Things to Do This Weekend in Hilton Head, Bluffton & Beaufort
Looking for the best things to do this weekend in Hilton Head, Bluffton and Beaufort? We’ve rounded up the can’t-miss events happening across the Lowcountry, from live music and seasonal festivals to farmers markets, food and drink events, family-friendly fun and outdoor adventures. For a complete calendar of events, visit our event calendar here.
Updated weekly with the latest events in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton and Beaufort, SC.
Arts & Culture
Terpsichore, Too
When: 7 p.m., May 8-9
Where: Seahawk Cultural Center
Details: A polished and energetic showcase where rising dancers take the stage. Expect a mix of graceful ballet and expressive contemporary pieces that highlight the next generation of local talent. hiltonheaddance.com
OTHER EVENTS
Eloise: Times vary, May 9
May Palmetto Bluff Artist in Residence
When: Times vary, May 6-9
Where: FLOW Gallery + Workshop
Details: Not your average workshop. Join celebrated mixologist Tiffanie Barriere for a hands-on experience that blends craft cocktails with storytelling, technique and a little bit of showmanship. palmettobluff.com
Whispers from the Soul
When: Times vary, May 19-June 19
Where: Art League of Hilton Head Gallery
Details: Step into a quieter, more reflective space with Theresa King’s latest work. Rich in emotion and detail, this is the kind of exhibit that invites you to slow down and take a second look. Opening reception 5-7 p.m., May 20. artleaguehhi.org
OTHER EVENTS
Layers of Life: Times vary, now-May 15
Hilton Head Island Art Festival
When: Times vary, May 22-24
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Details: Three days, one beautiful harbor and more art than you can take in on a single lap. Grab a drink, a bite, and let the live music carry you from booth to booth. hiltonheadartfestival.com
Seussical, Jr.
When: Times vary, May 15-17
Where: USCB Center for the Arts
Details: Bright, playful and full of heart, this family-friendly production brings Dr. Seuss favorites together in a colorful world where imagination leads the way. uscbcenterforthearts.com
OTHER EVENTS
Taste of the Arts: Juried Exhibition: Times vary, May 1-June 10
The Shark is Broken
When: Times vary, May 15-24
Where: Main Street Theater
Details: What really happened behind the scenes of Jaws? This witty, fast-paced play dives into the tension, humor and egos that shaped one of cinema’s most iconic films. leanensemble.org
Hairspray
When: Times vary, now-May 24
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Details: Big hair, big laughs and a feel-good story that still resonates. This high-energy favorite promises catchy songs, colorful characters and a message that sticks after the curtain call. artshhi.com
OTHER EVENTS
An Evening with Mentalist Matt Cooper: 4 & 7:30 p.m., May 18
Other Arts & Culture Events
- Now-May 8: Annual High School Art Show at the Bluffton Public Library
- Now-May 17: Nikon’s Small World Photo Competition Exhibit at the Coastal Discovery Museum
- Now-June 20: The History and Archaeology of Fort Motte at the Morris Heritage Center
- Now-Oct. 23: All Creatures Great and Small at the Sea Pines Community Center
- May 1-17: Steel Magnolias at Coligny Theatre
- May 1-June 27: Water Water Everywhere at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery
- May 7-9: Alice in Wonderland Jr. at Hilton Head Preparatory School
- May 9: Second Saturday Sips at Maye River Gallery
- May 12: Lower School Spring Arts Showcase at Hilton Head Christian Academy
Charity & Community
Mayfest 2026
When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 9
Where: Historic Downtown Bluffton
Details: One of Bluffton’s most beloved traditions returns for its 46th year, bringing the town to life with local art, live music, great food and that unmistakable small-town energy. Come for a quick stroll, and you’ll likely stay all afternoon. blufftonrotary.org
NOTABLE EVENTS
Pie-Eating Contest: 11:30 a.m. at Dubois Park Pavilion
Ugly Dog Contest: 1 p.m. at the Heyward House
Wine Down Wednesday
When: 5-7 p.m., May 6
Where: Village at Wexford
