We’re officially less than two months from Christmas! And we certainly like to celebrate the holidays here in the Lowcountry. Here’s a round-up of some of the best November events in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island — and a few extra special events from our neighboring communities.
Food Truck Friday — Island Rec Center, Hilton Head Island — 3-7 p.m. Nov. 1
Join the Island Rec Center for the season’s final Food Truck Friday starting at 3 p.m. on November 1.
Location: 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island
Pearls to Pluff Mudd — Swamp Fox Farms, Hardeeville — 6-11 p.m. Nov. 1
The 14th Annual Pearls to Pluff Mud Dinner and Auction to benefit Cross Schools is Friday November 1st, 2019. The party will be held at the Lowcountry’s newest event venue Swamp Fox Farms and is to feature The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, New Orleans Inspired cuisine and a live auction led by The Biggest Loser Finalist Colby Wright. Auction items include a 7 Day Game of Thrones Journey through the Heart of Ireland, a copy of Abbey Road signed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Star, an original vinyl record signed by Jimmy Buffet, and a framed Limited Edition poster singed by all 6 actors to have played James Bond. One of a kind experiences, trips, and gifts are being added daily, so be sure to check the website regularly!
Purchase tickets: https://www.pearlspluffmud.org/buytickets
More info & directions: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/pearls-pluff-mud
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance — Nov. 1 through Nov. 3
Hilton Head Island’s own Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival offers the best of the best in automotive exhibition, racing, dining, and luxury lifestyle. It’s more than just an event — it’s a multi-day world-class destination experience.
More information here: https://www.hhiconcours.com/?utm-source=hiltonheadcom&utm-medium=cpm
Inaugural “Hardeeville Festival on Main” — Richard Gray Park Complex, Hardeeville — 4-9 p.m. Nov. 1; 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Nov. 2
Join the fun with a marvelous array of amusement rides, a charity softball game, cornhole & basketball tournaments, rock wall, food & craft vendors, beer garden, live musical entertainment and a dazzling fireworks display Saturday Night!
Location: Richard Gray Recreation Complex Park, 205 Main St., Hardeeville, SC 29927.
Admission is free and open to the public.
More info: http://hardeevillesc.gov/2409/Festival-on-Main
CharliFest — Shelter Cove Plaza, Hilton Head — 12-5 p.m. Nov. 2
A celebration of life, music, critters and love for Charli Bobinchuck. Funds raised go to the Charli’s Critter Fund at Community Foundation of the Lowcountry.
Live Music By:
- Naytiv
- Groove Town Assault
- Soundboy
- Cranford Hollow
- Four Piece and a Biscuit
- A Welcome Distraction
- Zach Stevens Trio
- Zoograss
- Jared Templeton
- Adam MArtin
- Josephine Johnson
- Mike Korbar
- Mars Hill
- Jordan Lively
- Tommy Sims
- 2 Sons
Cost: $10 per person; Children 12 & under are free. Cash only event.
More info: http://colignyplaza.com/charlifest-2019/
Crescendo: Celebrating Arts, Culture & History — Hilton Head Island — Nov. 1-15
The 2019 Crescendo Celebration features more than 75 unique arts and cultural programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences, and educational offerings which are estimated to attract more than 65,000 people from all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
November’s events include:
The Nutcracker 5K — Nov. 2
SC Governor’s School Showcase — Nov. 7
A Lantern Parade — Nov. 9
Performances of The Nutcracker — Nov. 15-24
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/crescendo-2019
2019 Anniversary Forum Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park — 1 Sandshark Drive, Hilton Head — 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2
The 2019 Anniversary Forum: “Access: Who Has It?” looks at the issues revolving around historic and contemporary access in 21st Century America. This one-day session will examine access to quality education, issues associated with health care and the growing political power of women, 100 years after gaining the right to vote in 1920.
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/2019-anniversary-forum-historic-mitchelville-freedom-park
Cinema Under the Stars — Tanger 2, Bluffton — Nov. 8, 15, 22 at dusk
Start a new holiday tradition with the entire family at Tanger’s Cinema Under the Stars! Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and grab a spot on the grass to enjoy viewing classic holiday films. Join us for a series of 3 FREE outdoor movie nights at Tanger 2. Movies begin at dusk.
November 8th: Elf
November 15th: The Polar Express
November 22nd: *Double Feature* How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) & (2000)
More info: https://www.tangeroutlet.com/hiltonhead/events/november
Hilton Head Oyster Festival — Shelter Cove Community Park — 5-8 p.m., Nov. 8; 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Nov. 9
The Hilton Head Oyster Festival highlights steamed, fried and stewed oysters along with other delicious food for non-oyster eaters! There will be live entertainment, kid zone, marshmallow roasting and Sports Lounge for those fall Football games!
From 5-8 p.m. Friday, enjoy all you can eat steamed local oysters, lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder & chili at the Shelter Cove Pavilion. There will also be live music, football viewing area and a wine pull.
