Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival returns for 17th year. What’s new and what’s returning?
The Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival returns for its 17th year this weekend, with its largest schedule of events yet.
The eight-day festival is a collection of events in historic Bluffton that showcases the arts and locally harvested seafood.
Among the returning events: daily boat tours, the Bluffton State of Mind Supper Soiree, Old Town Oyster 10K and 5K races, Bluffton Self Help’s Sips and Seafood Party at Hewitt Oaks, and children’s activities such as a fishing tournament and chalk art contest.
Another favorite event, a tradition marking the beginning of the festival, is the Blessing of the Fleet and Boat Parade, scheduled for 4 p.m. Sunday on the May River. Other Sunday activities include “Art on the Street,” with exhibitions throughout Old Town from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the Oyster Fest with food and live music from 5 to 8 p.m. in Bluffton Oyster Park.
As always, the outdoor Street Fest the second weekend of the festival (Oct. 23 and 24) will be the main event. An Artist Showcase and Market on Calhoun Street will feature work by more than 100 artists from 10 states. Local food will be available for purchase, with live music throughout the day. This event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 23 — with Rockin’ on the Dock and fireworks following at 6 p.m. — then from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 24.
Other events through the coming week: Dinner & Learn at the Bluffton Seafood House on Monday evening, highlighting natural resources and conservation practices; Author Night with Roger Pinckney and Captain Woody Collins on Wednesday; and tours of an oyster farm on the May River.
New this year is the Symphony in the Park with live music Thursday evening, Oct. 21, by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra and Erica Gabriel. Admission is free for general lawn seating.
For the full schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org or call 843-757-2583.
