Friday the 13th, festivals galore, Lowcountry boils & more: Your Lowcountry weekend guide
Fall in the Lowcountry means it’s festival time. This weekend is no exception.
There’s an arts and seafood festival, a food truck festival, a Latin music festival, a regatta and more — all in Beaufort County.
It’s also Friday the 13th, meaning on top of all the normal fall festivals, you can also have an extra-spooky night before Halloween.
Here’s a list of all of the events taking place this weekend.
Friday the 13th
There are plenty spooktacular ways to spend this Friday the 13th.
Check out this list of frightfully fun ways to spend this October day.
Help your kids pick out the perfect pumpkin or get lost in a corn maze.
Watch one of these thrillers that were filmed in the Lowcountry and Savannah.
Saturday, Oct. 14
Bluffton Annual Arts and Seafood Festival
This annual, week-long event kicks off on Saturday with the following events:
▪ Chalk the Walk — Live Street Art Competition
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Promenade Street in Bluffton
Watch as chalk artists create their masterpieces and then vote on your favorite in the People’s Choice Award competition.
▪ Bluffton Heritage Discovery Tour and Gullah Celebration
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Start off at the blue and gold tent on the corner of Calhoun and Lawrence streets
A special exhibit will be set up at the festival showing the history of the Reconstruction era. You can then use Celebrate Bluffton’s “Bluffton Buddy” smartphone application, which will take users on a tour through Bluffton’s past. The tour will end at Bluffton’s Campbell Chapel AME Church, where you’re invited to stay for a gospel concert and Gullah dinner.
Beaufort Food Truck Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Next to the Santa Elena History Center in downtown Beaufort
Cost: Free admission, food additional cost
This food truck-filled day is a charity event for South Carolina Jaycee Camp Hope — a camp for persons with cognitive disabilities. Event will also include live music, local vendors and more.
Hilton Head Island History Day
Learn more about the island’s role in the Civil War, its military history and its preservation efforts. Tickets for the events can be purchased here.
▪ Morning Guided Bike Tour
When: 9 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
Where: Tours start at Mitchelville Beach Park
Cost: $15
This 3-hour tour leads bicyclists through the island’s military history, with stops at Fort Howell, Mitchelville Freedom Park, Fort Sherman and Fort Walker. Restricted to ages 12 years and older. Helmets are required and bug spray, sunscreen and water are recommended. All bicyclists must sign a waiver.
▪ Afternoon Guided Bike Tour
When: 1 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.
Where: Tours start at Hudson’s overflow parking lot
Cost: $15
The afternoon bicycle tour is focused on the island’s agricultural past and Native Islander roots. The 2.5 hour ride stops at The Sailing and Rowing Center, a Native Islander cemetery, Greens Shell Park, the Cotton Hope Tabby Ruins, the Gullah Museum and Fort Mitchel. Restricted to ages 10 years and older.
▪ Morning Guided Trolley Tour
When: 9 a.m. or 9:30 a.m.
Where: Tours start at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Cost: $25
The trolley tour takes attendees to the beaches of the Port Royal Sound, Fort Sherman, Fort Walker, Zion Cemetery, Leamington Lighthouse and more. Focused on the impact of the military on Hilton Head. Tour expected to last at least 3.5 hours.
▪ Afternoon Guided Trolley Tour
When: 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m.
Where: Tours start at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Cost: $25
The afternoon tour is focused more on the island’s fort and Civil War history. Visit Fort Howell, Fort Sherman, Fort Walker, the Cotton Hope Tabby Ruins and Mitchelville. Tour expected to last at least 3.5 hours.
▪ History Lowcountry Dinner
When: 5-7 p.m.
Where: Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks
Cost: $15 per child, $35 per adult
End the day with a Lowcountry Boil and a performance by the Mt. Calvary Inspirational Dancers.
The Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island Regatta Weekend 2017
When: 12 p.m.
Where: Habour Town in Sea Pines Resort
Saturday’s event is the Harbour Town Cup. Volunteers will be in Harbour Town to explain the race.
Salty Dog Lobster Boil
When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Salty Dog Cafe in Sea Pines Resort
The Salty Dog’s lobster boil will include live music, happy hour specials, an appearance by Jake the Salty Dog and other fun fall activities.
Sunday, Oct. 15
Bluffton Annual Arts and Seafood Festival
Sunday’s events include:
▪ Friends of Bluffton Artists 6th Annual Invitational Local Artist Showcase
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Calhoun Street
View artists’ exhibits, listen to live music and catch a performance by the Bluffton School of Dance.
▪ Empty Bowls
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: Jacob Preston Pottery Studio
Buy a bowl and enjoy some homemade soup. All proceeds will go to Meals on Wheels, Second Helpings and Bluffton Community Soup Kitchen.
▪ Boat Parade on the May River and blessing of the fleet
When: 3-4 p.m.
Where: The sandbar to the bluff near Church of the Cross
View the boat parade and enjoy Gospel music.
▪ Oyster Fest
When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
Enjoy the first oyster roast of the season, a shrimp boil and BBQ and live music.
The Latin Music Festival
When: 12-9 p.m.
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park on Hilton Head Island
Cost: Free for children and students with an ID; $5 for adults
Celebrate Latin music and the Latino Heritage Month with music, dance and food. Features Colombian musical group La Sonora Dinamita, local Latino musicians including La Isla House Band, dance groups Aztecas Folkloric Children Ballet and Chinelos de Morelos and more.
The Yacht Club of Hilton Head Island Regatta Weekend 2017
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Harbour Town in Sea Pines Resort
Sunday’s event is the Calibogue Cup Regatta.
Other weekend ideas:
Catch a performance of “The Color Purple.”
When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday night, 2 p.m. on Sunday
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island
Visit the big red buoy before it’s hauled away
When: Anytime
Where: Coligny Beach
The big red buoy washed ashore from Tropical Storm Irma and has become a landmark for the island. A towing company had an unsuccessful first try at hauling it off the beach earlier this week. The buoy is expected to be removed soon.
This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 11:08 AM with the headline "Friday the 13th, festivals galore, Lowcountry boils & more: Your Lowcountry weekend guide."