Details: Midweek plans solved. Sip your way through Wexford with wine tastings, live music and in-store specials, all while supporting the Hilton Head Humane Association. Easy, social and for a good cause. villageatwexford.com
Original Gullah Festival
When: May 22-24
Where: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Details: This longtime celebration of Gullah culture fills the waterfront with music, storytelling and incredible food. Expect jazz, blues and African drumming, plus a chance to experience traditions that continue to shape the Lowcountry today. gullahfestival.org
Other Charity & Community Events
- May 9: Renegade Paws Rescue Adoption Event at Petco Bluffton
- May 14: Beaufort-Jasper VIM 9th Annual Bourbon & Bubbly Gala at Hewitt Oaks
- May 15: Town of Bluffton Movie Night at Martin Family Park
- May 16: The Lafayette Soirée at Historic Beaufort Foundation
- May 17: Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue May Carnival at Fire Station 1
- May 17: IACHH Italian Sunday Dinner at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church
- May 17: Salsa in the Park at Naval Heritage Park
- May 30: For the Love of Summer Annual Community Event at Martin Family Park
Food & Drink
Hilton Head Olive Oils & Balsamics events
Learn how to elevate everyday cooking with hands-on classes that are as fun as they are flavorful. From perfecting dressings to experimenting with bold new combinations, these sessions are made for curious home cooks. hiltonheadoils.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
- The Flavor Lab: 1 p.m., Wednesdays
- Salad Dressing 101: 1 p.m., Thursdays
- Olive Oil Masterclass: 1 p.m., Fridays
Rollers events
Your weekly excuse to discover a new favorite bottle. These casual tastings make it easy to sip, learn and stock up, whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just in it for a good time. rollerswineandspirits.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Bubbles & Blue: 2-4 p.m., May 17
- Tasty Tuesday Wine Tasting: 5-7 p.m., Tuesdays
- Thirsty Thursday Wine Tasting: 5-7 p.m., Thursdays
Cakebread Cellars Wine Dinner
When: 7 p.m., May 6
Where: Wise Guys
Details: A five-course experience led by executive chef Craig de Villiers, paired with Cakebread Cellars wines and insights from guest speaker Niki Williams. A must for Cakebread lovers. wiseguyshhi.com
Culinary events at The Sea Pines Resort
From curated wine dinners to lively tap takeovers, this lineup offers something for every palate. Go hungry and thirsty. seapines.com/events
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Links Somm Series: Meet Cakebread Cellars Winemaker Niki Williams: 5 p.m., May 6, Links, An American Grill
- Long Meadow Ranch Wine Dinner: 6:30 p.m., May 14, Harbour Town Clubhouse
- Tap Takeover: 5-8 p.m., May 19, Fraser’s Tavern
Yappy Hour
When: 4-6 p.m., May 6
Where: Nectar Bluffton
Details: Good food, live music and adoptable pups. Bring your friends, meet a few furry ones, and support the Hilton Head Humane Association while you’re at it. nectarfarmkitchen.com
Shafer Vineyards Wine Dinner
When: 6-9 p.m., May 21
Where: Alexander’s Restaurant & Wine Bar
Details: A refined evening of standout wines and thoughtfully paired dishes, with plenty of conversation to match. Ideal for those who like their dinners a little more elevated. alexandersrestaurant.com
Rombauer Vineyards Wine Dinner
When: 6 p.m., May 14
Where: Nectar Bluffton
Details: Expect bold wines, a thoughtfully crafted menu and a lively evening hosted by Rombauer’s Amelia Rauzin, alongside chef Adam Marshall. Come ready to indulge. nectarfarmkitchen.com
Other Food & Drink Events
- May 5: Welcome to Alba — May Wine Dinner at Chez Georges
- May 7 & 21: The Art of Tiki Cocktails Class
- May 8: Cinco’s Last Call Tequila Tasting at Captain Woody’s Hilton Head
- May 9 & 29: The Art of Pasta Making at TCL Culinary Institute of the South
- May 9: Momosa Brunch at Hewitt Oaks
- May 10: Mother’s Day Brunch at Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island
- May 10: Mother’s Day at Skull Creek Dockside
- May 10: Barre to the Bar at Shellring Ale Work
- May 12: Women Winemakers Dinner at Alfred’s Restaurant
- May 15: Fridays at the FOODseum: Oysters of the Coosaw River at TCL Culinary Institute of the South
- May 16: The Lot 9 Anniversary Bash at Lot 9 Brewing Co.
