9 of the best St. Patrick’s Day events in the Bluffton & Hilton Head areas to try
Looking to paint the town green this St. Patrick’s Day?
No matter if you’re a runner, reveler or just in it for the fun, the Lowcountry has something for everyone to enjoy this St. Patrick’s Day. From lively parades to festive block parties, the area is brimming with excitement and Irish-inspired celebrations.
Here is a roundup of can’t-miss events for you or the whole crew to enjoy.
Shamrockin’ Scavenger Hunt
Kick off the St. Patrick’s Day weekend with this family-friendly scavenger hunt at The Salty Dog. Search for hidden shamrock’s along South Beach and enjoy breakfast at the cafe. Even if you don’t find a shamrock, there’s still a prize for everyone.
- Date: March 15
- Time: 8 to 11 a.m.
- Location: The Salty Dog Cafe, 232 South Sea Pines Drive.
- Click here for more information.
Hilton Head Island Shamrock 5K
If you’re looking for something a bit more active, you can join the 30th annual Hilton Head Island Shamrock 5K run. The race begins on Pope Avenue, next to New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza and finishes in Coligny Plaza.
Date: March 15
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: 59 Pope Avenue
Price: Race registration is required; prices vary.
Bluffton St. Paddy’s Day 5K
Bluffton locals, you can join in on the activity too with the Bluffton St. Paddy’s Day 5K race. The race begins at Martin Family Park in Bluffton, travels through Historic Old Town Bluffton and ends along the May River. This event has races for seasoned pros and little ones.
Date: March 15
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: 68 Boundary Street
Price: Race registration is required; prices vary.
Fripp Island’s St. Paddy’s Golf Tournament & Auction
If you’re hoping to have some luck out on this course this St. Patrick’s Day, visit Fripp Island’s 22nd annual St. Paddy’s Golf Tournament and Auction. Hosted by Fripp Island Golf & Beach Resort, all proceeds are split between Fripp Island Sea Rescue and Beaufort Water Search & Rescue to help support these services.
Date: March 15
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Fripp Island’s Ocean Creek Golf Course: 90 Ocean Creek Boulevard.
Registration is required.
St. Patrick’s Day on the River
Join this all-day celebration in Port Royal with an authentic Irish menu, green beer and more.
- Date: March 15
- Time: 12-9 p.m.
- Location: Shellring Ale Works: 1111 11th Street, Port Royal.
- This event is free to the public.
St. Patrick’s Day Market
For some family-friendly fun, visit the St. Patrick’s Day Market. This event promises to include face painting, balloon animals, shopping and a variety of food and beverage options.
Date: March 15
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Shelter Cove Community Park: 31 Shelter Cove Lane
Price: Free event
Bluffton St. Patrick’s Block Party
Don’t miss the second annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Bluffton. From a golf cart parade to a block party, music, food and fun, this celebration is sure to be a shamrockin’ good time. The parade route begins at Bridge Street at the Town Hall and ends at Oyster Factory Park.
Date: March 15
Time: 3-8 p.m.
Location: Oyster Factory Park
Price: The parade is free, but the block party requires tickets.
Hilton Head ‘Ireland’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irishfest
IrishFest is set to be a two-day celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, including a parade, food, community, music and more. The celebration begins on Saturday, March 15, with a free concert at the Beach House at 3 p.m. The parade is set for Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and will trail down Pope Avenue with Diane Reilley of Reilley’s Grille & Bar serving as the Grand Marshal.
Don’t forget to bring lawn chairs or blankets to watch the band and parade.
Date: March 15 & 16
Time: Irishfest is 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and the parade is 2 p.m. on Sunday
Saturday location: Beach House: 1 South Forest Beach Drive
Sunday location: Pope Avenue, starting at Coligny Beach parking lot
Other than a dazzling parade and music, Irishfest includes special deals and after-parties at restaurants in Coligny Plaza. Some locations you can visit on Sunday, March 16, include:
Jamaica Joe’z (March 15, 1-4 p.m.)
Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
If you’re planning to celebrate the weekend in true Irish fashion, you can travel down to Savannah for their iconic bar crawl. There is no set order of location for the crawl, but tickets are required. The event begins at The Clyde Venue and stretches to Dub’s Pub at River Street.
Date: March 15
Time: 4 p.m. until close
Location: Savannah, GA