Bluffton, South Carolina
From farmers markets and art walks to outdoor concerts and Lowcountry festivals — there's always something happening on the May River.
Year-Round Calendar
Bluffton punches well above its size when it comes to community events. Old Town comes alive with weekly markets, monthly art walks, and seasonal festivals that celebrate the town's Lowcountry heritage, local artists, and deep love of the outdoors. For a small town, the calendar is remarkably full — and the events feel genuinely local, not manufactured for tourists.
Spring and fall are peak season. The Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival draws thousands to Old Town each October, filling Calhoun Street with live music, local oysters, and the work of regional artists. The Farmers Market runs year-round on Thursday mornings at Bluffton Community Park, and the monthly Art Walk turns the galleries of Calhoun Street into an open-house evening that's become a fixture for locals and visitors alike.
Summer brings the Outdoor Concert Series to the waterfront, with free performances against a backdrop of the May River at dusk. Come December, the Holiday Parade winds through Old Town in a tradition that's been part of Bluffton's character for decades. Whatever time of year you visit, there's a good chance something is happening — check the listings below and plan around it.
Mark your calendar
Dates are confirmed for recurring annual events. Always verify with the organizer before traveling — schedules can shift.
| Event | Date | Time | Location | Admission | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bluffton Farmers Market | Every Thursday | 8 AM – 1 PM | Bluffton Community Park | Free | Details |
| Old Town Art Walk | First Friday of each month | 5 – 8 PM | Calhoun Street galleries | Free | Details |
| May River Music Series | Select Saturdays, spring–fall | Evenings | Waterfront Park, Old Town | Free | |
| Gullah Heritage Celebration | September (exact date TBA) | All day | Old Town Bluffton | Free | |
| September Sunset Concert | Third Saturday of September | 6 – 9 PM | Oyster Factory Park | Free | |
| October Art in the Park | Second weekend of October | 10 AM – 5 PM | Bluffton Community Park | Free | |
| Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival | Mid-October (3-day event) | Fri 5–9 PM · Sat 10 AM–9 PM · Sun 10 AM–5 PM | Old Town Bluffton | Free | Details |
| Lowcountry Oyster Festival | Late January | 11 AM – 5 PM | Bluffton Community Park | $10–$20 (tickets required) | Details |
| Bluffton Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting | First Saturday of December | Parade 6 PM · Tree lighting follows | Calhoun Street → Oyster Factory Park | Free | Details |
| Old Town Christmas Market | Weekends in December | 10 AM – 5 PM | Calhoun Street, Old Town | Free |
One of the Lowcountry's most beloved weekly markets. Browse fresh produce, local honey, artisan breads, handmade crafts, and prepared foods from regional vendors. Live music most weeks.
Parking: Free parking in the Bluffton Community Park lot off Bluffton Parkway. Arrive before 9 AM on busy weeks for the closest spots.
Stroll Calhoun Street as Old Town's galleries open their doors for an evening of art, wine, and community. Meet local artists, discover new work, and soak up the atmosphere of one of South Carolina's most charming historic districts.
Parking: Street parking along Calhoun Street and Boundary Street. The Heyward House lot (70 Boundary St) is available after hours. Arrive by 4:45 PM to find a spot before the crowds.
Outdoor concerts on the banks of the May River featuring regional and national acts spanning blues, Americana, jazz, and Southern rock. Bring a blanket, grab a local brew, and enjoy the sunset soundtrack.
Parking: Street parking on Calhoun Street and surrounding Old Town streets. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for evening shows.
Celebrate the Lowcountry's most iconic bivalve at this beloved annual festival. Thousands of bushels of local oysters are roasted and served alongside live music, craft beer, and all the Southern sides you can handle.
Parking: Bluffton Community Park lot plus overflow parking with shuttle service. Carpooling strongly recommended — the lot fills by noon.
A three-day celebration of Bluffton's creative spirit and culinary heritage. Over 100 artists and craftspeople line the streets of Old Town alongside seafood vendors, live performances, and family activities.
Parking: No dedicated festival lot — use Heyward House lot (70 Boundary St), Bluffton Parkway park-and-ride, or the Bluffton Community Park lot with a short walk. Arrive before 10 AM Saturday for street parking.
Kick off the holiday season Bluffton-style with a festive parade down Calhoun Street followed by the community tree lighting in Oyster Factory Park. Hot cocoa, carolers, and plenty of Lowcountry holiday cheer.
Parking: Arrive by 5 PM — Calhoun Street closes to traffic at 5:30 PM. Use Bluffton Community Park lot or Boundary Street side streets. The Heyward House lot (70 Boundary St) is a reliable option.
One of the most anticipated evenings of the Bluffton calendar — a free outdoor concert at Oyster Factory Park as the September light turns golden over the May River. Local and regional acts, food trucks, and a crowd that knows how to enjoy a Lowcountry evening.
Parking: Street parking on Calhoun Street and surrounding Old Town streets. Arrive 30–45 minutes early.
A juried fine art show set under the live oaks of Bluffton Community Park. Painters, sculptors, photographers, and jewelers from across the Southeast gather for a weekend that's become a highlight of the Lowcountry arts calendar.
Parking: Free parking in the Bluffton Community Park lot. Arrive before 10 AM on Saturday for the best spots.
A celebration of the Gullah Geechee culture that shaped Bluffton and the Lowcountry. Storytelling, traditional music, sweetgrass basket demonstrations, and Gullah cuisine bring this living heritage to life for visitors and locals alike.
Parking: Street parking throughout Old Town. Arrive early — this event draws a large local crowd.
Shop for handmade gifts, local art, and Lowcountry specialties at this festive outdoor market along Calhoun Street. Local vendors, warm drinks, and the glow of holiday lights in the live oak canopy make it a December tradition.
Parking: Street parking on Calhoun Street and Boundary Street. The Heyward House lot (70 Boundary St) is a reliable overflow option.
Keep exploring
Upcoming festivals, farmers market news, live music, and Bluffton happenings — delivered free.