- May 21: Cigar Night at Shellring Ale Works
- May 21: Chef in Residence Dinner Series at May River Manor
- May 26-June 5: Pop-Up Southern Tea Room at Praise Assembly in Beaufort
- May 30: Lowcountry Boil at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa
Weekly Food Events
- Tuesdays: Battles & Bread at Wine Time Bluffton
- Wednesdays: Pasta Night at Wine Time Bluffton
- Wednesdays: Wine Tasting at Wine Time Washington Square
- Thursdays: Featured Wine Tasting at Wine Time Bluffton
- Thursdays: Pint Night at Fraser’s Tavern
- Thursdays & Fridays: Private Latte Art Class at Origin Coffee Bar HHI
- Fridays: Friday Uncorked at Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace
- Sundays: Mimosas & Melodies at Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace
Lecture & Classes
Art League Hilton Head classes
Looking for a creative reset? These hands-on workshops at the Art League Academy offer a fun way to learn something new, make something beautiful and maybe discover a hidden talent in the process. For a complete list of classes, visit artleaguehhi.org.
UPCOMING CLASSES
- Wine & Design: Resin Bottle Stoppers & Charms: 5 p.m., May 7
- Resin Casting: Jewelry, Dog Tags, Keychains & More: 9:30 a.m., May 15
- Wine & Design: Mosaics Edition: 5 p.m., May 28
Restorative Medicine Seminar
When: Noon-1 p.m., Tuesdays
Where: Fraum Center for Restorative Health
Details: Bring your questions and your appetite. This free lunchtime seminar covers the latest in restorative medicine, with insight into non-invasive options that may help the body heal itself and ease chronic pain. fraum.com
SOBA art classes
Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or getting back into the studio, these featured classes at the SOBA Gallery offer a great excuse to get creative. For a complete list, visit sobagallery.com.
UPCOMING CLASSES
- Introduction to Watercolor: 10 a.m., May 7
- Acrylic Painting: Marshes of the Lowcountry: 12:30 p.m., May 6, 13 & 20
Other Lectures & Classes
Libraries For Kids International events:
- May 18: Author Series: Laura Elizabeth
Hilton Head Audubon events:
- May 30: Certified Bird & Wildlife Habitat Ribbon Cutting & Celebration at HH PSD
Coastal Discovery Museum events:
- May 23: Sweet Basket Workshop
Beaufort County Library events:
- May 6: Composting, Food Waste Drop-Off Program at the Bluffton Branch
- May 21: Beaufort Strummers Community Jam at the Beaufort Branch
- May 28: Revolutionary Roots at the Hilton Head Branch
WACHH events:
- May 8: Linda Weissgold: Seeing the World Through an Intelligence Lens
Pat Conroy Literary Center events:
- May 7: Author Event with Marybeth Whalen
- May 22: An Evening with Sallie Ann Robinson
- May 30: Author Event with Brynn Barineau
Port Royal Sound Foundation events:
- May 9: Indigo Dye Workshop
- May 23: Microscopes & Marine Communities
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina events:
- May 21: YouTube 101
Markets & Shopping
Farmers and Art Markets
Enjoy the local flavors of the Lowcountry with some of these regular farmers and art markets:
- Bluffton Farmers Market: 12-4 p.m., Thursdays, 68 Boundary St.
