Follow the Oyster to the
19th Annual Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival
Where Fine Art and The Bounty of the Sea Come Together
October 14 – 22, 2023
2023 Event Schedule
Walk For Freedom
Oyster Factory Park
9:00 am - 11:00 am
On October 14, people will rally in hundreds of cities across the globe for the 9th annual Walk For Freedom. This event is a collective effort led by A21, a global nonprofit organization determined to eradicate human trafficking through awareness, intervention, and aftercare. Walk For Freedom is A21's global response to human trafficking, raising awareness and funds for the millions enslaved in the world today.
This is another way Bluffton can come together to stand against this injustice and by walking for them in silence, our actions will speak volumes to let them know they are seen and heard. Stop all slavery now!
Bluffton State of Mind Supper Soirée
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Calhoun Street, Historic Old Town Bluffton
Eat in the street 4 Course Dinner with music, wine,... served in the center of Historic Calhoun Street highlighting some of our local chefs.
Come enjoy a night under the stars!
$150 per person; limited to 120 attendees.
Advanced Purchase Required.-SOLD OUT
Art In The Park- A celebration of all things local
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Stroll Old Town Bluffton and see our state designated cultural district come alive!
POP UP ART on the street, on gallery porches and in Martin Park - temporary art displays join the many galleries to highlight the artistic and cultural side of Bluffton.
A celebration of exceptional handmade, original local art including oil and acrylic paintings, pottery and much, much more.
Art Exhibits, Music by Pete Carroll and More in Old Town.
Blessing of The Fleet, Parade
4:00 pm
GOSPEL MUSIC WRIGHT PARK
Bring your lawn chair, view the Boat Parade and 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 3:00 PM and process to the Public Dock in Wright Park following our Admiral of the Fleet, LINDA TOOMER, in the biggest shrimp boat fleet you've ever seen!
Oyster Fest
5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
First Oyster Roast of the Season ($20 for a bucket of oysters), Shrimp Boil & BBQ, Live Music with Crosstown Traffic.
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
Dinner & Learn
TOUR OF WADDELL MARICULTURE CENTER
Tours available at 4:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:00 pm, 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton. Only closed toe shoes.
Reservations required. $45/ per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. The tours will be given at five times, 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner presentations will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources by Kim Jones and Al Stokes.
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
May River Oyster Farm Tour
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
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 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 lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability.
Call 843-304-2878 to reserve or online (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/mayriverexcursions/items/110556/?full-items=yes&flow=no).
$115/ person (incl. lunch).
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
Author Night
5:30 pm hors d'oeuvres, 6:00 pm showtime
Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park
11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910
"Cherishing Bluffton's Past" through a panel of local storytellers sharing stories and history of Bluffton through the decades.
Join us as we host a panel discussion discussing what makes Bluffton special, and sharing stories of the innovators and characters that helped Bluffton evolve from a May River hamlet of 500 residents and one restaurant to the boom town of tourist and commerce we are today.
Panelists include:
- former Mayor and native Blufftonian Emmett McCracken
- Award-winning Island Packet columnist David Lauderdale
- Long-time Bluffton Today columnist Annelore Harrell
- Bluffton native and long-time town activist Allyne Mitchell
Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events;
Cost: $15.00; additional donations accepted; proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center.
Reservations required: click below, or call Mary at 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2474.
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
May River Oyster Farm Tour
10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
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 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 lunch at Bluffton Seafood House in Historic Downtown Bluffton. Limited availability.
Call 843-304-2878 to reserve or online (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/mayriverexcursions/items/110556/?full-items=yes&flow=no).
$115/ person (incl. lunch).
Outdoor Pops in the Park
7:30 pm (rain or shine)
Martin Family Park
68 Boundary Street
Celebrate Hollywood! Enjoy the sweet sounds of your own Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra under the stars. General lawn seating; please bring your own folding chairs and blankets and a picnic dinner.
