Hilton Head | Bluffton | Beaufort | Savannah
Spring has sprung and the Lowcountry is full of fun and family-friendly events this May.
Hilton Head Island:
Marine Mammals of South Carolina — 3-4 p.m. May 1 at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn:
Bring your curious kiddos with all of their questions about South Carolina’s marine mammals — from dolphins to whales to manatees — for this presentation by Dr. Al Segars, a retired veterinarian with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Dr. Segars will have a special focus on Northern Right Whales, a critically endangered species that only has around 300 animals remaining in the western North Atlantic region.
Cost: $7 per person.
Reservations required: Call 843-689-6767 ext. 223
A Chorus Line — Musical with shows from May 3-June 2 at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, with preview performances May 1-2
The musical A Chorus Line tells the story of 17 dancers all competing for a spot in the “chorus line” of a Broadway musical. A nine-time Tony Award winner with iconic music by Marvin Hamlisch, this musical is “funny, heartbreaking and refreshingly honest.”
Tickets: $59 for adults and $46 for children aged 5-15; preview tickets cost $49 for adults and $36 for children
Music & Taste on the Harbour at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina — 6-9 p.m. on May 2, 9 and 16
A Hilton Head favorite, this spring outdoor concert series features a variety of local bands on select Thursday nights. A free event open to the public, the live music will be paired with gourmet food, shopping and spectacular sunset water views. Featured restaurants will offer specially-priced appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails to attendees. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket as very limited seating is available. No outside coolers or food are permitted.
Marsh Tacky Tour — 2-3 p.m. May 3, 10 and 17 at Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn:
Learn about the Marsh Tacky horse, descended from horses brought to the Lowcountry in the 1500s. Thee are now around 300 Marsh Tackies left in existence. Learn about the history of these adaptable horses and take a trip to our historic barn. There you will meet the museum’s two resident horses, Comet and Hawk and learn about their care and conservation.
Cost: $7 per person.
Reservations required: 843-689-6767 ext. 223
JoJo Squirrel and the Home Pickles — 1-4 p.m. May 4 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.
Wine Down Wednesday — 5-8 p.m. May 8 at the Village at Wexford:
This unique wine tasting experience will feature live music on the patio and the opportunity to spend a fun, relaxing spring evening enjoying a wide variety of wines from Village at Wexford’s merchants. Attendees will follow a “tasting map” to participating merchants around Village at Wexford, where they’ll enjoy refreshments, special promotions, sales and in-store demos on top of the wine tastings. Proceeds from this event go to Hilton Head Heroes, a 501(c)(3) organization focused on bringing families with children suffering from life threatening illnesses to Hilton Head Island for free, family vacations.
Note: A photo ID is required to participate.
Cost: $10/person online, $15/person at event. Ticket includes souvenir glass and tastings at all participating merchants.
Ladies’ Night to benefit Hopeful Horizons — 5-8 p.m. May 9 at Outside Hilton Head
Enjoy food, drinks, music and a festive atmosphere while shopping at Outside Hilton Head – which offers a great selection of women’s clothing and accessories. This is a great opportunity to get your Mother’s Day gifts while giving back; 20% of every sale during the event goes directly to Hopeful Horizons and their mission to create safer communities by changing the culture of violence and offering a path to healing.
Freshwater Fishing — 10-11:30 a.m. May 13 at Sea Pines Forest Preserve
Every Tuesday and Thursday through May 20, you can enjoy a relaxing morning by the beautiful lakes of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve while fishing from shore. Supplies will be provided and this is a catch and release event.
Cost: $18/adult, $13/child (age 12 and younger)
Reservations required: Call 843-842-1979
Once in a Blue Moon Party — 6-10 p.m. May 18 at Palmetto Bay Marina
This free event hosted by the Yacht Club of Hilton Head will include a fun night of music, dancing and hor d’oeuvres, plus a cash bar.
Reservations required: Limited to first 100 people who register at http://bit.ly/Bluemoon2019
Fiesta de Mayo Festival — 12-8 p.m. May 19 at Shelter Cove Community Park
The annual Fiesta de Mayo festival in partnership with La Isla Magazine is great for the whole family! Enjoy authentic Latin-American cuisine, live music, a kid’s zone, dance competition and more. Known for their wonderful food and drinks, warm environment and positive vibes, La Isla’s festivals have become known as must-attend multicultural events.