- Hilton Head Island Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Tuesdays, Coastal Discovery Museum
- Port Royal Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-noon, Saturdays, Naval Heritage Park
- Forsythe Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, Savannah
- Beaufort First Friday: 5-8 p.m., first Friday of each month, Downtown Beaufort
- Hilton Head Community Market: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Saturdays, Shelter Cove Community Park
- Habersham Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace in Beaufort
- Farmers & Fishermen Sunset Market at Savannah Harbour: 4:30-8:30 p.m., 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturdays, Hutchinson Island
- Side Hustle Brewing Co. Farmers Market: 1-5 p.m., third Sunday of each month, Side Hustle Brewing Co.
- Second Saturday Shop & Stroll: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., second Saturday of each month, The Shops of Paris Avenue
- First Thursday Artisan Alley: 3-6 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Shops at Sea Pines Center
- Sip and Shop: Local Artisan & Makers Market: 12-5 p.m., May 24, Burnt Church Distillery
- Spring Tingz Maket’: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., May 9, Ma Daisy’s Porch
Music & Entertainment
Regular live music venues
Life is better with music, so why not enjoy live music every day of the week? These are some of our favorite local spots with regular live music this month. Check their websites and Facebook pages for details.
DAILY LIVE MUSIC VENUES
- Brother Shucker’s
- Coast, Oceanfront Dining
- Coligny Center Stage
- Fishcamp on Broad Creek
- FISH Casual Coastal Seafood
- Frosty Frog
- Harbourside
- Kind of Blue
- Lincoln & South Brewing Company
- Luther’s Rare & Well Done
- Quarterdeck
- Ruby Lee’s
- San Miguel’s
- Scott’s Fish Market
- Skull Creek Boathouse
- The Boardroom
- The Crazy Crab Jarvis Creek
- The Jazz Corner
- The Salty Dog Cafe
- The Sandbar Beach Eats
- The Studio
- Tiki Hut
MORE GREAT SPOTS (SELECT NIGHTS)
- A Lowcountry Backyard Restaurant (Mondays-Fridays)
- Agave (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- Big Bamboo Cafe (Mondays-Saturdays)
- Black Marlin Bayside Grill & Hurricane Bar (Wednesdays-Saturdays)
- Bluffton Oyster Co. Family Seafood House (Fridays & Saturdays)
- Burnt Church Distillery (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- Captain Woody’s Bluffton (Tuesdays)
- Celeste (Fridays & Saturdays)
- Cheap Seats Tavern 2 (Fridays)
- Chophouse 119 (Fridays)
- Hilton Head Brewing Co. (Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays)
- Hop Dog (Fridays)
- Island Winery (Saturdays)
- Lot 9 Brewing Company (Saturdays)
- Nectar Farm Kitchen in Old Town Bluffton (Fridays-Sundays)
- Okàn (Thursdays and Saturdays)
- Pomodori Too! (Thursdays-Saturdays)
- Red Fish (Tuesdays-Saturdays)
- Reilley’s Grill & Bar (Wednesdays-Fridays & Sundays)
- Rollers Wine & Spirits (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
- Santa Fe Cafe (Wednesdays-Saturdays)
- Shellring Ale Works (Fridays-Sundays)
- Sprout Momma (Wednesdays)
- The Clubhouse at Okatie Creek (Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays)
- The Dunes House (Mondays-Fridays)
- The Rooftop Bar at Poseidon (Wednesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays)
- Tio’s Latin American Kitchen Bluffton (Fridays)
Celebrate America
When: 7 p.m., May 24
Where: First Presbyterian Church
Details: A moving season finale from the Hilton Head Choral Society, honoring the men and women who have served through a powerful program of patriotic music. hiltonheadchoralsociety.org
Gregg Russell Spring Concerts
When: 8-9:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday starting May 21 (except May 25-26)
Where: Harbour Town
Details: A Lowcountry tradition under the Liberty Oak. Bring the family, grab a seat on the grass, and enjoy an evening of sing-alongs, stories and timeless tunes with a Hilton Head favorite. seapines.com
Music & Taste
When: 6-9 p.m., May 7 & 14
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Details: One of the best ways to spend a spring evening. Grab a drink, sample local bites, and let the music carry you onto the dance floor as the sun sets over the harbor. sheltercovehiltonhead.com
BAND LINEUP
- May 7: Target & Headliner Horns
- May 14: Deas Guyz
Other Entertainment & Music Events
- May 6: Middle School & Upper School Spring Concert and Art Walk at Hilton Head Christian Academy
- May 9 & 23: Street Music of Paris Avenue in Beaufort
- May 15: Bluffton Sunset Palooza at Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
- May 11: Montessori Musical Recital at Hilton Head Preparatory School
- May 24: Drivin’ N Cryin’ at Shellring Ale Works
Sports & Outdoors
May races
Looking for a reason to lace up? These local races combine fresh air, good company and a chance to support meaningful causes along the way.
