Summer Excitement
Summer is here! The joys of the season are upon us with plenty of events for everybody to enjoy. Here’s a guide to some of the most exciting events happening this summer. Check out our calendar for more fun options. Make sure to check event websites and social media pages for the latest updates.
Hilton Head Island
GREGG RUSSELL FAMILY CONCERTS
An island mainstay, Gregg Russell brings his family-friendly summer concert series to Harbour Town. Russell is known for his interactive sing-alongs as he entertains crowds below the famed Sea Pines Liberty Oak.
The summer schedule runs with shows at 8 p.m. through Labor Day weekend (Sept. 3). There’s also a morning Bubble Gum Cruise that runs every Friday until Aug. 18.
Go online (greggrussell.com) for the full schedule.
MUSIC and MOVIES AT SHELTER COVE
Shelter Cove Town Centre hosts free concerts on Fridays in the park, from June 23 to Aug. 18. Bring a beach chair or blanket. Coolers and pets are welcome. June performances scheduled are Deas-Guyz (June 23) and Target and the Headliner Horns (June 30). Also enjoy free movie nights in the park Thursday nights, beginning June 15 through Aug. 17. Films start at 8:30 p.m. Pets are welcome. June movies planned are “Minions — The Rise of Gru”; “Grease”; and “Finding Nemo.” Visit Shelter Cove’s Facebook page for updates or visit sheltercovetownecentre.com/events.
PARTY IN THE PARK
It’s party time with Party in the Park at Lowcountry Celebration Park. On Thursdays from June 15 to July 27, enjoy bounce houses, live music, and beverages. A maker’s fair includes local artists. The event is from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more, visit islandreccenter.org/events/.
COLIGNY PLAZA
Coligny Plaza has nightly music events planned at Coligny Center Stage. Jevon Daly will perform a “kid-storytelling adventure” Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Mondays, enjoy some rock music with John Cranford & Friends. Kyle Wareham performs on Tuesdays, and Nick Poulin performs on Thursdays. Singer-songwriter Mike Kavanaugh performs Saturdays. Each show is set for 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
HOP ON A BREEZE TROLLEY
The Breeze, Hilton Head Island’s public trolley, runs through Labor Day (Sept. 4). The service runs each day from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Breeze is scheduled to serve each stop every 30 minutes. Last year it saw more than 42,000 passengers.
The Breeze includes the South Island Route, which uses full-size trolley vehicles connecting the Coligny Beach/South Island area with the Shelter Cove area. The Mid-Island Route utilizes shuttle vehicles to connect people in the Shelter Cove and Folly Field areas with transfers to and from the South Island Route. New to this route is an additional trolley stop on Folly Field Road near William Hilton Parkway.
The Breeze has invested in a safety enhancement: Each of the Breeze’s four trolleys has an “annunciator” system which alerts nearby pedestrians and bicyclists when the trolleys are turning. The system’s announcements are made in English and Spanish.
HARBOURFEST AT SHELTER COVE HARBOUR AND MARINA
Want to enjoy some of the best fireworks in the area? Head over to Harbourfest.
The summer-long event has fantastic fireworks and entertainment. It features Shannon Tanner, who is in his 34th year entertaining the Lowcountry. He has two one-hour shows (6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.) Monday to Wednesdays through Aug. 23 (no shows Aug. 25 to Sept. 1).
Cappy the Clown performs 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Fridays through Sept. 1. Labor Day weekend shows are scheduled for Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
Parrot Palooza (Jimmy Buffett tribute) with Tanner and the Oyster Reefers is a rocking good time. Showtimes begin 7 p.m. Performances are each Thursday from June 15 to Aug. 24. Shows are set for Sept. 2 and Sept. 3.
Fireworks are planned for one night a week each Tuesday from June 6 to Aug. 22. The shows begin when the sky is dark.
Check online (sheltercoveharbourfest.com) for the latest updates.
BLUFFTON
MOVIE NIGHTS
The Town of Bluffton offers free movie nights in the park from 6 to 8 p.m. “Puss in Boots” on June 2 (Martin Family Park); “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile,” on July 14 (Field of Dreams at Oscar Frazier Park); and “Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank” on Sept. 8 (Martin Family Park).
SHRIMP FESTIVAL
The May River Shrimp Festival is a “three-night celebration” offering live music, craft beer garden, wine bar and arts and crafts. The festivities kick off with a Sunset 5K 7:30 p.m. July 19, starting at the Oyster Factory Park. The Festival is at Oyster Factory Park on July 20 and July 21 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Live music July 20 is headlined by Jason Lee Cook Band (special guest Chilly Willy Band). July 21 is headlined by Kelli Baker Band (special guest Voodoo Soup). Proceeds benefit varies local charities. For ticket information and more, visit bearfootsports.com.
SUNSET PARTY SERIES
The Bluffton Sunset Parties are held once a month during the summer. Overlooking the May River at Oyster Factory Park, each event aims to bring the community together to celebrate local foods and vendors and enjoy fantastic live music and other fun activities for all ages. June 9 is Blues & Brews on the Bluff; July 20-21 is May River Shrimp Festival; Sept. 30 is the Blufftemberfest Music Festival. The Bluffton Sunset Party Series benefits local charities.
BLUES & BREWS ON THE BLUFF
Blues & Brews on the Bluff features craft beers, live music and a food court on June 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Live music is headlined by CornBred (special guest The Chiggers). Proceeds benefit varies local charities. For ticket information and more, visit bearfootsports.com.
SUMMER KIDS EVENT
The Town of Bluffton is hosting two summer kids events: June 17 at Fields of Dreams at Oscar Frazier Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and July 22 at Buckwalter Place Park (near amphitheater) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both will feature waterslides, games, a DJ and a concession stand.
VISIT THE FARMER'S MARKET
Enjoy a stroll through the Farmers Market of Bluffton each Thursday. Find fresh locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants and herbs. The market at 68 Boundary Street showcases local growers, chef demos, food vendors, entertainment, and community causes. The market is open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June to August and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. starting in September.
For more, visit farmersmarketbluffton.org
