Make the most of all that Hilton Head and Bluffton have to offer during what many locals agree is the best time of the year! You’re sure to find something exciting to do, whether it’s shopping for fresh produce at the farmers’ markets, dancing at an outdoor concert by the beach, or exploring nature with one of the many discovery tours. Check out all the September “happenings” below:
Hilton Head Events:
Hilton Head Live! – Soundwaves Musical Revue- 7 p.m. September 1 at SoundWaves
Let the historic Savannah Theatre guys and gals entertain you with their high energy variety show specially customized for SoundWaves! Hit musical program varies each week. Family-friendly!
Tickets: $35 per ticket for a table of two or four; $25 per ticket general theater seating
Doors open 7p.m. Show at 7:30p.m.
For more information and tickets click here.
Ladder League Pickleball Event- 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center
Palmetto Dunes Ladder League is designed for players among similar ability to compete to move up the ladder through the day. Similar groups with round robin style play. Depending how you do in your group will move you into your next round robin group. Spend the day playing Pickleball!
Tickets: $45 per person
Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience- 8-10:15 p.m. September 1 at the Art’s Center of Coastal Carolina
America’s Premiere Tribute to the Music of Chicago, the best-selling band of the 1970s 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
Single Tickets: $51 ; Group Tickets: $47 *Group pricing available for groups of 10 or more.
P.E.P. Annual Gala- 6 p.m. September 10 at Sea Pines Country Club
This is an annual fundraising event for Programs for Exceptional People. This is a formal black tie event with a three-course dinner, Target the band, silent auction, live auction and cash bar.
For more information and for tickets click here.
1 in 5 Wellness Festival- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. September 14 at Shelter Cove Community Park
Let’s celebrate wellness and learn how to create a healthier and balanced lifestyle by attending the 1 in 5 Wellness Festival to be held on Saturday, September 14, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., at the Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Ln, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. The event will have live music, food, raffles, activities for both kids and adults, yoga, wellbeing local resources, and much more. This is an event for all family members. 1 in 5 Wellness Festival is an initiative to bring awareness to the fact that 1 in 5 people can develop a mental illness in their lifetime. Some of these health conditions are stress, depression, anxiety, alienation and, sadly, sometimes self-harm and suicide.
For more information click here.
Discovery Night at the Museum- 5-7 p.m. September 5 at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Journey to the past and “Meet” Eliza Lucas Pinckney. In 1739, when Eliza was just 17 years old, her experiments with indigo resulted in a very profitable industry for the colony of South Carolina. At the Coastal Discovery Museum, hear her unique story, learn how dye was made, and make your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt to take home. This family friendly educational experience is fun for all ages.
Tickets:$15 per person (for ages 10 and older) and reservations are required by calling 943-689-6767 ext. 223
Click here for more information.
Sweetgrass Basket Class- 10:30 a.m-12:30 p.m. September 7 at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Learn about the history of the Sweetgrass basket, one of the Lowcountry’s best known art forms, from a local 7th generation Gullah basket maker. Then, try your hand at starting a basket of your own using locally found natural materials at the Coastal Discovery Museum.
Tickets: $65 per person *Reservations are required and may be made at 843-689-6767 ext. 223.
For more information click here.
Lighthouse Invitational- September 12-15 at the Sea Pines Resort
The Sea Pines Resort is hosting an exciting new four-day golf tournament this fall, offering the ultimate golfing experience with play on all three of its championship courses and exclusive privileges and amenities, including an opening night reception and putting contest at the famed Harbour Town Golf Links.
A two-person tournament open to both men and women, the inaugural Lighthouse Invitational will take place September 12-15, 2019 and include one round on each of the resort’s acclaimed courses – Heron Point by Pete Dye, Atlantic Dunes by Davis Love III and Harbour Town Golf Links, home of the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing and the No. 1 golf course in the South Carolina Golf Ratings Panel’s 2019 ranking of “Top Golf Courses You Can Play” in the state.
Participants of the tournament will enjoy:
- An opening night reception and dinner in the Heritage Room at the Harbour Town Clubhouse
- Putting contest at the Harbour Town Golf Links putting green
- Daily breakfast and box lunches
- Unlimited range privileges with available practice rounds
- Tee gift package valued at more than $500
- An awards ceremony with vacation prizes to resort destinations
Tournament registration options:
- Single Golfer $1,299
- Single Golfer & Non-Golfing Partner $1,849
- Two Golfers $2,598
Accommodation options: Tournament participants are required to stay in the resort but receive a preferred rate of $279 per night for lodging at The Inn & Club at Harbour Town or a two-bedroom deluxe villa in Harbour Town.
