Summer’s coming to an end, but there’s still plenty to do in the Lowcountry. Here’s where to catch the last of the summer’s events on Hilton Head and in Bluffton.
Hilton Head events:
Legally Blonde the Musical — August 1-4 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Catch the final performances of Legally Blonde the Musical the first week of August.
Elle Woods appears to have it all. But, her life is turned upside down when her boyfriend Warner dumps her so he can attend Harvard Law. Packing up her trusty pooch, Bruiser, she bags herself a place at the prestigious Harvard Law School to try and win him back. With the support of her new friends she learns that you can be both smart and fashionable!
Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances – this musical is so much fun, it should be illegal! Nominated for seven Tony awards, Legally Blonde is a blast for all ages!
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Bluffton Youth Theatre Presents “The Wizard of Oz” — August 8-11 at Hilton Head Preparatory School Main Street Theatre
Join Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto as they journey down the Yellow Brick Road through the Merry Old Land of Oz! They will meet some unusual character as they travel to meet the Wizard and along the way Dorothy will be reminded that there truly is no place like home.
Tickets: $15 for adults/$12 for children (aged 12 and under)
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Rebel, Rebel: The Many Lives of David Bowie — 8 p.m. on August 15 & 16, Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Rebel Rebel is the ultimate journey through the life of David Bowie. Backed by a full rock band, this performance captures the otherworldly energy of Bowie’s greatest characters Ziggy Stardust, The Thin White Duke and Iconic Bowie featuring three brilliant performers. Direct from New York City, this must-see event will leave you feeling like you have just watched David Bowie live in concert.
No children under age 5 — including infants.
Tickets: $52
The Evolution of Civil War Uniforms and Weapons — 3-4 p.m. August 17, Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage
Jerry Morris is a Civil War reenactor from Barnwell, SC. In this talk, he will discuss how the uniforms and types of weaponry changed over the course of the American Civil War.
Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience — 8 p.m. Aug. 30 – Sept. 1 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
America’s Premiere Tribute to the Music of Chicago, the best-selling band of the 1970s is led by Kenny Cetera — the younger brother of Chicago lead singer, Peter Cetera. A contributing vocalist on the album “Chicago 17,” which is still the band’s #1 all-time grossing record, Kenny has an undying passion for songs such as “You’re The Inspiration,” “Stay The Night,” “Along Comes a Woman,” and the earlier hits that made Chicago famous around the world. Kenny Cetera and his band flawlessly perform Chicago’s Greatest Hits, presenting material from band’s most relevant and creative years of original music, ’68 through ’85.
Kenny, with that distinctive Cetera voice, has surrounded himself with seven world-class musicians who share their appreciation for this music bringing an infectious excitement to an all-ages friendly show that you won’t want to end!
No children under age 5 — including infants.
Tickets: $52
Learn more and buy tickets here.
Bluffton events:
The Outsiders — 7 p.m. August 1-3 at May River Theatre
‘The Outsiders’ is a play based on the novel by S.E. Hinton. The story is seen through the eyes of Ponyboy, a Greaser on the wrong side of life who is caught up in territorial battles between the have-it-made rich kids, “The Socs”, and his tough, underprivileged family and friends. As these young people try to find themselves and each other, the sadness of sophistication begins to reach them, and change them. This classic, coming-of-age tale is a staple of modern American literature and is loved by all ages!
This production is recommended for ages 13 and over.
Cost: $25
Buy tickets here.
Back-To-School Fun Day — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 3 at Oscar Frazier Park
The Bluffton Area Community Association is hosting its 9th Annual Back-To-School Fun Day for families in our community. There will be a free dental screening and fun for the entire family with face painting, putt putt golf, games, waterslide, bounce houses, giveaways, food and more.
Parents who want to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies for their child(ren) must attend a workshop at either 1 p.m. or 2 p.m.
This event is free and open to the public.
More info here.
Town of Bluffton Job Fair — 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. August 9 at the Rotary Community Center
The Town of Bluffton is hosting a job fair to provide an opportunity for candidates to meet with Department leaders to learn more about working for the various areas of the Town of Bluffton.
Current job openings and employment application can be found here.
Reggae Pon De River Festival — 2-9 p.m. August 31 at Oyster Factory Park
Let’s celebrate Reggae in the Low Country while overlooking our beautiful May River. Reggae On The River will feature local artists and reggae bands of the Low Country. Additional entertainment will be a professional Disc Jockey, dancers, a domino tournament, and pepper eating contest.
