The Sixteenth Annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival will be held in the charming cultural district of Bluffton SC. The festival is a week long event offering a myriad of activities. It will showcase locally harvested seafood, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, rich history, culture and art of the area and Southern hospitality found only in Bluffton.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Saturday, October 17, 2020

ART & CHALK

Chalk the Walk Art Competition
Presented by Bluffton Rotary Club

Field of Dreams Pavilion, Oscar Frazer Park:

• Chalk Art Competition for children- Registration 9:30 a.m
• Art Mural by Amiri- Unveiling 10 a.m.
• Chalk Art Competition for children- 10:15 a.m.
• Judging & Prizes- 11:15 a.m.

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• Cost is $35/per person and includes everything including Photography of your Adventure!
• 2 hours total time (includes the on-land instruction time).
• Lots of details & information on the website here:  www.StandandPaddle.com.
• Tours are available from SunRise to SunSet everyday.

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION 

• Meet and depart from Calhoun Street Dock.
• Tucked between Bluffton and Savannah and accessible only by boat, Daufuskie is the island on ‘the other side of the river’ and a real gem. This is a trip back in time, providing a glimpse into a fascinating chapter of the Low Country history.
• Join us for a small-group tour of the ‘undeveloped side’ of Daufuskie with our interpretive guide and USCG Licensed Captain.
• Visit several one-of-a-kind places: the First Union African Baptist Church, the Praise House, the Mary Field’s School (where author Pat Conroy taught) the site of the Bloody Point Lighthouse and several artisans’ studios.
• Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop and observe wildlife and historic points of interest.
• Learn about the native Gullah culture with its African and French influences and their struggle to hold on to their 100 year old customs and way of life. SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE.
• Attire:  Casual clothing that may get wet, sunscreen
• Duration:  4 hours
• Fee:  $85 per person
• Fee Includes:  Round Trip Interpretive boat cruise, golf carts, tour destinations, USCG licensed Captain & Interpretive Historian, snacks and refreshments.

THE OUTBACK

• A fantastic  excursion, the Outback combines boating and kayaking for a memorable Lowcountry experience.
• Begin your adventure with a boat cruise from Town Dock on the May River through salt marsh creeks en route to a private and secluded sea island.
• Your captain will choose one of several interesting routes that offer beautiful views of the low country landscape, dolphin, osprey, heron and bald eagles.
• If you do not wish to paddle, you can enjoy Page Island’s miles of nature trails, relaxing hammocks or fishing from the dock.
• View our video by clicking here. SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE.
• Duration:  4 hours
• Fee: $85 per person
• Fee Includes: round trip boat cruise, USCG Licensed Captain and Interpretive Naturalist guide, kayak, paddle and life preserver rental. Refreshments and snacks

HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More.

• Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free.
• Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.

BLUFFTON STATE OF MIND SUPPER SOIRÉE  6-9 p.m.

• Eat in the Street 4 Course Dinner with music, wine, art …… served in the center of Historic Calhoun Street highlighting some of our local chefs.
• Advance tickets required.
• Fee: $125 per person; limited to 120 attendees.

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Sunday, October 18, 2020

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• *Daily* See October 17, 2020 for details
  

ART ON THE STREET  11 a.m – 4 p.m.

• Stroll Calhoun Street and see our state designated cultural district come alive!
• Showcase Artists

FRIENDS OF BLUFFTON ARTISTS ANNUAL INVITATIONAL LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE

• A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art
• 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Showcase Artists

Musicians will entertain on Calhoun Street

• 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Maggie Evans Trio
• Art Exhibits, Music, Refreshments and More.

BOAT PARADE ON THE MAY BLESSING OF THE FLEET GOSPEL MUSIC CHURCH OF THE CROSS 4 p.m.

• Bring your lawn chair, view the Boat Parade
• Enjoy Gospel music by Lavon Stevens on the bluff or join the parade in your own boat.
• Make plans now to gather at the sandbar before 3 p.m.
• Process to the Church of the Cross following our Admiral of the Fleet
  

OYSTER FEST, 5 – 8 p.m., Bluffton Oyster Factory Park

• First Oyster Roast of the Season, Shrimp Boil & BBQ
• Live Music by MUDDY CREEK.
  
• No admission fee. Bucket of oysters $10; other food and drinks priced individually.

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Monday, October 19, 2020

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

*Daily* See October 17, 2020 for details

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY

• Join Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided “Skiff” cruise on the May River
• Search for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
• $20/per person…subject to availability.
• All trips leave on the hour every hour from the county dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
• Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION

• See October 17, 2020 for details

THE OUTBACK

• See October 17, 2020 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR 

• Meet and depart from Bluffton Oyster Company.
• Experience the beauty of the South Carolina Lowcountry salt marsh estuaries with a close-up view from the seat of a kayak.
• No experience is necessary for this laid-back excursion. A brief paddling clinic will introduce you to the basics of kayaking and get you comfortable in the boat.
• Then, depart Oyster Factory Park on the May River to explore waterways teeming with wildlife.
• Herons, osprey and other bird life are abundant, and you may have the opportunity to watch our local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin.
• SCHEDULE ONLINE HERE
• Attire: Casual clothing that may get wet, sunscreen Duration: 2 hours
• Min/Max: 4 / 40 Fee: $45 per person
• Fee Includes:  Interpretive naturalist guide, kayak, paddle and personal life preserver rental

HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. 

• Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House
• 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton
• $7/person, kids under 10 are free.
• Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.

DINNER & LEARN TOUR at Waddell Mariculture Center and Bluffton Family Seafood House 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.

• 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton
• Reservations required. $40/per person.
• Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center.
• To make your reservation please call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.
• Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center
• View the updated facilities, and learn from director, Erin Levesque
• The presentation will be given at two times, 5 and 6 p.m.
• It is followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant.
• Enjoy the prelude of freshly shucked oysters and picked crab along with the dinner buffet.
• Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase.
• During dinner Kimberly Jones, Watershed Management Division Manager for the Town of Bluffton and Dr. Al Stokes, former director of the Waddell Mariculture center, will share more about our waterways and their marine life.
• Learn how to be environmental stewards of our most cherished natural resources.

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Tuesday, October 20, 2020

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• *Daily* See October 17, 2020 for details

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS  10 a.m. – Noon

• Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions.
• This 2 hour in-depth tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world.
• Afterward enjoy a tasting of local seafood at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton.
• Limited availability.
• Call 843-304-2878 for reservations.
• $80.00 per person.

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION 

• See October 17, 2020 for details

THE OUTBACK

• See October 17, 2020 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR

• See October 19, 2020 for details

HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. 

• Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House
• 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton
• $7/person, kids under 10 are free.
• Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.

BLUFFTON JACK’S HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR, 6 p.m. AND 8 p.m. 

• Please join us for a walking GHOST TOUR of historic Old Town Bluffton.
• Hear spooky Bluffton tales told by certified tour guide, Bluffton Jack.
• Comfortable walking shoes suggested; bring your own flashlight; rain or shine; children welcome (suggested ages 9 and up).
• Tours begin at The Complete Home, 41 B Calhoun Street.
• Refreshments served.
• $18 ADULTS; $10 CHILDREN.
• RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.
• CALL 843-717-2175.

Join The Storybook Shoppe at 41 A Calhoun Street prior to the 6 p.m.  Haunted Tour for a Frightfully Fun evening of Spooky Stories at 5 p.m.

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Wednesday, October 16, 2019

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• *Daily* See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY

• *Daily* See October 14, 2019 for details

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION

• See October 12, 2019 for details

THE OUTBACK

• See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR

• See October 14, 2019 for details

HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. 

• Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House
• 70 Boundary Street in Historic Bluffton will be offered
• $7/person, kids under 10 are free. Call 843-757-6293
• For information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.

AUTHOR NIGHT – “Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy” 5:30 p.m.

• Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events.
• 6 p.m. Showtime.
• Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park (11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910).
• Cost: $15; additional donations accepted.
• Proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center.
• Reservations required: sign up ONLINE HERE or call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.

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Thursday, October 17, 2019

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• *Daily* See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY

• *Daily* See October 14, 2019 for details

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION

• See October 12, 2019 for details

THE OUTBACK

• See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR

• See October 14, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER OYSTER FARM TOUR WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS  10 a.m. – Noon

• Come enjoy a rare opportunity for an up-close-and-personal experience with May River Oyster Company’s pioneering oyster farm in collaboration with the Bluffton Seafood Festival and May River Excursions.
• This 2 hour in-depth tour brings you out to a working oyster farm where the farmers demonstrate the techniques and methods used to produce some of the best oysters in the world.
• Afterward enjoy a tasting of local seafood at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton.
• Limited availability.
• Call 843-304-2878 for reservations.
• $80 per person.

BLUFFTON JACK’S HAUNTED HISTORY TOUR, 6 p.m. AND 8 p.m.

• Please join us for a walking GHOST TOUR of historic Old Town Bluffton.
• Hear spooky Bluffton tales told by certified tour guide, Bluffton Jack.
• Comfortable walking shoes suggested; bring your own flashlight; rain or shine; children welcome (suggested ages 9 and up).
• Tours begin at The Complete Home, 41 B Calhoun Street.
• Refreshments served.
• $18 ADULTS; $10. CHILDREN.
• RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. CALL 843-717-2175.

BLUFFTON HISTORIC COCKTAIL PARTY 5 p.m.-8 p.m., $20 per person 

• Held on Common Ground at the Heyward House, RAIN OR SHINE.
• Featuring entertainment by Earl Williams and serving up delicious appetizers and specialty drinks.
• For more information and tickets call 843-757-6293.

