low country landscape and an opportunity to observe the incredible variety of wildlife that make this area home: dolphin, osprey, heron and bald eagles. At out kayak outpost, located on remote Page Island, you will be comfortably fitted into a safe and stable kayak for a pleasant kayak through remote tidal creeks. Winding through the most pristine estuaries in the area, we’ll paddle the same creeks traveled by the Native Americans that inhabited these islands hundreds of years ago. The scenery is breathtaking. If you do not wish to paddle, you can enjoy Page Island’s miles of nature trails, relaxing hammocks or fishing from the dock. View our video by clicking here SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE Duration: 4 hours Fee: $85 per person Fee Includes: round trip boat cruise, USCG Licensed Captain and Interpretive Naturalist guide, kayak, paddle and life preserver rental. Refreshments and snacks
HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.
BLUFFTON STATE OF MIND SUPPER SOIRÉE 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Presented by Hilton Head Regional Healthcare
Eat in the Street 4 Course Dinner with music, wine, art …… served in the center of Historic Calhoun Street highlighting some of our local chefs.
Come enjoy a night under the stars!
Advance tickets required. $125 per person; limited to 120 attendees.
Sunday, October 18, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER *Daily* See October 12, 2019, for details
ART ON THE STREET 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Stroll Calhoun Street and see our state designated cultural district come alive!
POP UP ART on the street, on gallery porches and on a corner lot – temporary art displays join the many galleries to highlight the artistic and cultural side of Bluffton.
Showcase Artists
FRIENDS OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS 8th ANNUAL INVITATIONAL LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art including oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and much, much more exhibited under the big tent and throughout our galleries with demonstrations by artists at many.
11:00AM – 4:00PM Showcase Artists
EMPTY BOWLS 12:00 NOON – 4:00 PM
Jacob Preston Pottery Studio 10 Church Street
Come and buy a bowl and have some homemade soup. All monies raised will go to Meals on Wheels, Second Helpings and Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen
Musicians will entertain on Calhoun Street.
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM Maggie Evans Trio
Art Exhibits, Music, Refreshments and More on Calhoun Street.
BOAT PARADE ON THE MAY BLESSING OF THE FLEET
GOSPEL MUSIC CHURCH OF THE CROSS 4:00 PM 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 Church of the Cross following our Admiral of the Fleet.
OYSTER FEST, 5:00 – 8:00 PM, Bluffton Oyster Factory Park First Oyster Roast of the Season, Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Live Music by MUDDY CREEK. No admission fee. Bucket of oysters $10; other food and drinks priced individually. No outside food or beverages allowed.
Monday, October 19, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER *Daily* See October 12, 2019 for details
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY Join 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.
$20/ per person…subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the county dock at the end of Calhoun Street. Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR (Meet and depart from Bluffton Oyster Company).
Experience the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry salt marsh estuaries with a close-up view from the seat of a kayak. No experience is necessary for this laid-back excursion. A brief paddling clinic will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and get you comfortable in the boat. Then, depart Oyster Factory Park on the May River to explore waterways teeming with wildlife. Herons, osprey and other bird life are abundant, and you may have the opportunity to watch our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin. The salt marsh is a fascinating ecosystem filled with life. Your guide will discuss the organisms and processes that surround you. This excursion is a relaxed and informative journey that moves at your pace and provides a good introduction to kayaking. SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE
Attire: Casual clothing that may get wet, sunscreen Duration: 2 hours Min/Max: 4 / 40 Fee: $45 per person Fee Includes: Interpretive naturalist guide, kayak, paddle, and personal life preserver rental
HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More.
Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.
DINNER & LEARN TOUR at Waddell Mariculture Center and Bluffton Family Seafood House 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM
21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton
Reservations required. $40/per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation please call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.
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 presentation will be given at two times, 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. Enjoy the prelude of freshly shucked oysters and picked crab along with the dinner buffet including Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies, and tea. Beer, wine, and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner, Kimberly Jones, Watershed Management Division Manager for the Town of Bluffton and Dr. Al Stokes, former director of the Waddell Mariculture Center, will share more about our waterways and their marine life which greatly contribute to the Lowcountry culture. Learn how to be environmental stewards of our most cherished natural resources.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10:00 am-Noon
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 in-depth 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 a tasting of local seafood at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability. Call 843-304-2878 for reservations. $80.00 per person (includes lunch, menu HERE).
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.
BLUFFTON JACK’S HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR, 6:00 PM AND 8:00 PM.
