Here are 4 ways to spend Memorial Day weekend on Hilton Head beyond the beach
Memorial Day, a national holiday, was established to honor those who have fought and died in American wars and is always recognized on the last Monday of May. Originally called Decoration Day, the federal holiday originated during the American Civil War, when citizens would place flowers on the graves of those who had been killed in battle.
Grilling hot dogs and burgers, eating barbecue and watching parades are far from the only ways to spend Memorial Day weekend. In fact, many people visit cemeteries and memorials on this day to honor and pay respect to past loved ones and those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
Here are some places and ways to celebrate Memorial Day weekend on Hilton Head Island.
Hilton Head Freedom 5K
On Monday, the Hilton Head Freedom 5k will take place from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. Presented by the Palmetto Running Company, this seventh annual Memorial Day 5k walk and run will be held at Port Royal Plantation on the island.
Attendees are urged to dress in their most patriotic red, white and blue attire, run with the American flag, and dress the best to win the ‘Best Costume Award’.
A portion of the proceeds raised by the race and all additional donations will go to the Semper Fi & America’s Fund.
Memorial Day Ceremony
A Memorial Day Ceremony will take place from 9:30 a.m. until noon on Monday in Shelter Cove. Attendees can meet at Veterans Park, 50 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.
Hilton Head Art Festival
The Hilton Head Art Festival is hosted by Nash Gallery. This year the festival will feature a variety of art pieces including pottery, glass, wood, jewelry and photography. All pieces were made in the United States.
Happening rain or shine, this two-day event occurs Saturday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
This is a free-admission event taking place at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina. Attendees can enjoy strolling along the marina, a casual shopping experience, daily entertainment, steel drums and the performing arts.
Harbourfest
Located at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina, Harbourfest is a weekly summer celebration that provides a variety of entertainment. The events host multitudes of live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, crafts and Tuesday night fireworks all throughout the summer.
During Memorial Day weekend, local favorite, Shannon Tanner, will be playing two shows every day throughout the three-day weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) at 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Additionally, Cappy the Clown will be performing at Harbourfest the same three days between 6-9 p.m.
Whether attending one of these events or partaking in any wide-variety of activities such as parasailing, private sailboat rentals, dining on island cuisine, fishing, dolphin cruises, beach walks, sipping island drinks, biking, tennis, golf, pickleball, or pretty much anything else under the sun, Hilton Head Island has no shortage for fun this Memorial Day weekend.
This story was originally published May 26, 2022 at 5:00 AM.