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Friday, October 18, 2019

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

*Daily* See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY

• *Daily* See October 14, 2019 for details

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION

• See October 12, 2019 for details

THE OUTBACK

• See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR

• See October 14, 2019 for details
  

RED APRON SIPS AND SEAFOOD PARTY  6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Heyward House

• Presented by Bluffton Self Help
• 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.
• Enjoy savory cocktails, along with a wine pull, live and silent auctions.
• Limited tickets and sponsorships are available and can be purchased online at
• All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.

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Saturday, October 19, 2019

PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER

• *Daily* See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY

• *Daily* See October 14, 2019 for details

DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION

• See October 12, 2019 for details
  

THE OUTBACK

• See October 12, 2019 for details

MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOUR

• See October 14, 2019 for details

OLD TOWN OYSTER10K ROAD RACE & 5K RUN, 8 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

• Presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital
• Bluffton Oyster Factory Park.
• Join us for a run through Old Town Bluffton with scenic river and marsh views.
• Compete in a fast-paced 10K or complete the 5K with the entire family!
• Both events will be professionally timed.
• Awards presentation and After-Party sponsored by River Dog Brewing Company immediately follows.
• Music, Coffee, Cold River Dog Craft Beer, Oyster Shooters, Gumbo, May River Mimosas, Brewed Marys and much, much more!

TAKE A KID FISHING TOURNAMENT, BLUFFTON OYSTER CO. 10:30 a.m. –1:30 p.m.

HISTORY ALIVE! GUIDED TOURS of Bluffton’s Heyward House Museum and More. 

• Discounted Guided Museum Tours of the Heyward House will be offered for only $7/person, kids under 10 are free.
• Call 843-757-6293 for information and reservations or visit HeywardHouse.org.

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 100 local and regional artists from 10 different states.
• Displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and more.
• Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants.
• History of Bluffton at The Heyward House Museum and Welcome Center.

ERA Blue Point Tailgate Zone

Presented by ERA Evergreen Real Estate
Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street. Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer.

MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

• Presented by Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet
• Favorite bands will entertain on three stages throughout the day.
• Main Stage:
  10 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.: Jason Bible
  12:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Julie Gribble
  3 p.m.- 5 p.m.: Spike Ivory
• Stage 2:
  noon – 2:30 p.m.: Lee Tyler Post
• Stage 3:
  10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.: Chris Gore
  12:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.: Bottles and Cans
  2:30 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Gary Byrd and the Outlaws

ART IN THE PARK 11 a.m.– 4 p.m. DuBois Park on Boundary Street

• Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion.
• Visit the stations around the pavilion and create your very own masterpiece.
• Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

FAMILY ORIENTED MAGIC SHOW with Gary Maurer 1 p.m.

ROCKIN’ ON THE DOCK 6 p.m. – DUSK BLUFFTON OYSTER CO.

• Presented by Montage Palmetto Bluff
• Seafood Extravaganza Tasting
• Live music by NATURALLY SOUTHERN
• Fireworks at Dusk
• End the full day of activities with a grand finale.
• Eat great local seafood and watch the fireworks for a night to remember!

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Sunday, October 20, 2019

• PADDLE BOARD TOURS ON THE MAY RIVER. See October 12, 2019 for details
• MAY RIVER BOAT TOURS WITH MAY RIVER EXCURSIONS, MONDAY – SATURDAY. See October 14, 2019 for details
• DAUFUSKIE ISLAND HISTORY AND ARTISANS EXCURSION. See October 12, 2019 for details
• THE OUTBACK.See October 12, 2019 for details
• MAY RIVER KAYAK NATURE TOU. See October 14, 2019 for details
  

ART & SEAFOOD STREET FEST 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

HISTORIC DISTRICT BLUFFTON FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

• Enjoy our juried art show featuring over 112 local and regional artists from 10 different states.
• Displaying an array of fine art: oils, pastels, acrylics, photography, pottery, ceramics, water color and much, much more.
• Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants.

ERA Blue Point Tailgate Zone

• Presented by ERA Evergreen Real Estate
• Enjoy the delicious seafood and view the outstanding art on the street.
• Take a break at the Tailgate area and catch up on your favorite team’s game while enjoying craft beer.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Presented by Mike Reichenbach Chevrolet
• Favorite bands will entertain on three stages throughout the day.
• Main Stage:
  11 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.: Howard Paul
  1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.: J. Edwards
• Stage 2:
  1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Angela Easterling
• Stage 3:
  11 a.m – 1:15 p.m.: Gino Fanelli
  1:45 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Vanna and the Rump Shakers

ART IN THE PARK 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. DuBois Park on Boundary Street

• Children’s art activities conducted under the pavilion. Prizes, games, fun and much, much more for the budding artists of all ages.

FAMILY ORIENTED MAGIC SHOW with Gary Maurer 1 p.m.

• No Parking in Downtown Bluffton on Saturday, the 19th, and Sunday, the 20th.
• Free Shuttles provided by our sponsor, Old Town Trolley Tours, from Red Cedar Elementary (Bluffton Parkway to Red Cedar Street) on Saturday, 10/19: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. andSunday, 10/20: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• For more information 843-757-BLUF (2583)