Please join us for a walking GHOST TOUR of historic Old Town Bluffton. Hear spooky Bluffton tales told by a certified tour guide, Bluffton Jack. Comfortable walking shoes suggested; bring your own flashlight; rain or shine; children welcome (suggested ages 9 and up). Tours begin at The Complete Home, 41 B Calhoun Street. Refreshments served. $18.00 ADULTS; $10.00 CHILDREN. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. CALL 843-717-2175.
Join The Storybook Shoppe at 41 A Calhoun Street prior to the 6:00 PM Haunted Tour for a Frightfully Fun evening of Spooky Stories at 5:00 PM.
Wednesday, October 21, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, Daily MONDAY – SATURDAY
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More.
Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.
AUTHOR NIGHT Author to be announced soon.
5:30 PM
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events; 6:00 PM Showtime, at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park (11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910). Cost: $15.00; additional donations accepted; proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center.
Reservations required: call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.
Thursday, October 22, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS 10:00am-Noon
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 in-depth 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 a tasting of local seafood at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability. Call 843-304-2878 for reservations. $80.00 per person (includes lunch, menu HERE).
BLUFFTON JACK’S HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR, 6:00 PM AND 8:00 PM. Please join us for a walking GHOST TOUR of historic Old Town Bluffton. Hear spooky Bluffton tales told by certified tour guide, Bluffton Jack. Comfortable walking shoes suggested; bring your own flashlight; rain or shine; children welcome (suggested ages 9 and up). Tours begin at The Complete Home, 41 B Calhoun Street. Refreshments served. $18.00 ADULTS; $10.00 CHILDREN. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. CALL 843-717-2175.
BLUFFTON HISTORIC COCKTAIL PARTY5:00pm-8:00pm $20.00 per person
Held on Common Ground at the Heyward House, RAIN OR SHINE. Featuring entertainment by Earl Williams and serving up delicious appetizers and specialty drinks. For more information and tickets call 843-757-6293.
Friday, October 23, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
RED APRON SIPS AND SEAFOOD PARTY 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Heyward House Presented by Bluffton Self Help Join us for a grand culinary celebration under the stars on the grounds of the historic Heyward House. The evening will include sensational Lowcountry dining by Ryan McCarthy of Downtown Catering, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull, live and silent auctions as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need. Limited tickets and sponsorships are available and can be purchased online at www.sipsandseafood.com. All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.
Saturday, October 24, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
OLD TOWN OYSTER10K ROAD RACE & 5K RUN 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital Bluffton Oyster Factory Park. 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 sponsored by River Dog Brewing Company immediately follows. Music, Coffee, Cold River Dog Craft Beer, Oyster Shooters, Gumbo, May River Mimosas, Brewed Marys and much, much more!
TAKE A KID FISHING TOURNAMENT, BLUFFTON OYSTER CO. 10:30 AM –1:30 PM
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 10:30-11:30 AM at The Bluffton Oyster Company. Weigh-In at 1:00 PM at the Bluffton Oyster Company. 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. To pre-register call Tom at 912-210-1222.
HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More.
Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.
ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM – 5:00PM
HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
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, watercolor and much, much more. Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. History of Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center.
ERA EvergreenTailgate Zone Presented by ERA Evergreen Real Estate
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.
MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Presented by Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet Favorite bands will entertain on three stages throughout the day.
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.
FAMILY ORIENTED MAGIC SHOW with Gary Maurer 1:00 PM
ROCKIN’ ON THE DOCK 6:00 PM – DUSK BLUFFTON OYSTER CO. Presented by Montage Palmetto Bluff
Seafood Extravaganza Tasting
Live music
Fireworks at Dusk
No admission fee; no outside food or beverages allowed. A wide variety of delicious food will be available for purchase from Bluffton Oyster Company along with beverages from the Rotary Club of Bluffton.
End the full day of activities with a grand finale.
Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember!
Sunday, October 25, 2020
PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER
MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY
DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION
THE OUTBACK
MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR
ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10:00AM – 4:30PM
HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY
Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 112 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.
ERA Evergreen Tailgate Zone Presented by ERA Evergreen Real Estate
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.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Presented by Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet Favorite bands will entertain on three stages throughout the day.
ART IN THE PARK 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM DuBois Park on Boundary Street
Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.
FAMILY ORIENTED MAGIC SHOW with Gary Maurer 1:00 PM
No Parking in Downtown Bluffton on Saturday, the 24th, and Sunday, the 25th. Free Shuttles provided by our sponsor, Old Town Trolley Tours, from Red Cedar Elementary (Bluffton Parkway to Red Cedar Street). Saturday, 10/24: 10:00AM – 9:00PM Sunday, 10/25: 10:00AM – 5:00PM For more information 843-757-BLUF (2583)
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