Here’s your guide to July 4th events in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort and surrounding areas
From hot dog eating contests, firework shows and even 5Ks, Beaufort County is bustling with activities and celebrations for the Fourth of July.
Communities across the county have prepared a full slate of festivities, from parades and live music to fireworks displays over the water.
No matter if you enjoy local traditions, patriotic pride, or simple family-friendly fun, here is a round-up of events to celebrate Independence Day this year.
Salute from the Shore Flyover
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Starts at 1 p.m.
Location: Visible from most areas in Beaufort County
Watch the skies for an awe-inspiring military flyover and vintage aircraft honoring America’s armed forces. The flyover starts at Cherry Grove in the Myrtle Beach area and ends at the sand bar on the May River in Bluffton.
Hilton Head
Firecracker 5K Run & Family Fun Walk
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Honey Horn Park
Register at hiltonheadfirecracker5000.com
Kick off your 4th of July with Hilton Head’s Firecracker race. Now in its 41st year, this festive 5K is great for both competitive runners and families.
Harbour Town Fourth of July Parade
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Registration at 8:30 a.m.; Parade at 9:30 a.m.
Location: Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road
Tickets: Free (Sea Pines gate fee applies)
Bring your best red, white, and blue and decorate your bikes, wagons — even pets. Stay for post-parade fun with games and activities.
Frosty Frog Hot Dog Eating Contest
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Starting at 11 a.m.
Location: Frosty Frog in Coligny Plaza
Tickets: Free to attend; register to compete
Join or watch the Independence Day eating showdown. Patriotic, messy and fun for all.
HarbourFest Fireworks & Entertainment
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m., Fireworks at dusk
Location: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Tickets: Free admission; food & activity prices vary
Experience summer festival fun with carnival games, face painting, live music from Shannon Tanner and a patriotic fireworks show. Click here for shuttle information.
Fourth of July Concert with Gregg Russell
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Liberty Oak in Harbour Town
Tickets: Free (Sea Pines gate fee applies)
Celebrate the holiday with a beloved Hilton Head tradition as Gregg Russell leads a fun and interactive concert for all ages under the iconic Liberty Oak.
Bluffton
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: Race at 7 p.m., entertainment 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Oyster Factory Park, 55 Wharf Street
Tickets: $35; Register here
Get active this Independence Day and enjoy shirts, prizes and a Deas-Guyz concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., all while supporting safe driving efforts.
Bluffton Independence Day Pre-Party & Fireworks
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 5 to 9 p.m.
Location: Martin Family & DuBois Parks
Free
Bring the family for carnival games, bounce houses, food vendors and live music, plus a National Anthem guitar solo at 5:55 p.m. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. over the May River.
For both events, parking is available at M.C. Riley Elementary School at 200 Burnt Church Road, with free Palmetto Breeze shuttles to Oyster Factory Park. Handicapped parking spaces are available at Town Hall at 20 Bridge Street.
Docks and road closures will be in place during these events. For more information on closures, click here.
Beaufort
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort
Tickets: $35; registration available online.
Race through scenic downtown Beaufort and across the iconic Woods Bridge in this community 5K.
Port Royal
4th of July Celebration & Fireworks at the Sands
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 5 to 10 p.m. (Fireworks after sunset)
Location: Sands Beach Road, Port Royal
Tickets: Free
Enjoy live music, food vendors, kids’ activities and a performance by the Parris Island Marine Band, capped off by fireworks over the river.
St. Helena
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 7 p.m. to midnight
Location: Penn Center Frissell Community House, 16 Penn Center Circle
Tickets: $28; Click here for purchasing information
Celebrate Gullah-Geechee culture with music, dancing and community at this 25+ Fourth of July party.
Fripp Island
Note: Not open to the public. Only available for residents or those staying on the island.
Fripp Island Independence Day 5K
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Fripp Island Resort, Creekhouse
Lace up for a scenic 5K through Fripp Island. Fun for runners and walkers alike.
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Fripp Island Resort
Free to attend
Don’t miss this island tradition as decorated golf carts parade through Fripp with this year’s superhero theme.
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 9 p.m. (Fireworks start at dusk)
Location: Fripp Island Beach
Cap off the holiday with fireworks on the beach, perfect for the whole family.
This story was originally published June 26, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
