The 7th annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival will be held from Oct. 16-23 in the charming and eclectic historic district of Bluffton, well known for its quirky art community and natural beauty.
The festival is a week-long event offering myriad activities showcasing locally harvested seafood, Lowcountry cuisine, the culture and art of the area and its Southern hospitality. The highlight of the festival is Street Fest, which includes a juried fine art show featuring more than 90 artists from 10 different states displaying and selling their art.
Here’s a schedule of events:
Oct. 16, Church of the Cross
Starting at 2 p.m. there will be a Boat Parade on the May River; the Blessing of the Fleet; and gospel music. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy Kim Pelote, a gospel singer who will be accompanied by Lavon Stevens on the bluff, or join the parade in your own boat.
Oct. 17, Waddell Mariculture Center
There will be a tour and an oyster roast at 5:30 p.m. at the Waddell Mariculture Center. Dinner includes oysters, chili, cornbread and tea. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Reservations are required; $25 per person. Call Mary at 843-815-2472.
Oct. 18, May River
There will be two kayak tours of the May River offered: an "early bird" tour at 8 a.m. for $20, and a 10 a.m. tour for $25 per person. Price includes kayak and a 1-1/2 hour tour of the May River. Anyone that has a kayak and wants to tag along can do so for free. There is a 17-person maximum for each tour. Call 843-684-3296 for reservations.
Oct. 19, Oscar Frazier Park
Author Night with Mary Kay Andrews and Karen White will be presented from 6-8 p.m. at the Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park. These two best-selling Southern authors will share details about their background and writing, their past books, current ones and sneak previews on what’s next. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages will be provided; there will also be a book sale and signing. A $5 donation to Port Royal Sound Foundation (formerly Friends of the River) is requested per attendee. Reservations are required. Call Mary at 843-815-2472.
Oct. 20, Oscar Frazier Park
The Bluffton 5K Oyster Run Kick-Off Party will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Oscar Frazier Park.
Oct. 21, The Promenade
Family Night will be held starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Promenade, and will offer fun, food, storytelling, movies and activities for the whole family. A $5 donation per family to the Port Royal Foundation (formerly Friends of the Rivers) is requested. Food and drink will be available for purchase. The featured movie will be shown in the park in front of Parrot Cove Ice Cream Café; BYO lawn chairs or blanket.
Oct. 22, Various sites
The Art & Seafood Street Fest in old town Bluffton will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and will feature more than 90 local and regional artists. Local seafood and Lowcountry cuisine will be served by area restaurants. There will also be music and other entertainment. Other events include the Bluffton 5K Oyster Run, which will be held from 8:30-10 a.m.; and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., there will be a Children’s Fishing Tournament at the
Bluffton Oyster Co. Register between 10 and 10:30 a.m. at The Oyster Factory. There is no fee and prizes will be awarded. Interpretive one-hour nature tours of the May River will be offered at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., and 12:30, 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Cost is $20 per person; reservations recommended. Call 800-686-6996.
An “Art of Cuisine” Iron Chef Challenge will be held from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in Neptune’s Galley Then, at 6 p.m., Rockin’ on the Dock will get underway at the Bluffton Oyster Co.,
Oct. 23, old town Bluffton
The Art & Seafood Street Fest will continue from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. in old town Bluffton.
For more information, call 843-757-2583; or visit www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com.
