Your guide to Beaufort County MLK Day parades, service projects, road closures & more
As the nation prepares to observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 19, communities across Beaufort County will come together for marches, memorial programs and service projects honoring the civil rights leader’s life and legacy.
Due to the federal holiday, banks and administrative offices will be closed, but residents and visitors can participate in a range of events throughout Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort.
Activities include cemetery cleanups, youth performances, memorial marches and parades, all designed to reflect Dr. King’s commitment to service, unity and community engagement.
Here’s a breakdown of events, road closures and other important details to know:
Hilton Head
Hilton Head Community Service Project: Saturday, Jan. 17
Participate in the cleanup of the historical Gullah cemetery, Elliott Cemetery, at 167 Dolphin Head Drive. This event is set to start at 9 a.m.
Hilton Head MLK Memorial March: Monday, Jan. 19
Starting at 10 a.m., the MLK Day March will start and end at the Hilton Head High School parking lot, 70 Wilborn Road and will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
A memorial program will follow at 11 a.m. in the Hilton Head High School Seahawk Cultural Center, with a fellowship luncheon scheduled for 12:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Daufuskie Island Community Service Project: Saturday, Jan. 24
Another cleanup project of a historical Gullah cemetery will take place on Daufuskie Island, starting at 8:30 a.m. Sign up is required to secure a ferry spot.
Bluffton
Bluffton MLK Day Memorial Program & Youth Day: Monday, Jan. 19
Held at the May River Theatre, 20 Bridge Street, this program will feature performances from local youth groups, commentary from local leaders and a visual presentation starting at noon.
Bluffton MLK Day March & Community Picnic: Monday, Jan. 19
Beginning at 2:15 p.m., the Bluffton MLK Day March will start at Bluffton Town Hall, 20 Bridge Street. The parade will proceed through Old Town Bluffton along Pritchard Street.
This event ends with a community picnic at Ma Daisy’s Porch, 1255 May River Road, from 3:15 to 6 p.m.
Beaufort
Beaufort Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade: Monday, Jan. 19
Beaufort’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will begin at 10 a.m. to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The parade will start at the Beaufort National Cemetery, on Adventure Street. It will process through Carteret Street, Craven Street, down Newcastle Street, then to Bay Street.
During the parade, the Woods Memorial Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic starting at 9:45 a.m.