This is sure to be the party of the year featuring an afternoon of live musical performances. In addition to the reggae bands there will be a variety of family and cultural activities including DJ’s, traditional Caribbean and Latin food, folkloric and carnival dancers, dance competition, arts crafts as well as plenty fun and games for kids.
Cost: $10
More info here.
Ongoing August events on Hilton Head
Discover Hilton Head history:
Fort Mitchel Tours — every Monday at 10 a.m. in Hilton Head Plantation
Immerse yourself in the fascinating Civil War history of Hilton Head Island with a visit to Fort Mitchel. The site contains the remains of a coastal defense battery erected in 1862 to protect the Port Royal Sound by way of Skull Creek from incursions by Confederate gunboats based in the Savannah River.
Costumed characters and an expert tour guide will demonstrate the vital historic importance of this place and the role the fort and its namesake, General Mitchel, played in shaping Hilton Head history, including historic Mitchelville.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child
Historic Bike Tours — every Wednesday at 10 a.m. starting at Squire Pope Community Park
Explore the historic district of Hilton Head! Visit historic plantations, understand fishing and farming life post-Civil War, view Tabby Ruins and enjoy a meet and greet with volunteers from the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island.
Bring water, sunscreen & bug spray.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child (ages 10 & up only) if you bring your own bike OR $25 per adult, $20 per child to include a bike rental
Forts of Port Royal Tour — every Wednesday at 10 a.m. starting at Port Royal Golf Clubhouse
During the Civil War, Hilton Head Island was occupied by Union forces early in November 1861. The island’s proximity to Charleston and Savannah made it an important strategic location for the Union and was occupied throughout the War. On this guided history tour, learn about the Battle of Port Royal and the historic sites of Fort Walker and a later era Steam Cannon used for coastal defense.
Not recommended for children under 7 years old.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Cost: $12 per adult; $7 per child
Hilton Head Haunted History Tales — every Wednesday at 9 p.m. at the Zion Historic Cemetery
After dark, in the eerie setting of the Island’s oldest burial ground, come and hear spine-tingling tales of Hilton Head’s shadowy past. More history than horror, our tales involve real events that have occurred in Hilton Head’s 500+ year history and real people who once lived here … who are still reported to roam the Island from time to time!
Cost: $20 for children ages 8-16; $25 per adult
Zion Living History Tours — every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Zion Historic Cemetery
Meet historical characters who lived on the Island during the Antebellum period and see inside the oldest existing structure on Hilton Head Island. Tour where Revolutionary War soldiers are buried and explore the location of the planter’s antebellum church and muster house.
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child
Civil War Era Tours — every Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Coastal Discovery Museum
The Civil War is one of the most important events in the history of our country. South Carolina played a key role in the development and ending of the war. Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Find out why they were here and how they spent their time. Historic photographs, maps and artifacts tell the story of Hilton Head from 1861-1865.
Duration: 1 hour.
Not recommended for children under 7 years old.
Cost: $7 per person
Learn about Lowcountry creatures at The Coastal Discovery Museum:
Discovery Lab Open House — Mondays & Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m.
Drop in and explore the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Discovery Lab!! Visiting the lab is a fun educational experience for all ages. Get a closer look at some live lowcountry animals like fish, horseshoe crabs, hermit crabs, frogs, lizards, snakes, and a friendly alligator. Discover unique and fascinating stories about the lowcountry’s history and environment through hands-on, interactive displays and games.
Cost: Suggested $2 per person donation.
No reservations required.
Reptiles & Amphibians of the Lowcountry — Tuesdays from 1-2 p.m.
Alligators, snakes, and turtles oh my! Take a closer look at the fascinating and unique characteristics of local reptiles and amphibians. Interact with a few live critters and discover the importance of these often misunderstood animals. Learn how to protect these amazing creatures and safely enjoy sharing the lowcountry with them.
Cost: $10 per adult, $5 per child aged 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
Blue Crab Discovery — Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
The blue crab’s life cycle begins with millions of microscopic eggs that eventually develop into active predators with powerful claws. Learn all about the intriguing life of the Atlantic Blue Crab and the important role they play in the coastal ecosystem and lowcountry history. Experience recreational harvesting, cooking, cleaning, and eating of the blue crab!
(This is a hands-on learning experience and includes just a taste of blue crab meat).
Cost: $15 per adult, $10 per child aged 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
Register here.
Critters Meet & Greet — Wednesdays & Fridays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
This is a casual “Meet and Greet” to learn about the alligators, snakes, and other critters that share Hilton Head Island with us. Take this opportunity to walk-in and see these animals up close, gets hands-on and hold a critter or two, take pictures of or with your favorite critters, and learn more about these amazing animal and how to safely share the Lowcountry with these important critters.