For more information: Call 843-681-2393.
Full Moon Shore Explore — 8:30-9:30 p.m. May 20 in Sea Pines
Discover Sea Pines’ beaches under a full moon! Search the sand for nocturnal creatures such as ghost crabs — which scurry throughout the dunes and surf.
Cost: $15/adult, $10/child (ages 12 and younger).
Reservations required: Call 843-842-1979
What is happening to our bees? — 3-4 p.m. May 22 at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
This presentation will focus on the two most commonly asked questions by the non-beekeeper: 1. What is happening to the bees? 2. What can I do to help the bees?
These questions will be answered through the lens of science, with a special focus on bee biology and the natural history of the honey bee — including its introduction into North America right here in Beaufort County during the Spanish settlement of Santa Elena in 1564.
Cost: $7/person
Reservations Required: Call 843-689-6767 ext. 223
Gregg Russell Memorial Day Concerts — 8-9:30 p.m. May 24, 25 and 26 under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town
A Sea Pines classic, musician Gregg Russell will perform his original songs under the Liberty Oak in Harbour Town — great entertainment for adults and children alike.
Shelter Cove Harbour Arts Festival — 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 25 & 26 at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
The Hilton Head Art Festival will feature the work of 100 artists in various mediums: from pottery, glass, wood, jewelry, metal, painting, photography and more. The festival will take place along the harbour and marina promenade, inviting visitors to browse the work by talented artisans and shop and dine along the marina.
Admission: Free
Bluffton:
Bluffton Chamber Young Professionals Meet-up — 5:30-7:30 p.m. May 1 at The Grind Roasters
Join the Bluffton Chamber at The Grind Roasters for an evening of after-hours networking!
There will be samples of different coffees as well as some sweet treats. The purpose of the Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Network is to act as a stepping stone for young professionals in the Greater Bluffton area, assisting in their smooth and confidence entrance into the business community or to enhance their existing presence.
This event is free for first-time guests aged 21-40. There’s a $5 for returning guests who are not chamber members.
41st annual Mayfest — 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. May 11 on Calhoun Street
Also known as the “Bluffton Village Festival,” Mayfest is held the day before Mother’s Day along Calhoun Street in Old Town Bluffton. This eclectic and homespun Southern festival is famous for its unique arts and crafts, music and delicious food. This year will also feature an ugly dog contest, a children’s doughnut eating contest and a pie eating contest.
Admission: Free
National Watercolorist Leads Free Demonstration — 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 13 at the Center for Creative Arts
David Rankin, a nationally known watercolorist, will demonstrate a technique he refers to as “watercolor dazzle.” The elegant magic of watercolor is created through an artful combination of soft and sharp effects — combining to create an effect that “dazzles” the viewer’s eye and creates charm in any subject. This event is hosted by the Society of Bluffton Artist and is open to the public.
Cost: Free, but a donation of $5 to $10 is requested.
USCB Lunch with Authors Series featuring Mary Alice Monroe — 12 p.m. at Belfair Country Club
Enjoy a delicious lunch and hear featured author Mary Alice Monroe speak on her writings, creative process, research and more!
Cost: $45, including lunch.
For more information: Call 843-521-4145.
Bluffton Block Party — 5:30-7 p.m. May 16 in Downtown Bluffton
Join the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce for their monthly “Conversation and Cocktails” event held at the pocket park located at the corner of May River and Bluffton roads.
Sunset Palooza — 5:30-9:30 p.m. May 17 at Oyster Factory Park
Sunset Palooza is a Lowcountry food festival with area restaurants and caterers serving up their signature pies, pastas, meats and seafood. This kid and pet-friendly event showcases live local music from “Bobby Magyarosi” and “The Chiggers.”
Memorial Day Ceremony — 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. May 27 at Bluffton Police Headquaters
This solemn ceremony will honor all military men and women who have given their lives in defense of America. The ceremony will culminate in raising the American flag from half-staff to full-staff at noon.
The event will be held in front of the Bluffton Police Headquarters off of Buckwalter Parkway. Some shade will be provided by tents, but this space is limited. Bring your own chair.
