2016 Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival

Every year we wait with anticipation for the "R" months - for oysters, for cool weather, for get togethers in the middle of Bluffton, SC on Calhoun Street and in the Promenade - it's finally time!

This year, more than most, we certainly need the break. Never will anyone around here hear the name "Matthew" without having a shudder go down their spine. But, it's time to have some well-deserved fun and enjoy the 12th Annual Bluffton Seafood and Arts Festival.

When: THE WHOLE WEEK from October 15-23, 2016

Where: ALL OVER Bluffton

Hours: Depending on the Day
What: Fishing Tournaments, Tours of historical sites, art show, cooking demonstrations, FOOD
Cost: Mostly FREEEEEEE-unless you do the paddleboarding classes, the boat rides, tours, dinner & learn at Waddell, etc.

Contact: Depends on which event

More info: www.blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.com

What is going on?

Well, basically everything and anything! I know that sounds vague but this is definitely a time when the little Town of Bluffton really struts its stuff. There is an abundance of natural surroundings here and with the history of "Bluff-town" and the beauty of the May River, this festival really highlights it.

Here's a VERY brief lineup:

Saturday, October 15 - got a little cut apart because of the "M" word - so the fishing tournament and a Gullah history tour was cancelled - better luck next year.

Sunday, October 16th - things really get underway! Bluffton local artist showcase, music, and food. The boat parade and blessing of the fleet happens at 4PM. There was supposed to be an oyster roast but that is most likely cancelled - our oyster beds are closed most likely due to contamination and to eat anything other than May River oysters is blasphemy.

Monday, October 17th - I think this is the most fun of all since I'm a big fan/supporter of the Waddell Mariculture Center. The head of the center, Dr. Al Stokes, leads guests on a tour of the interesting facility and tells about its critical role in maintaining and monitoring the stock of our fish. Later a tasty dinner on the banks of the Colleton River. Cost $30pp, call 843-815-2472 or 843-815-2484 for reservations.

Tuesday, October 18th - Kayak and paddle board tours $25, May River boat tours $20, and the highlight for this day, a GHOST TOUR narrated by actors from the May River Theatre! Only $15 and Call Mary again!

Wednesday, October 19th - Add to the kayak/paddle board tours, and boat tours, Author Night - a tribute to 'our very own' Pat Conroy. To be held at the Rotary Community Center in Oscar Frazier Park - again CALL MARY!

Thursday, October 20th - Again, if you haven't had enough of the kayak and paddle board tours or boat tours, now you can come for Wine Tasting at the Oyster Bar in the Promenade - $20 and this time call Jimmy 843-338-8129 (we're a friendly group around here, notice no last names)

Friday, October 21st - Yep you still have the option to get on your board or get on the boat but this is a special opportunity this evening; having oysters on Jack Rowe Island - $50 but it's the trip, a beautiful night guaranteed, call 843-684-2496.

Saturday - October 22nd - the major festivities at last! All of the paddle boarding, boat trips continue but at 10AM the Art & Seafood Street fest! Beautiful art from around the area, fun strolling down Calhoun Street, bands and food food food! Be sure to shop for your Christmas and Holiday presents your family and friends will be glad that you 'shopped local' and found them unique gifts! At 6PM enjoy "Rockin' on the Dock"!

Sunday - October 23rd - the Art & Seafood Festival continues down Calhoun Street and NOW you can show that you know exactly what to do and can stay balanced on your paddleboard and kayak- there will be a paddlesports parade at 5PM!

Where can you get tickets?

As you can see above, MARY is absolutely in the know for this festival. In general most things are free but go to the website I mention or CALL MARY!

Where does the money go?

Many of the functions go to support the Waddell Mariculture Center. If you haven't gone there, I highly recommend it!

Hints to enjoy the Festival?

1.  There will be NO PARKING IN OLD TOWN BLUFFTON on either Saturday or Sunday! Laods of shuttles and buses will take you from the parking area at Red Cedar Elementary to all the fun. For other activities, it's best to come early; parking is always at a premium in Bluffton anyway.

2.  Bring a blanket or chairs to sit on. It's so much fun to sit and listen to the bands and also nice to have a place to sit while you munch on the food.

3.   Bring cash - most if not all of the vendors/artists have the new little credit card zappers for their tablets but these are small businesses and they all appreciate the green stuff!

Doesn't this sound like a great thing to do? Wouldn't you LOVE to live in a community that has these kinds of events? 

--

Susan Jacobsen
Associate Broker
The Alliance Group Realty
843-384-0979

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