“Hollywood in the Lowcountry” features Bluffton’s own Broadway royalty, vocalists Meredith Inglesby and Steve Blanchard, in a program that includes iconic scores associated with our corner of the world. Music from classic movies featuring themes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Forrest Gump, and The Prince of Tides is paired with John Williams’ classics, and signature songs by Inglesby and Blanchard from their Broadway roles. The Abeni Cultural Arts Dancers join the HHSO for the Lowcountry’s signature song, Kymbahah. Also making an appearance will be the “Berlioz Bells” from the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra in the finale, Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
Admission is FREE for the performance; however, patrons may consider purchasing table tickets - very limited.
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
Red Apron Sips & Seafood Prelude Party in the Promenade
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Benefiting Bluffton Self Help
Enjoy the sounds of the Evolution Big Band as they perform in St. Joseph Park. Peruse the shops and enjoy champagne and appetizer samplings along the way. Complete your evening with dinner at one of our fine restaurants in the Promenade. Please bring some canned food for Bluffton Self Help and help fill their van!
There will be NO PARKING in Downtown Bluffton Saturday and Sunday!
(Except for the Oyster Race & Run at the Oyster Factory Park on Saturday morning)
Free Shuttles provided from Red Cedar Elementary
Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
For more information, call 843-757-BLUF (2583).
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
Old Town Oyster Race & Run
8:00 - 10:30 am
10K Road Race, 5K Run Options
Bluffton Oyster Factory Park
Presented by Beaufort Memorial Hospital
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 immediately following. Music, Cold Beer, Oyster Shooters, May River Mimosas, and much, much more!
Take a Kid Fishing Tournament
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Wright Park
Take a Kid Fishing Tournament sponsored by Bluffton Marine Sports and Supplies, Coldwell Banker Access Realty, Go Mortgage, Spartina Marine Education Charters, and managed by the Bluffton Chapter of Coastal Conservation Association.
There will be some amazing prizes for everyone and the first 25 kids will get a free rod and reel combo. Drinks will be provided and don't forget to sign up for The Mud Minnow Roundup. (Winner Takes All). Last but not least, the salt water trivia game and the shrimp basket full of prizes!!!
Register between 10:00-11:00AM at Wright Park/Bluffton Town Dock. Weigh-In at 1:00PM at Wright Park. Children 13 and under welcome with parents. There is no fee. Prizes will be awarded. There is limited parking at Wright Park. Alternative parking at the Oyster Factory and behind MC Riley Elementary.
Bring your own fishing equipment if possible; limited equipment will be available on a first come first serve basis.
To pre-register call Tom at 912-210-1222.
Street Fest
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Historic Downtown Bluffton. Fun for All!
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 much, much more.
Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. 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 and music.
Music & Entertainment
All Day
Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.
Art in The Park
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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.
Rockin' on the Dock
6:00 pm - Dusk
Bluffton Oyster Co.
- Seafood Extravaganza Tasting
- Live music with the Chiggers
- 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!
There will be NO PARKING in Downtown Bluffton Saturday and Sunday!
Free Shuttles from Red Cedar Elementary
Saturday: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
For more information, call 843-757-BLUF (2583).
May River Boat Tour
Monday-Sunday, every hour on the hour
Meet at Public Dock at the end of Calhoun Street.
Join May River Excursions Capt. Chris and his crew for a one hour guided "Skiff" cruise on the May searching for local wildlife, discussing history and soaking up the tidal estuary air.
$35 per person, subject to availability. All trips leave on the hour every hour from the public dock at the end of Calhoun Street in Wright Park.
Please call Capt. Chris for reservations and more information. 843-304-2878
Street Fest
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Historic Downtown Bluffton. Fun for All!
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 much, much more.
Local seafood and low country cuisine served by area restaurants. 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 and music.
Music & Entertainment
All Day
Favorite bands will entertain on two stages throughout the day.
Art in The Park
11:00 am - 4:00 pm
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.
Sips & Seafood Party
6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Hewitt Oaks
Join us for a grand celebration under the stars on the beautiful grounds of Hewitt Oaks. The evening includes sensational Lowcountry dining, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull, live auctions as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need.
Limited tickets and sponsorships are available and can be purchased online at sipsandseafood.com.
All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.