Admission: Free
For more information: Contact Roberts W. Sterling at 843-757-2195
Beaufort:
A Taste of Beaufort! Music, Arts & Food — 6-10 p.m. May 3 and 12-7 p.m. May 4 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
This year’s Taste of Beaufort will stay true to the tradition of being a fun-filled weekend featuring great food, music, entertainment, art & crafts, a Saturday morning 5K run/walk and more! Come get a taste of some of the best that Beaufort has to offer.
This year’s festival will include an additional bite – a series of intimate music performances hosted by various venues within Beaufort’s Cultural District in downtown. The series will kick off Friday with a free lunch and listen jazz performance at 11:30am on the lawn of USCB’s Center for the Arts. Musical guests from Charleston will be featured during the Saturday line up and the series will conclude with another free concert at 1st Presbyterian Church on Sunday May 5th.
Admission: Free
7th annual Birthday for the Birds — 8-11 a.m. at Port Royal Rookery & Cypress Wetlands Trail
Celebrate the birth of hundreds of new wading birds and witness the wonder of nature up close during this free, fun community event. Sign up for Wetland tours, let your kiddos search for balloons in the children’s scavenger hunt; there will be face painting, kazoos, a birthday cake for all to enjoy and tons of educational resources from local bird experts. This unique, one of a kind event showcases Beaufort County’s wonderful natural resources, the Port Royal Rookery and Wetlands, along with the incredible wildlife within.
Cost: Free
For more information: Contact Kate Hamilton Pardee at 508-221-7355
Shark Tooth Frenzy — 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at The Sands in Port Royal
Shark tooth lovers unite! This fun, family-friendly event brings together shark teeth enthusiasts and creates memories to last a lifetime! Shark teeth of all species and sizes including Megalodons will be hidden in the water waiting to be found. Grab your gear and prepare for some serious sharktooth hunting!
There will be a special section roped off for your tiniest shark tooth hunters ages 0-4.
Admission: Kids 12 and under are free. Everyone else: $30. Some proceeds will benefit the March of Dimes.
Street Music on Paris Avenue — 6:30-9:30 p.m. May 11 and 25 in Port Royal
Bring your own chairs and your dancing shoes to downtown Port Royal for the annual spring concert series: Street Music on Paris Avenue. This year, locals band Yarn will kick off the concert series on May 11 and musician Annika Chambers will perform on May 25. Yarn is a mixture of Americana, Country and Bluegrass whose songs tell true stories about real life. Chambers is a 2019 Blues Music Award nominee who performs soul, R&B and much more.
Admission: Free.
Beaufort Children’s Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz! — 7:30 p.m. May 17 & 18, 3 p.m. May 19 at USCB Center for the Arts
The Beaufort Children’s Theatre presents the classic tale in which a Kansas farm girl travels over the rainbow to discover the magical power of home.
Cost: $20 for adults; $18 for military; $14 for students/children
For more information: (843) 521-4145.
The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina — May 24-26 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
The Gullah Festival of South Carolina celebrates and recognizes the history, customs, cultures, language and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. Enjoy storytelling, Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Gospel, Reggae, & Caribbean music, African drumming and dancing, Native American Heritage, Educational Forums and more. Three days of Arts, Crafts, Music, Food and Fun for the whole family!
Run for Christ 5K race — 8 a.m. May 25 at Tabernacle Baptist Church
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to run through historic downtown Beaufort. It’s an event for the whole family! The course starts and finishes at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Race day registration and packet pick up begins at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Parking will be located in the church parking lot behind the church. There will be post-race refreshments and an award ceremony.
Cost: $25 for adults; $15 for children age 14 and under.
64th Beaufort Water Festival Sailing Regatta — May 26-27 at Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club
That’s right, the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club’s Water Festival Regatta is the origin of Beaufort’s popular and expanded Water Festival. The regatta is open to all one-design dinghy classes, catboats and PHRF boats. This event is sponsored by the Beaufort Water Festival Committee and the Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club.
Savannah:
Fairy & Gnome Festival — 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. May 4 at Oatland Island Wildlife Center
Put on your wings or don your pointy gnome hat! This fantastical day is all about the “wee folk” — and getting up close with the natural world while encouraging imaginative, outdoor play. Children can forage in our forest for fairy surprises, help construct a fairy village using all natural materials, enter in our fairy and gnome fashion show and have fun dancing around the May pole. There will be other whimsical activities, including: face painting, games, crafts, live animal encounters and concessions.