To request additional information or to register for the event, please email or call Klinton Talmadge at (843) 842-8484.
Jojo Squirrel and the Homepickles at the Tiki Hut- 1-4 p.m. September 14 at the Tiki Hut
Come listen to our original house band JoJo Squirrell & The Home Pickles on the Beach at Tiki Hut. Made up of vocalists Mike Kavanaugh (Rhythm Guitar), Jevon Daly (Lead Guitar), Gary Pratt (Bass), and Jani St James (Drums), JoJo Squirrel performs classic rock and contemporary hits from the Beatles, Eagles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Doobie Brothers, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, and many more to get you on your feet.
Hospice Care of the Lowcountry Hearts Open- 12-8:30 p.m. September 16 at Sea Pines Country Club
Come play the immaculate private Club Course at the Sea Pines Country Club while supporting Hospice Care of the Lowcountry!
The tournament will include:
$10,000 Hole in One Prize- Closest to the Line – Closest to the Pin – Putting Contest
Registration for the tournament includes a Low Country Cookout with all your favorites. The cash bar opens at 5:30. The Cookout starts at 6:30.
For more information click here.
Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival- September 20-21 at Harbour Town
The second annual Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival will be held Friday, September 20 and Saturday, September 21 on the lawn adjacent to the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town.
- Craft Beer Night – $35
- Lowcountry Boil and Barbecue, Friday, September 20, 5-8pm
- Enjoy samples from over 12 local and regional breweries. Must be 21 years and older.
- Shrimp Festival – $35
- Saturday, September 21, 2-5pm
Children 8 and younger are free. Enjoy an assortment of shrimp dishes from nearly 20 participating local and regional restaurants; craft beer and wine; live music by rock band Cranford Hollow; and a fun zone for children, including face painting and bouncy houses.
Two-Day Tickets – $65
Admission for Friday’s Craft Brew Fest is $35; admission for Saturday’s Shrimp Fest is $35; a two-day ticket is available for $65. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Children ages 8 and younger are free on Saturday. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island.
For more information click here.
Thrive- 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. September 27 at Marriott Hilton Head Resort and Spa
Join us for the premier women’s gathering focused on enhancing and empowering your personal and professional growth. This year’s keynote speaker is South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
In addition to networking with over 200 local, Lowcountry and visiting women, you’ll be treated to an impressive list of thought-provoking speakers, each one an entrepreneur, business professional, or community leader from a diverse selection of backgrounds, industries, and interests. If you are a women entrepreneur, solopreneur, business professional, or nonprofit or community leaders from Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Savannah, Charleston, the Thrive Lowcountry Women’s Conference is a must-attend event to learn and grow your business and network.
The 2019 program will feature national and regional speakers in general session and breakout sessions. Special in-depth, skill-based learning workshops will be offered to gain specific knowledge and apply learning in a hands-on setting with experts.
We invite you to learn, grow, make new connections, forge new friendships, and—above all—be inspired by amazing women at THRIVE!
Thursday, September 26, 12:30-3 p.m. (VIP Workshops); 3:30-5:30 p.m. (BizPitch), 6-8 p.m. (Reception)
Friday, September 27, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa
Latin Food Festival- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. September 29 at Shelter Cove
In partnership with Volunteers in Medicine Clinic Hilton Head Island, Latinos Unidos – a local community organization – each year provides a wide variety of traditional fare, music, and entertainment for families at the Latin Food Festival. This year’s festival will be at Shelter Cove Community Park, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Join us and experience all the tastes, sights and sounds from Latin America, all while supporting a good cause!
Tickets: $3 for adults, free for children.
For more event or sponsorship information on the festival, please call 843-689-6612 or visit www.vimclinic.org.
Hilton Head Recurring Events:
Nikon Small World- July 1 – September 13 at the Coastal Discovery Museum
The oldest and most respected competition of its kind, Nikon Small World celebrates the world’s best photomicrographers, who successfully find the intersection of art and science under the microscope by using a variety of sophisticated microscopy techniques. Nikon’s Small World is regarded as the leading forum for showcasing the beauty and complexity of life as seen through the light microscope. This year, the Coastal Discovery Museum is one of eight venues to host their traveling exhibition featuring the top 20 photographs selected as winners in the 2018 competition.
The exhibit will be on display through September 13th and is open Monday through Saturday from 9 am until 4:30 pm and Sunday from 11 am until 3 pm.
Historic Fort Mitchel Tour- 10-11 a.m. September 9, 16, 23, and 30 at Fort Mitchel 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.
Tickets: $15/ADULT • $10/CHILD, Registration required.
