Be careful, Hilton Head drivers! These weekend events may cause traffic, police say
While the tourist season may be over, Hilton Head Island will be bustling with activity this weekend.
Among the events scheduled for Saturday are the Hilton Head Marathon, the island’s annual oyster festival and the lantern parade in the evening.
With crowds of people expected on the island, drivers may run into some traffic problems and lane closures throughout the day, according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Here’s a list of what’s happening on the island today and how you can avoid delays:
Hilton Head Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K
The sold-out Hilton Head Marathon, Half-Marathon and 5K all start at 8:00 a.m. Saturday at Hilton Head’s Jarvis Creek Park.
The marathon and half-marathon will shut down the exit ramp leading to U.S. 278 and Gumtree Road during the races, according to the Sheriff’s Office. This may cause traffic delays on Palmetto Bay Road and the Cross Island Parkway.
Hilton Head’s annual 5K may also cause traffic problems around Pembroke Drive, the Sheriff’s Office said.
For more information about the race schedules and maps, visit: https://hhmarathon.com/race-details/.
Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival
The annual Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, with live music, pop up shops and, of course, oyster shucking, starts at 11:00 a.m. Saturday.
The festival will be held at the Lowcountry Celebration Park until 5:00 p.m.
Drivers should expect heavy foot and vehicle traffic around Pope Avenue, Coligny Circle and South Forest Beach Drive, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Want to learn more about the oyster festival? Visit https://hiltonheadoysterfestival.com/.
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
Hilton Head’s lantern parade is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at South Forest Beach. The parade begins at 5:45 p.m. and participants will start at the Alder Lane beach access.
Those who want to witness the event will enter at Coligny Beach Park.
The parade may cause some traffic problems on South Forest Beach Drive near Coligny Beach from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., according to the Sheriff’s Office.
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
This story was originally published November 13, 2021 at 9:47 AM.