Cost: $5 per adult, $3 per child (ages 4-17) plus activity fees.
Mipso & Chatham County Line — 8-10 p.m. May 3 at Tybee Post Theater
Two wildly popular Americana bands from North Carolina have selected the Tybee Post Theater as one of only three venues to stage their special three-city tour together.
Admission: $25-30
Savannah Scottish Games — May 4 at Bethesda Academy
The 43rd Annual Savannah Scottish games is a grand celebration of Scottish Culture for the entire family! Music, dancing, athletic competitions, children’s activities, shopping, food and fun for all!
Admission: $15/adults; $10/military and first responders; $5 for students age 12-18; free for kids aged 10 and under
May the (8th Air) Force be with You — 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. May 4 at National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force
Come to the National Museum to see how the imagery and history of World War II and the 8th Air Force influenced Star Wars. See specially chosen artifacts from our archives on display for one day only! Wear an article of Star Wars clothing — cosplay and costumes welcome, but no masks or weapons please.
Cost: $8/person. WWII veterans and children 6 and under are free.
Painting with a Twist holds special painting party for Nurse Appreciation Day — 7-9 p.m. May 6 in both Savannah & Pooler locations
Kick off Nurse Appreciation Week with a special painting party to honor the dedication and outstanding contributions nurses make to healthcare. This is a wonderful opportunity for hard-working nurses to relax, sip a glass of BYOB wine (or two) and share some laughs with new friends. National Nurses Week is celebrated annually from May 6-May 12 — the birthday of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
Cost: $35 per seat.
Women Who Rule — 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. May 8 at The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
Educate. Empower. Engage. Women Who Rule is a fundraising event hosted by United Way Women United to help provide transportation assistance to local women in need. The event features four women leaders sharing their stories and motivation through a panel discussion.
Cost: $50/person
Corey Smith Live at Grayson Stadium — 7 p.m. May 10 at historic Grayson Stadium
Country music sensation Corey Smith, the fan-made man, has sold over 1 million concert tickets, 1.5 million digital singles and over 220,000 albums. Smith has amassed an unfailingly devout fan base, not only in his native Southeast region, but all around the nation, simply by telling it the way it is.
Tickets: $20-$40
Historic Home Tour and Wine Tasting — 6-8 p.m. May 10 along East Hall Street
This historic tour kicks off at 210 East Hall Street and will move into the surrounding area, east of Forsyth Park and in the Landmark Historic District. This fun and informal evening offers patrons an opportunity to stroll beautiful streets, admire historic architecture and go inside a handful of restored private homes. Each host house will offer a tasting of unique wine selections paired with gourmet hors d’oeuvres provided by local chefs and caterers in Savannah.
Tickets: $50
Tybee Beach Bum Parade — 6:30 p.m. May 17 on Butler Avenue
Once a year, Tybee Island locals and visitors alike arm themselves with water guns and hoses to engage in a water fight of massive proportions. This family-friendly event has come to be known as the south’s largest water fight and welcomes participants of all ages. So grab your water gear and take aim at passing parade floats in this one-of-a-kind spring event.
Full Moon Party — 9-11:59 p.m. May 18 at The Lost Square
Let out your wild side under the light of a full moon at Savannahs newest and most exclusive rooftop bar. Mark your calendar for April 19 for a night of Dancing, live music, and the coolest drinks.
Admission: Free
Nonstop Fitness Glow Run — 7 p.m. May 24 at Lake Mayer
This family-friendly event is like no other. Sponsored by Nonstop Fitness, this event will have inflatable obstacle courses along the route, LED and glow people, games, clothes, and even an LED tunnel.
Admission: $30
Memorial Day Moonlight Cruise — 9:30-11:30 p.m. May 25 & 26 at Savannah Riverfront
Enjoy a night of fun and dancing as you sail past Savannah’s iconic riverfront while a Riverboat Entertainer plays the top hits that are sure to get you moving! The Skyline Bar & Grill menu will be available for late night purchases.
Cost: $29.95/adults; $19.95 for children ages 5-12
