It may still be in the 90’s outside, but it’s officially Fall in the Lowcountry. Here’s a round-up of some of the best October events in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island — and a few extra special events from our neighboring communities.
Trick-or-Treat and other Halloween events for the kids:
Pumpkin Patch — Shelter Cove Community Park, Hilton Head — 4-8 p.m. Oct. 18
Have the kids dress up and participate in the Halloween Costume Contest! Candy, games and much more is available. The festival provides a safe environment for parents can take their children and start the Halloween celebrations! No pets please.
The target age for the event is 3 – 12, but everyone is welcome. There will be carnival games, costume contests, and much more.
More info: https://events.islandreccenter.org/view/pumpkin
Halloween Celebration — Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort — 4-8:30 p.m. Oct. 19
The City of Beaufort and local sponsors will host a family-focused event to celebrate Halloween season at Henry C Chambers Waterfront Park downtown Beaufort. The free event will be from 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM Saturday, October 19th and include entertainment, a DJ dance party, games, and exhibits. Businesses, organizations and community members will participate in a trick-or-treat candy giveaway for kids during the event. There will be concessions available for purchase at reasonable prices.
The event will be capped off with a free showing of Disney Pixar’s Monsters, Inc. The community is invited to bring chairs and blankets to enjoy the outdoor movie.
More info: https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/311/Community-Events
Halloween at Coligny — Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head — 4-7 p.m. Oct. 24
Join us on Thursday, October. 24, from 4-7 pm for our annual Coligny Halloween celebration! Costume contest hosted by DJ Crush, trick or treating through the 60 shops and restaurants, and more! Costume Contest starts at 6pm!
Trunk or Treat — Paris Avenue, Port Royal — 3-5 p.m. Oct. 27
Trunk or Treat in Port Royal is a Ghoultide Gathering that offers a safe trick-or-treating experience for kids of all ages. Bring the kids trick or treating along Paris Avenue on October 27th from 3 to 5pm and they’ll enjoy lots of candy, goodies and more.
Bring your Vehicle and be part of the fun! The town needs folks with vehicles, goodies to hand out or games for kids to make this event fun for the children.
Trunk-O-Ween — Shelter Cove Towne Center, Hilton Head — 5-7 p.m. Oct. 31
The Merchants of Shelter Cove Towne Centre and the Carolina Dreamers Car Club have partnered to present a FREE “Trunk-O-Ween” family friendly experience! Classic cars will line Towne Centre Drive with their trunks open and full of candy! Costumed children can trick-or-treat from trunk-to-trunk and store-to-store of participating merchants to get their treats!
This special evening provides a safe environment for families, ghouls and goblins of all ages! Come out and enjoy the fun of all the great costumes and cars along with great dining options!
More info: http://www.sheltercovetownecentre.com/events/2019/10/31/trunk-o-ween
Hilton Head Island:
Murder on the Orient Express — Arts Center of Coastal Carolina — Oct. 1 – Oct. 27
Our audience’s #1 Pick for a non-musical, Murder on the Orient Express captures all the suspense that you expect from well-known crime novelist Agatha Christie. A lavish trip through Europe quickly unfolds into a race against time to solve a murder aboard a train. When an avalanche stops the Orient Express dead in its tracks, the world’s greatest detective – Hercule Poirot – steps forward to interrogate all passengers and search for clues before the killer can strike again. With a locomotive full of suspects and an alibi for each one, Murder on the Orient Express is the perfect mystery full of twists and turns for Detective Poirot. The script was adapted by Ken Ludwig, a two-time Olivier Award-winning playwright who has written over 28 plays and musicals including Leading Ladies, Lend Me A Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo, with 6 shows on Broadway and 7 in London’s West End.
Infants and children under the age of 5 are not admitted.
Learn more and buy tickets: http://www.artshhi.com/performance-shows/orient-express
Music & Taste on the Harbour — Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina — 6-9 p.m. Oct. 3, 10, 17
A Hilton Head Island favorite, dance the night away on Thursday nights at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina featuring local favorite bands, great food and all the dancing you can possibly do.
This exciting seasonal attraction combines the best local bands with delicious food and drinks.
Now in its 12th season, this outdoor concert series features a variety of bands on Thursday nights from 6 – 9 p.m.
Featured Shelter Cove Harbour restaurants will set up as usual around Neptune and will offer a variety of specially-priced light appetizers, wine, beer and cocktails. Limited seating will be provided so you are encouraged to bring your own chairs. All events are weather permitting.
Music line-up:
Oct 3 — Deas Guyz
Oct 10 — The Headliners
Oct 17 — Stee & the Ear Candy
More info: https://www.sheltercovehiltonhead.com/music-and-taste
Friday Night Social Dancing with the HHI Shag Club — Dolphin Head Golf Club — Fridays at 6 pm
The Hilton Head Island Carolina Shag Club hosts Friday night Social Dances most weeks of the year. The Social Dances are from 6:00 – 9:30 p.m. at Dolphin Head Golf Club, 59 High Bluff Road, Hilton Head Plantation, and are open to the public. There is a $5 floor charge.