This tour is located at Ft. Mitchel in Hilton Head Plantation, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. For more information and to register click here.
Farmers Market – 9 a.m-1 p.m., Tuesdays, at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Join us at the Coastal Discovery Museum for a Farmers Market. Take home fresh produce, pasture raised chicken, free range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, fresh sausage, cookies, breads, she crab soup and much more. Shopping at the Hilton Head Farmers Market is about more than getting great food. It is also about meeting friends, strengthening our community, and rebuilding our local food economy.
Click here for more information.
The Island’s Story- 3-3:45 p.m. Tuesdays at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Learn from a Coastal Discovery Museum docent about our earliest residents, the plantation era, Gullah culture and our modern development.
Tickets: $7 per person *Reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or online at www.coastaldiscovery.org
No children under 7 years of age.
Dolphin and Nature Cruise- 3-4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays at Broad Creek Marina
Join a museum docent in this cruise along the waters and salt marshes of Broad Creek. The Lowcountry’s Salt Marsh is home to many interesting creatures such as river otters, eastern oysters, blue crabs and a great species of birds. Among the most charismatic creatures found in the Salt Marsh are the Bottlenose Dolphins. Museum guides share their knowledge about this and many other of the fascinating creatures found in the salt water channels of Broad Creek.
- March-October: Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:00-4:30pm.
- Departs from Broad Creek Marina on Marshland Road.
- Tickets: $21 adult / $13 child (ages 1–12).
Forts of Port Royal- 10-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays at Port Royal Golf Clubhouse
See the sites where it all happened, from early explorers, through the Civil War and beyond, explore Mitchelville, Fort Walker, and the Steam Cannon with a docent from the Coastal Discovery Museum. Please, no children under 7 years of age. Wednesdays at 10 am.
Cost is $12 adult, $7 child (ages 7-12) and reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223 or online at www.coastaldiscovery.org
Historic Bike Tour- 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Rowing and Sailing Center
Starting at 10:00am every Wednesday, you can enjoy a three-mile casual, safe and fun bike tour through some of the Island’s most captivating historic sites. See the fishing co-op where Islanders once farmed, feasted and fended off the chemical company BASF, the hallowed ground of a Gullah cemetery, an Indian Shell Enclosure, the tabby ruins located on a former plantation and visit with volunteers from the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island to learn more about the “little blue house” history and restoration efforts. Bring bug spray, sunscreen and water.
- Tickets: $15/ADULT • $10/CHILD (ages 10+) with your own bike
- Tickets: $25/ADULT • $20/CHILD if bikes are provided
- This tour leaves from The Rowing and Sailing Center, 137 Squire Pope Road, Hilton Head Island
Reptiles and Amphibians- 3-4 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Alligators, snakes, and turtles oh my! Take a closer look at the fascinating and unique characteristics of local reptiles and amphibians in the Tom Peeples Lab at the Coastal Discovery Museum. 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.
Every Wednesday from 3-4 pm in September, October and November
Tickets: $10 adult, $5 child (ages 4-12) *Reservations are required.
For more information and to register click here: https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/
Wexford Outdoor Market- 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Village at Wexford
Every Wednesday, from May 1st through September 4th, the Village at Wexford is transformed into a spectacular outdoor Farmers’ Market. This unique sprawling Farmers’ Market, features local homegrown “eats and treats” – bringing the freshest produce, delicacies and other locally-inspired items to area residents and visitors in a unique Lowcountry setting.
The Market at The Village at Wexford is your opportunity to shop for the freshest local produce, delicacies and gift items from dozens of local vendors – all while enjoying the beauty of this unique open-air market and enjoying Hilton Head Island’s perfect weather. Come to shop, mingle with neighbors … and enjoy everything that the Village at Wexford (and The Market) has to offer. Plus, leave with some fresh produce, gourmet treat – or that perfect gift item you’ve been hoping to find … and found right here while strolling through The Market.
Breeze Trolley transportation daily! For more information check out their Facebook page here.
Explore Honey Horn- 11 a.m.-12 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the Coastal Discovery Museum
Begin your Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn experience with this guided tour around the museum’s picturesque and historic grounds. Visit the salt marsh, see historic buildings and learn about the gardens, plants and trees on site.
Tickets: $10 adult, $5 child *Reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 224.
For more information click here: https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/
Kayak Tour of Jarvis Creek- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.Tuesday-Thursday
Join a certified guide for a closer look at the salt marsh aboard a stable, touring kayak. Venture into creeks and inlets to view local wildlife, such as wading birds and dolphins.