UPCOMING RACES
- PRC Group Run: 7 a.m., May 9, Corner Perk Bluffton
- District Dash 5K: 9 a.m., May 9, Coligny Beach Park
- Bluffton May Day 5K: 8 a.m., May 16, Martin Family Park
- Hilton Head Freedom 5K: 8 a.m., May 25, Port Royal Plantation
- Turtle Trot 5K: 8 a.m., May 27, Palmetto Dunes (Dunes House)
Palmetto Bluff Conservancy events
Step into the wild side of the Lowcountry with guided experiences that bring you closer to the land, the water and everything that calls it home. From birding to fireflies, these programs make conservation feel personal. Visit palmettobluff.com/conservation for a complete list of events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Global Big Day: 7 a.m.-1 p.m., May 9
- Explore PBC: Firefly Foray: 8:30-10:30 p.m., May 15
- Let’s Talk About…Insects!: 12-1 p.m., May 27
Other Sports & Outdoor Events
- May 9 & 16: Beaufort Water Festival Fishing Tournament at Beaufort Boat & Supply Dock
- May 17: Beaufort Water Festival Sailing Regatta at Beaufort Yacht & Sailing Club
- May 17: Special Olympics Area 8 Drive to Inspire Golf Classic at Dolphin Head Golf Club
- May 20: Hilton Head Island Ride of Silence beginning at Port Royal Plaza
- May 22-24: Stan Smith Super Series at Sea Pines Racquet Club
Savannah Events
- May 7: Tracy Lawrence at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- May 8: October London at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- May 15: Ella Langley at Enmarket Arena
- May 15: TEDxSavannah 2026: “Shaping the Future at the Fine Arts Auditorium on Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus
- May 16: Chicago the Band at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- May 16: Sting at Enmarket Arena
- May 17: Flute Wine Festival at Forsyth Park
- May 18: Alison Krauss and Union Station at Johnny Mercer Theatre
- May 21: 2026 Margaret Gray Thomas Lecture at Telfair Academy
- May 29: Foodeefest at Savannah Tanger Outlets
- May 30: Nate Bargatze at Enmarket Arena
- May 31: Journey at Enmarket Arena
SCAD May events
Check out one of these artistic events this month at the Savannah College of Art and Design, the University of Creative Careers. scad.edu
UPCOMING EVENTS
- SCAD Jewelry Trunk Show 2026: May 14-15
- SCAD Fashion 2026: May 15
- A Courtyard Concert Series at the SCAD MOA: May 21
Save the Date
- June 2: June Southern Estates and Collections Auction at Everard Auctions & Appraisals
- June 2: June Wine Dinner at Alfred’s Restaurant
- June 3: Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K at Dunes House
- June 4: National Cheese Day at Holy Tequila
- June 4-5: Sankofa Nights at USCB Hilton Head Campus
- June 5: Greater Bluffton Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at The Cove
- June 5: Annual Fun in the Sun for Everyone at The Marriott Vacation Club International’s SurfWatch Resort
- June 5: Mastering the Five Mother Sauces at TCL Culinary Institute of the South
- June 5: 5th Annual Black Moses Freedom Festival at Penn Center
- June 5: Fast Times at Hilton Head High at Hilton Head High School