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/friday-social-dancing-hhi-shag-club
Crescendo: Celebrating Arts, Culture & History — Oct. 10 – Nov. 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.
Kicking off October 10th with the Opening Celebration, the program will amaze and excite attendees until the curtains close on November 15, 2019. Several marquee events are planned including performances, parties and the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.
View more information about all of the great events taking place during this fall’s Celebration below. Mark your calendars and enjoy the show!
https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/crescendo-2019
Food Truck Friday — Island Rec Center — 3-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 11
Island Rec is bringing a fun new event right outside the beautiful brand new facility! Join us from 3-7pm to enjoy some amazing food trucks!
More info: https://events.islandreccenter.org/
Jeep Island — Honey Horn Plantation — 4-8 p.m. Oct. 11; 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 12
This year the Saturday main event is combined with the Kiwani’s Chili Cook-off so bring your Jeep, a bunch of friends and your appetite for chili, football on the big screen, live entertainment, and much more.
October 11 welcome party and October 12 is the Main Event combined with the Kiwanis Chili Cook-off!
Friday, October 11, 2019 at 4 PM – 8 PM
Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11 AM – 4 PM
More info: https://jeepisland.org/
34th Annual Chili Cook-Off — Coastal Discovery Museum — 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Oct. 12
The Kiwanis Clubs of Hilton Head Island will host the 32nd 34th Annual Chili Cook-off at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey HornCoastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 PM, Saturday, October 12, 2019, rain or shine and all-you-can-eat chili! This year’s event will focus on local chili cooks in the professional and amateur category with separate awards for competitors in the Non-Profit group. In addition, a popular local band B Town Playaz will be providing entertainment. Also there will be a Kid’s Zone area with free children’s games and activities including face painting, so parents can fully enjoy the festivities.
Admission: $15 in advance; $20 day of event; children under 12 free
More info:https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/34th-annual-chili-cookoff
Hilton Head Plantation Crafters’ Fall Craft & Bake Sale — Christ Lutheran Church — 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct. 19
Hundreds of unique handmade items and delicious home-baked goods for sale, such as:
– Coastal and Home Décor
– Apparel and Accessories
– Children’s Toys and Clothing
– Pet Items
– Stationery and Cards
– Holiday Décor and Gifts
Raffle Items include a Handcrafted Solid Wood Rocking Horse and a Holiday Brunch Basket.
All proceeds gained from the event will go to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry.
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/hilton-head-plantation-crafters-fall-craft-bake-sale
Lowcountry VegFest — Shelter Cove Community Park — 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 19
The 4th annual Lowcountry VegFest will be held in the waterfront Shelter Cove Park and will feature vegan food and drinks, merchandise, education, speakers, bands, bounce houses and more for the kids. Admission is free and open to the public.
More info: https://www.carlagoldenwellness.com/lcvf-about/
4th Annual Gullah Food Festival — Gullah Museum, 12 Georgianna Dr — 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Oct. 19
Ready for some good Gullah food? Shrimp & Grits, oxtails, curry goat, jerk chicken and more!
This event has free admission. Tickets for food, drinks and activities will be available for purchase at the event.
More info: http://www.gullahmuseumhhi.org/gullah-food-festival1.html
Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance — Oct. 24 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.
In Savannah: October 24 – 27
In conjunction with SVRA, the Savannah Speed Classic brings adrenaline back to the Hostess City of the South.
Hilton Head Island: November 1 – 3
Over 200 classic cars will compete. But only one will be crowned Best of Show.
https://www.hhiconcours.com/?utm-source=hiltonheadcom&utm-medium=cpm
Ghosts & Myths of Hilton Head Island — Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum — 7 p.m. Oct. 24-26
For three special nights experience the chills of the paranormal stories of the Lowcountry as our history docent and Zion Witch introduce you to the ghosts of times past and lead you through the 18th and 19th century stories of our past as told by our living history costumed characters. You will meet Captain Jack Stoney, Lydia Davant, Mary Kirk, William Eddings Baynard and more as they tell the firsthand tales of The Baynard Funeral Procession and the Blue Lady of Hilton Head.
Not recommended for children under 10 years old.
Price: $15 per adult; $10 per child (ages 10-16)
More info: https://heritagelib.org/events/2019/10/24/ghosts-and-myths-of-hilton-head-island
Our Prince of Scribes Exhibition — Coligny Theater — Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.
In the 70 days leading up to the September 2018 publication of the hardcover edition of Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy, co-editor Nicole Seitz sketched portraits of the 67 contributors to the anthology and of their inspiration Pat Conroy, revealing one new sketch online each day. Coupled with brief excerpts from each writer’s corresponding essay, the portraits in this exhibition honor the spirit of generosity exemplified by Pat Conroy and by the pantheon of writers who freely gave their time and remembrances to this project. The Our Prince of Scribes portraits exhibition will be on display at the Artists’ Gallery at Town Hall from September 20 to December 6, 2019.
