Don’t miss this! Winter events around Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head and Port Royal
In other parts of the country it’s a miserable winter, but the Lowcountry in January is bringing 65-degree weather and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors!
As the holidays wind down and school is back in session, here are over a dozen events you won’t want to miss on the weekends from January to March.
From oyster roasts and seafood festivals to races and charity walks, there’s something for everyone in the upcoming months in the Lowcountry.
Here’s what’s going on:
January
Jan. 29-Feb. 28: Hilton Head Gullah Celebration
The month-long celebration of Gullah culture includes opportunities to experience Gullah food and music, get firsthand historical information and take a journey through the culture with visual arts presentations.
Events will take place all around Hilton Head Island and can be found on the celebration’s website.
On Feb. 1, the Gullah Breakfast will serve up homemade traditional food at Cherry Hill School from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
The celebration will culminate in the Gullah market and block party from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 at Honey Horn.
Ticket prices vary for the events but can be purchased for $10 for the market and block party event.
Jan. 30-Feb. 3: Hilton Head Wellness Festival
Hosted by the Westin Hilton Head Island Resort and Spa, the wellness weekend will have several events from the opening celebration to the Wellness Expo and cooking classes, beach runs and more.
This weekend is ideal to for those who want to start living or continue living their best life.
Ticket prices range from free admission to $125 and can be purchased at the event’s website.
February
Feb. 1: Chilly Bean 5K and 10K in Beaufort
Run the 6th annual Chilly Bean Run at 10 a.m. at Coosaw Point on Lady’s Island. The fun, flat and beautiful course winds among giant live oaks and by the water.
Party afterward with chili and beer, live music and fun for kids.
Register online for the race.
Feb. 8: Taste of Gullah
Part of the month-long Gullah Celebration, Taste of Gullah will be an afternoon filled with authentic dishes such as okra gumbo, conch stew, fried shrimp dusted in traditional Gullah seasonings and classic barbecue, char-grilled chicken and ribs.
The event runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, and tickets are $12.
Feb. 8: Hilton Head Marathon, Half Marathon and 8K
Join thousands of runners across three distances and experience this scenic race.
With all races finishing at the same after party, you’ll celebrate your accomplishments with cold beer, free food, music and race swag.
Register online for the race, which begins and ends at Jarvis Creek Park.
Feb. 15-16: The Gullah Market and Block Party
The month-long Gullah Celebration will culminate in the Gullah Market and Block Party from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Feb. 15 and Feb. 16 at Honey Horn.
It will be a food arts and crafts expo that features performances by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters, Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, Gullah Ooman Louise Cohen, and Gullah Rappers.
Tickets can be purchased for $10 on the celebration’s website.
Feb. 18-23: Beaufort International Film Festival
The festival, held at University of South Carolina Beaufort Arts Center, is six fun-filled days of movie watching and star-gazing all with the beautiful backdrop of the marshes of the Carolina Sea Islands.
Come experience what has been called by many as the “best little film festival in the Southeast,” attracting 16,000 people in 2019.
Individual film tickets or weekend all-access passes can be purchased online.
Feb. 28: Bluffton Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast
Held at the Waddell Mariculture Center, pitmasters will prepare local shrimp, whole hogs, whole chickens, chopped BBQ and all the side dish trimmings from 6 to 9 p.m.
Wash it all down with brews, wines and signature cocktails and live music. The event is hosted by the Hilton Head Island Seafood Fest.
Ticket prices vary and can be purchased online.
Feb. 28-29: Port Royal 11th Annual Bands, Brews & BBQ
Outdoor festival season hits its stride with Bands, Brews & BBQ at the Port of Port Royal.
Friday night is the Wing Throw Down from 6 to 9 p.m. when attendees can sample wing recipes from participating cookers while enjoying live music and a kids fun zone.
Saturday is all about the barbecue as tasting day runs from noon to 4 p.m. with cook teams from across the Southeast serving their award-winning wings and butts. Live music and the kids fun zone are back for all-day entertainment.
Friday tickets are $15, and Saturday tickets are $10.
Feb. 29: Hilton Head Seafood Festival
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a family-friendly culinary and cultural tourism event, in which top chefs, sommeliers, artisans, live musicians and passionate islanders come together in a celebration of all our area has to offer.
It culminates with the Saturday seafood celebration from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Honey Horn on Hilton Head.
Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased online.
March
March 1: Hilton Head Women’s Run
Get out and run on the best beach in the U.S. with the Women’s Run on Hilton Head Island.
Starting just after sunrise, the race offers half marathon, quarter marathon and 5K distances and is open to women only.
Registration rates range from $65 to $110, according to the event’s website.
March 7: The Beaufort Charities Oyster Roast in Port Royal
Oysters will be steaming and music will be playing at the 16th annual Beaufort charities oyster roast at Port Royal’s Live Oaks park from 1 to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased online.
March 12: Maison Beaufort
Translated from French, “Home Beaufort” is a home furnishings and antiques show that runs all weekend at The Tabby Place at The Beaufort Inn.
A vendors expo will you show you latest in antiques and art, vintage and one-of-a-kinds, lighting and furniture, linens, and garden accents. The expo runs 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Tickets are available online and range from $5 to $30.
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March 12-15: Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival
The 35th annual event for those 21 and older takes place at Harbour Town in Sea Pines. It includes local chef showcases, wine education sessions, live entertainment and the grand and public wine tastings.
This year’s public wine tasting will be held from noon until 3 p.m. on March 14.
Tickets range from $30 to $125 and can be purchased online.
March 21: Hilton Head Wingfest
Wingfest is back from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Shelter Cove Towne Centre, where you can vote on the area’s best chicken wings.
“Invite the best local restaurants, add some handpicked bands, sprinkle in some kids activities, pour a little too much alcohol, and spark some semi-friendly competition,” the website says.
Tickets will be available through the event’s website.
March 28: Lowcountry Fair with Historical Flair
The third annual fair shares the rich heritage of the Lowcountry with craftspeople, food vendors, live music, equestrian events, history presentations and weapons demonstrations.
This year’s fair runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum on Hilton Head Island.
Tickets will be available online.
This story was originally published January 13, 2020 at 12:38 PM.