Admission Friday: $20 for 17 & under; $35 for adults
Saturday highlights steamed, fried and stewed oysters along with other delicious food for non-oyster eaters! There will be live entertainment, kid zone, Local Artisan Pop Up Shops, marshmallow roasting and Sports Lounge for those fall football games! Plus: Catch the Oyster Shucking Contest at 2 p.m.!
Saturday admission: $7 for adults; children 10 & under + Veterans with an ID get in free
More info: https://www.hiltonheadoysterfestival.com/festival-overview
2019 Hargray Hilton Head Island Bridge Run — Crossings Park, Hilton Head Island — 8-11 a.m. Nov. 9
The 10K Road Race, 5K Fun Run, and Health Walk will start and finish at Crossing’s Park and take participants over the scenic Broad Creek on the Cross Island Expressway. The 10K & 5K Road Races will feature all standard race divisions. All participants will receive a colorful Bridge Run Tech t-shirt. An award ceremony featuring refreshments, music, and door prizes will be held following the race.
Since 1992, the Hilton Head Bridge Run has hosted over 12,000 runners and walkers and has raised more than $47,000 for the area charities. The Lowcountry tradition continues in 2019 when more than 500 men, women, and children will challenge themselves and the elements during the 28th Annual Hilton Head Island Bridge Run.
More info/register here: http://bearfootsports.com/bridge-run.html
Fall Festival — St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, Hilton Head Island — 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 9
Held for over 40 years, St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church’s Fall Festival is not only the island’s longest running, but also the area’s favorite pre-holiday bazaar with collectibles, odds and olds, baked goods, books, food, toys, garden booth, sports & hobbies, and more. From 10am-1pm, you can also bid at a great Silent Auction. Come find a treasure or a deal! Our proceeds have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in support of local, regional, national and international outreach efforts.
This year, a special area for kids will make it even more fun for the whole family!
Admission: Free!
More info: https://hhiumc.com/fall-festival/
Native American Heritage Celebration — Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage, Ridgeland — 1-3 p.m. Nov. 9
In honor of Native American Heritage, the Edisto-Natchez Kusso Tribe of SC are partnering with Morris Center for a free, family-friendly celebration. Tribe members will teach attendees about their customs and traditions. There will be a demonstration of music and dance with a chance for folks to join. Afterwards, take your photo taken with members of the tribe. Local Native American artists will have their work on display, too! This event will take place in the Morris Center Art Park under our big live oak tree.
More info: http://www.morrisheritagecenter.org/events/native-american-heritage-celebration/
Family Fall Fest 2019 — St. Luke’s Church, Hilton Head Island — 3-6:30 p.m. Nov. 9
Family Fall Fest, where HHI community comes together to enjoy a beautiful fall day outdoors with children and friends. We have live music, lots of games for kids and adults, bounce house, pumpkin painting, food trucks, also enjoy the time to check our vendors and perhaps buy some christmas gifts!
Please bring canned or dry goods to exchange for carnival game tickets for your family. The goods will be donated to Sandalwood Community Food Pantry (HHI).
More info: https://www.facebook.com/events/1490805261060111/
Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention — Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton — 12-3 p.m. Nov. 10
Join us as we walk to stop suicide on November 10 at Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton. We will have a silent auction, hot dogs for sale, and a walk through historic Bluffton with inspirational signs along the way. Dogs are welcome on a leash and this is a family friendly event. You are not alone!
Register online at afsp.org/hiltonhead Check in begins at noon and the walk program begins at 1pm.
All proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
More info/registration: https://afsp.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=6307
WAHHI’s Lowcountry Lobster Fest — Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island — 5-9 p.m. Nov. 14
Enjoy a fun night of dancing, food and drink to benefit local charities at WAHHI’s First Annual Lowcountry Lobster Fest! A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. A donation letter will be provided.
The event is open to all members, guests, spouses or singles.
Tickets: $125 per person; includes full meal and 2 alcoholic beverages
More info/Purchase tickets: http://wahhi.com/wahhis-lowcountry-lobster-fest/
Trail to Ale 5K — Southern Barrel Brewing Company, Bluffton — 6-8 p.m. Nov. 14
A one-of-a-kind 5K happy hour event for entrepreneurs, runners, beginners, young professionals, all professionals, side-hustlers, companies, community and more! Run through the nature trail at Buckwalter Place followed by a post-race party & awards celebration at Southern Barrel Brewing Co.
Registration includes one (1) craft beer from Southern Barrel (tear-off ticket on bib).Happy Hour prices for additional beers. Live music on the patio beginning 6:30pm. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres for runners as well set up on the patio (buffet).
Cost: $30
More info/register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/SC/Bluffton/DonRyanCenterforInnovationTrailtoAle5K?_ga=2.15865397.2017179878.1570648664-1498091917.1568231305
Pedal Hilton Head 2019 — Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island — Nov. 15-17
Pedal Hilton Head Island is back and better than ever, November 15th – 17th, 2019! A celebration of our Island’s music, culture and two-wheeled lifestyle, funds raised from this event benefit the programs servicing the over 250 kids who use the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island each day.