Part of the Pat Conroy Literary Festival and the Crescendo arts festival, the exhibition is free and open to the public.
More info: https://www.hiltonheadisland.org/events/our-prince-scribes-exhibiton
Bluffton events:
15th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival — Oct. 12-20
The Fifteenth annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will be held in the charming and eclectic historic and state designated cultural district of Bluffton SC, well known for its quirky art community and natural river beauty. The festival is a week long event offering a myriad of activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Low Country cuisine, rich history, culture and art of the area and Southern hospitality found only in Bluffton.
The highlight of the festival is the Streetfest which includes a juried fine art show featuring over 100 artists from 10 different states displaying and selling their art, delicious food provided by the area’s premier restaurants and caterers and great music and entertainment on Saturday, October 19th and Sunday, October 20th.
More info: http://www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com/
Oyster Fest — Bluffton Oyster Factory Park — 5-8 p.m. Oct. 13
Part of the Arts & Seafood Festival. First Oyster Roast of the Season, Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Live Music by MUDDY CREEK.
Bluffton Self Help: Red Apron Sips & Seafood Party — Heyward House — 6-10 p.m. Oct. 18
Join us for a grand culinary celebration under the stars on the grounds of the historic Heyward House. The evening will include sensational Lowcountry dining by Ryan McCarthy of Downtown Catering, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull, live and silent auctions as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need. Limited tickets and sponsorships are available and can be purchased online at www.sipsandseafood.com.
All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.
Admission: $150
More info: https://www.sipsandseafood.com/new/red-apron-sips-seafood-party
Rockin’ on the Dock — Dusk Bluffton Oyster Co. — 6 p.m. on Oct. 19
Part of the Arts & Seafood Festival, this seafood extravaganza tasting includes live music by THE TRAINWRECKS and fireworks at dusk. Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember!
Art in the Park — Dubois Park on Boundary Street — 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 20
Another featured event of the Arts & Seafood Festival. Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages. Hula Hoops fun led by Jaime Patillo 12:00 noon.
Polo 4 Heroes — Rose Hill Equestrian Center — 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27
Aiming to benefit and support our local men and women in uniform, Polo 4 Heroes is a joint effort by the 200 Club of the Coastal Empire and the Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes.
Together, these volunteer organizations are hosting Polo 4 Heroes, an event centered around the backdrop of the Sport of Kings on October 27, 2019 at the beautiful Rose Hill Equestrian Center in Bluffton, SC. Join us on this fall day to enjoy socializing, food, drinks, fashion, and more in a festive fun filled tailgating setting. More importantly, join us on our mission to support our local heroes. Gates open at 12:30 with a Grand Opening Ceremony at 1:30 featuring the Special Operations Parachute Team, presentation of the flag by Honor Guards, singing of the National Anthem, a Proclamation from the Governor, and more. The featured polo match will commence shortly after at 2:30 pm.
All of the net proceeds will benefit the 200 Club and the Lowcountry Foundation for Wounded Military Heroes, and their mission to support the needs of our men and women in uniform.
More info: https://polo4heroes.com/
Surrounding area fun fall events:
25th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival — Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort — Oct. 4-5
Locals and visitors alike will gather for the two-day celebration at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Friday, October 4 and Saturday, October 5. This Lowcountry heritage event features local coastal cuisine, live music, and more!
Highlights of the festival include:
Friday evening concert in the park featuring live entertainment
Saturday’s Run Forrest Run 5k Bridge Run/Walk over the Woods Memorial Bridge
Grab-and-Go fresh shrimp market so you can create your own SC wild-caught shrimp dishes at home
An arts & crafts market with local and handmade wares
And much more!
Both days offer delicious tasting options that range from classic to innovative.
More info: https://www.beaufortchamber.org/about-us/signature-events/beaufort-shrimp-festival/
Fall Fest on Daufuskie Island — Oct. 12
Celebrate fall on Daufuskie Island with live music, arts & crafts, all-you-can-eat oyster roast, kids activities including pumpkin decorating, crab races, and a petting zoo from our friends at the Daufuskie Farm. Dock your boat for FREE at Freeport Marina. Plus, the Old Daufuskie Crab Company and Ernestine’s Crab Wagon will be open for business.
More info: https://daufuskiedifference.com/event/fallfest2019/
Daufuskie Island Vibes & Tides — Oct. 18-20
Vibes & Tides is Daufuskie Island’s newest all-inclusive event, offering the exclusive amenities of Haig Point with the perfect blend of food from around the country. Meet and taste the very best from award-winning chefs, tastemakers, winemakers and more. Gather with friends as you take an indulgent tour of an Island rich in history and southern culture.
Join us and celebrate the culture that has endured, the beauty of the land and the grace and hospitality of the people of Daufuskie Island, all in one memorable weekend.
Learn more and purchase tickets: https://www.daufuskieislandvibesandtides.com/
