Fall festival fun back in the Lowcountry

Hurricane Matthew put a damper on our plans for fall fun here in Beaufort with the cancellation of OktoPRfest in Port Royal and the much anticipated Daufuskie Island Rum and Strum Music Festival. But this weekend, the family fun starts here in the Lowcountry. One of the perks of Lowcountry Living is that there is always a reason to celebrate being here. Make sure you pull yourself away from a football game or two (don’t worry, you can record it) and check out these fun festivals!

Happy fall y’all!

 

Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival
October 15th through October 23rd

The historic district of Bluffton will host this year’s week-long Arts & Seafood Festival. A juried art show highlights the festival, featuring more than 100 artists from 10 different states. Like all Lowcountry festivals, there will be plenty of delicious local cuisine, live music, and fun for the whole family. More info here: http://www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com/events.html

Pat Conroy Literary Festival
October 20th through October 23rd

The life and works of Beaufort’s favorite literary prince are celebrated during this 4-day event that boasts over 40 Southern writers and performers taking over the USCB Center for the Arts. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/PatConroyFestival/

harvestfestival2016artHabersham Harvest Festival
October 22nd & 23rd

By far the Lowcountry’s most popular fall festival, the stunning community of Habersham opens itself up to the community with a fun-filled festival with something for everyone. Their famous ferris wheel will be back, along with carnival games, a Pickle Eating Contest, craft booths from local business owners, and food stands that will satisfy everyone’s appetite. More info here: http://habershamsc.com/harvest-festival/

Lowcountry VegFest
October 22nd
Well, this is a first! In the midst of all these seafood festivals, there is finally a festival that celebrates all things vegan! The Palmetto Plant Eaters Club of Bluffton launches its first-ever vegan festival this year with live music, delicious vegan food and beverages, vegan food preparation demonstrations, educational speakers, and entertainment for the kids.  More info here: http://lowcountryvegfest.com/#intro-1

gullahgeecheeseafoodfestGullah/Geechee Seafood Festival & Famlee Day
October 22nd

The Sea Islands are deeply rooted in Gullah/Geechee culture, and this festival does celebrates it in every way possible with a day full of fun including tons of local seafood, water activities, and live entertainment, all at Hunting Island State Park.  More info here: https://www.facebook.com/120826367965458/photos/gm.180829485669168/1076414805739938/?type=3&theater

fallfestivalhousesandgardens2016Beaufort”s Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
October 28th through October 30th
How many of you have driven through Beaufort’s historic district and imagined what it must be like inside those gorgeous, antebellum homes? Historic Beaufort Foundation’s annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens welcomes you to take an up close and personal look at some of the district’s most elaborate, elegant homes.  More info here: https://www.eatstayplaybeaufort.com/fall-festival-of-houses-and-gardens-provides-a-rare-view

The Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival and Concours d’Elegance
November 4th through November 6th

In its 15th year, this is THE festival for car, boat, and airplane lovers. Folks from all over the world flock to the Port Royal Golf Club on Hilton Head to celebrate transportation from all decades.  More info here: http://www.hhiconcours.com/events/hilton-head-island.html

blufftoninternationandcraftbeerfestBluffton International & Craft Beer Fest
November 5th

Calling all beer connoisseurs – this one is for you! The Bluffton International & Craft Beer Fest offers over 180 beers from 40 different breweries. It’s well worth the drive to Bluffton’s Oyster Factory Park along the May River – just make sure you make plans for a ride home.  More info here: http://blufftonbeerfest.com/

Hilton Head Oyster Festival
November 11th through November 13th

Around here, fall means oyster season, and this is one of the more exciting festivals south of the Broad River that celebrates this local delicacy. Live entertainment rounds out this truly Lowcountry experience. More info here: http://www.islandreccenter.org/community-events/oyster-festival

 

As you can see there is no shortage of fun to be had this early fall. Take your pick or enjoy them all!