- Offered Tuesday through Thursday. Cost is $32 adult, $28 child (ages 5-12 with adult)
- Reservations are required by calling 843-689-6767 ext. 223
Bluffton Events:
Bluffton Farmers Market – 1-6 p.m September 5, 12, 19, and 26 Downtown Bluffton
Fresh, locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs abound at the Farmers Market of Bluffton, a weekly community event where locals and tourists gather not only to buy excellent produce but also to enjoy delicious food, listen to entertainment, and relax with friends. Located in historic downtown Bluffton along Calhoun and Lawrence Streets and through Carson Cottages, this family friendly market showcases local growers, local food vendors, local entertainment, local community causes and local information about the Bluffton area.
For more information click here.
15 Annual Par Fore Kids Bluffton Golf Classic – Benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton 12 – 7 p.m. September 9 at May River Course at Palmetto Bluff
The Boys & Girls Club of Bluffton is hosting our 15th Annual Par Fore Kids Bluffton Golf Classic at the May River Course at Palmetto Bluffton on Monday, September 9. The tournament will kick-off at noon in a shamble format. The cost is $300/player or $1,200/team of four if paid by our early bird date of September 1. The price goes up $50/player after September 1. Sponsorship opportunities are available starting at just $100! Lunch and dinner are included along with refreshments throughout the course and a goody bag for each player. For more information or to register/purchase sponsorship please visit https://www.bgcbluffton.org/golf. This is a great tournament at a significantly discounted price that also benefits hundreds of local kids! We hope you’ll join us!
For more information and to register click here.
Painting the Light with Expressive Color: Three-Day Oil Painting Workshop with Mickey Boisvert- 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. September 12-14 at the Center for Creative Arts
All levels are welcome! Learn to bring expressive color into your paintings using proven methods that help you move from painting outdoors, to completing your piece in the studio. Steps that advance your painting practice will include: thumbnail drawing techniques to explore the best composition, acrylic underpainting, taking a“mental snapshot” of your subject in the field, laying in a value study on your canvas, and learning to mix rich and juicy colors for a final POP! All steps will be demonstrated for you; you’ll receive plenty of helpful handouts; and you are guaranteed lots of personal attention. Students supply their own materials and equipment. Let’s have fun in beautiful and historic Old Town Bluffton, South Carolina.
Tickets: $225 members, $250 non-members
Fresh Paths in Watercolor: Five New Strategies for Success with Susan Webb Tregay- 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. September 17-19 at the Center for Creative Arts
All Levels welcome, basic experience is suggested. What makes an outstanding painting in any media? Clean and vibrant colors, an organized color plan, great design that truly fills the page, and that secret ingredient turns a painting into fine art—content. Learn the secret to cleanly removing both mistakes and muddy colors in watercolor. Discover how to design empty, boring areas. Develop an amazing tool to organize your color palette, and define your value patterns that will create amazing paintings in any media.
Susan teaches through a lively balance of demos, digital presentations, discussions, mentoring and individualized instruction that will leave you charged, confident and ready to take a Fresh Path.*Due to chemical sensitivities, this course will be taught in watercolor only. Please refrain from using perfumed lotions and other products as well as acrylic paints.
Tickets: $325 for members. $350 for non members
American Legion Golf Tournament – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. September 21 at Eagle’s Pointe Golf Course
14th Anniversary American Legion Golf Tournament Post 205 Bluffton, SC
Check-in registration opens at 8:00 am with coffee, donuts and driving range. Opening ceremony at 8:45 and tee off at 9. Includes: cookout, raffle, silent auction and door prizes Proceeds from this tournament will support: Fisher House, High School JROTC, Palmetto Boys State, Oratorical Contest, Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer, Outstanding Firefighter, Nathan A. Wolfe Academy, Veterans Day Parade, and Memorial Day Ceremony.
For more information and to register click here.
Bluffton Recurring Events:
Impressions of France: A Collection of Colorful Oils of the Lowcountry and Italy- September 3 – October 6 at the Society of Bluffton Artists
The Society of Bluffton Artists’ September featured artist Kim France presents “Impressions of France: Colorful Oils of Italy and the Lowcountry” September 3 through October 6. The public is invited to meet the artist at an opening reception from 3-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 at the SoBA Gallery, located in Old Town Bluffton.The show is a collection of vivid, impressionistic oils depicting scenes from Italy and the Lowcountry of South Carolina,” said France, adding, “Hilton Head Island beach scenes will hang next to seascapes of the Amalfi Coast. Tuscan castles will hang next to Bluffton cottages. Pots of South Carolina geraniums will hang next to urns of Italian hibiscus.”