No reservations required.
Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per child aged 5-12. Children under age 5 are free.
Register here.
Sea Turtle Life — Thursdays from 1-2 p.m.
Sea turtles live an extraordinary life. Explore the amazing journey of Loggerhead Sea Turtles from egg to adulthood. Discover just how easy it is to help protect these fascinating sea creatures.
You will not see live sea turtles but this is a hands-on, eye-opening, experience filled with unique educational materials to see, touch, and interact with.
Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per child aged 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
Register here.
Marsh Critters Preschoolers Program — Thursdays from 10-10:30 a.m. and 11-11:30 a.m.
The salt marsh is an important and unique habitat that is full of life! Get up close and hands-on with several marsh critters as your guide shares a fun short story about the many critters you might encounter while spending a day in the salt marsh.
Preschool programs are designed for ages 4-6 and require at least one registered adult. Other family and friends are welcome to register too. Only registered participants will be admitted into the program area.
Cost: $10 per child & adult; $5 for additional humans ages 3 & up. Children under 3 are free.
Register here.
Under the Sea — Fridays from 1-2 p.m.
What lives under the sea? There is an amazing world of marine life under that sparkling blue ocean. Take a closer look at some of the smaller marine creatures. Find out what lived in those shells you find on the beach, feed a horseshoe crab and watch it chew with its legs, help a hermit crab find a new home, and much more!
Cost: $10 per adult; $5 per child aged 4-12. Children under 4 are free.
Register here.
Beach Discovery Tour — Tuesdays at 10 a.m. at Fish Haul Beach
Join a museum naturalist on a nature tour of the wonders and creatures that inhabit our local beaches. Ever wonder who lives in those holes in the sand? Or, when sea turtles come ashore to nest on Hilton Head Island? Learn about the horseshoe crab that has been lurking in our coastal waters for millions of years.
Come explore our ever-changing marine environment at hidden Fish Haul Beach along Port Royal Sound. With its mud flats and sandy areas, this beach is ideal for finding beach creatures, shorebirds, and sea shells. Learn about how our beaches are formed and changed with each cycle of the tide.
Meet docent at the picnic tables near the beach pathway for an orientation before heading to the beach.
Cost: $12 per adult; $7 per child aged 4-12; Children under 4 are free.
Register here.
Summer Concert Series:
Greg Russell Summer Concerts — Every week night from 8-9:30 p.m. in Sea Pines through August 23
Over the years, Gregg Russell has become a Sea Pines classic. You’ll find him under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town entertaining adults and children alike. His concerts are not to be missed.
Summer Jams at Shelter Cove — Every Tuesday from 5-9 p.m. in Shelter Cove Community Park through August 13
The Island Recreation Association is proud to bring you a fun-filled, festive atmosphere with the highlight of the night fireworks which start around 9 pm. Kids of all ages can enjoy inflatable bounce houses and face painting for a minimal fee.
Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the fireworks!
Sunset Celebration at Shelter Cove — 7-10 p.m. every Friday in Shelter Cove Community Park through August 16
Join us on the banks of Broad Creek for a picnic and a sunset serenade at the pavilion in Shelter Cove Community Park. Bring a beach chair, blanket, and pick up take-out from one of our local merchants. Sunset Celebration, featuring live local music and laid back family entertainment, is brought to you every Friday each summer by the merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre.
Parrot Palooza — Thursdays at 7 p.m. at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina through August 22
Enjoy entertainment from Shannon Tanner and the Oyster Reefers on Thursdays during the summer playing a live Caribbean concert featuring all your favorite island tunes.
Other family-friendly, ongoing summer fun:
Harbourfest Fireworks — Tuesdays from 6-11 p.m. at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island is a weekly celebration during the summer with live music featuring Shannon Tanner, kids activities with Cappy the Clown, bouncy houses and more. Tuesday nights during HarbourFest are the traditional fireworks nights featuring a spectacular show that lights up the summer nighttime sky at dusk. This family-friendly event has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors for the last thirty years!
More info here.
Movie Night in the Park – Thursdays at 9 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park through August 15
After the sun sets over Broad Creek, join us waterside at Shelter Cove Community Park for a summer full of blockbuster hits! Watch all your favorites under the stars on a 20′ movie screen.
No admission fee! Beach chairs, blankets and take-out food from Shelter Cove Towne Centre merchants recommended!
Full schedule of films here.