For those who join us in this weekend-long celebration of cycling, you’ll experience our beach lifestyle, exceptional history and culture and local music scene.
Featuring concerts with “Music of the Grateful Dead” on Friday and Saturday nights, a Saturday culture and history 20-mile warm-up ride and the main ride on Sunday, there’s something for everyone!
Our rides offer cyclists of all ages and abilities a chance to enjoy a fantastic trek through Hilton Head, a Gold Level Bike Friendly Community, viewing some of the best neighborhoods on the Island. Our pre- and post-ride events revel in the culture, the music and the beauty of Hilton Head Island’s community.
More info: http://www.pedalhhi.org/
Cocktails on Broad Creek — SOAR Special Recreation, Hilton Head Island — 6:30-10 p.m. Nov. 16
Join us for an evening of drinks, appetizers, entertainment and more at an undisclosed location on Hilton Head Island. Open Bar with catering by Red Fish.
Tickets: Contact Kathy Cramer. 843-422-5747 or kathycramer.soar@gmail.com
Holiday Market — Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island — 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Nov. 26
Join us for food tasting, author book signings, local artists’ works, gifts for a cause, and other fun activities such as Discovery Lab Open House, the Hilton Head farmer’s market, tie dye and more!
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/holiday-market
Turkey Trot — Dockside on Skull Creek, Hilton Head Island — 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Nov. 28
The Turkey Trot provides a safe, fun, and family-oriented Fun Walk or 5K to start your Thanksgiving holiday! An after party is full of fun with free beer, muffins, and fruit
On Thanksgiving in 2002, Grace Sulak and her twin sister Faith, “ran” their first Turkey Trot…They were One! On Thanksgiving in 2015, Grace ran her last Turkey Trot at age 14. On May 7, 2016, our community lost an amazing young person and incredible runner… To honor Grace and her beautiful spirit, her family has created the Amazing Grace Pure Guts Award, given out to the top female and male 14 year old and under.
More info/register: https://events.islandreccenter.org/view/trot
21st Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner — Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks, Hilton Head Island — 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Nov. 28
Celebrate the meaning of Thanksgiving with a free community Thanksgiving Dinner, with turkey, dressing and all the trimmings, served family style. Everyone is welcome! Come alone and meet new friends, or bring the whole family.
The celebration, filled with food, fellowship and entertainment, is free to all. Santa will also be there. Donations are gratefully accepted and benefit Deep Well (www.deepwellproject.org) and Bluffton Self Help (www.blufftonselfhelp.org).
Please call 843-505-1370 for more information, to volunteer or for a ride that day, or visit the website at www.CommunityThanksgiving.com.
More info: http://www.communitythanksgiving.com/
Santa at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina — Hilton Head Island — 12-2:30 p.m., Nov. 29
Who is ready for Santa’s first appearance on Hilton Head Island?…. We are!
Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina will be hosting a day-after-Thanksgiving “Santa and Shopping Day” on Friday, November 29 with specials and sales throughout the harbour shops and restaurants. Santa will arrive at 12 noon aboard a fire truck and stay until 2:30pm at the Neptune Statue for children to share their Christmas list and take photos! Additional kids activities from 11am-3pm will include cookie decorating, train rides and a bounce house along with holiday music from DJ Bill.
Bring the kids and grandkids to meet Santa, listen to holiday classics and shop for some special gifts!
Cost: Free. Please bring a new unwrapped toy or canned items for Deep Well Project.
More info: https://www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/santa
Harbour Town Lights Kick-Off and Tree Lighting — Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island — 7:30 p.m. Nov. 29
Enjoy the lights! Stroll along the harbour and enjoy the illuminated seasonal figures, with the centerpiece of the display being a towering Christmas tree. Harbour Town is the perfect place to be this holiday season with live entertainment and activities. The official tree lighting will take place just before Gregg Russell’s concert on Friday, November 29 at 7:30pm.
Make a difference. While you’re enjoying the holiday season, you can help Deep Well make a difference in someone else’s life, too. Bring a canned good or two, or a new unwrapped child’s toy and drop them in the “Well” by the Liberty Oak stage. Sponsors:The Shops in Harbour Town, Hargray, Crazy Crab, PSAV, The Greenery.
More info: https://www.seapines.com/events/Harbour-Town-Lights/November-2019
Caramel Apple Festival — Heritage Farm in Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island — 1-3 p.m. Nov. 30
Bring the family to Heritage Farm for a fun afternoon of fall activities, including caramel apples, games, crafts and more! Rates vary based on activity.
More info: https://www.seapines.com/events/Caramel-Apple-Festival/November-2019
Palmetto Bluff Tree Lighting — Village Green at Montage Palmetto Bluff, Bluffton — 5-10 p.m. Nov. 30
Gather with us on the Village Green for the first lighting of our Village tree. We will kick off the festivities with carolers, a holiday band, shopping, and food trucks to feed the family. At 6:30 PM the tree will be lit and the fun festivities will continue.
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/palmetto-bluff-tree-lighting
