For events, festivals and other community happenings in Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties, and around the Lowcountry, check out our Lowcountry Calendar of Events. If you have an open-to-the-public event you would like to announce, submit by email to:

Beaufort County events

Bluffton Independence Day 5K set for July 2 at 7 p.m. at New Riverside Barn Park

Residents and visitors are invited to participate in the third annual Bluffton Independence Day 5K and Kids Fun Run benefiting the Mayor’s Stay Safe Bluffton Scholarship Fund.

Register at: runsignup.com/Race/SC/Bluffton/BlufftonIndependenceDay5K

Event highlights:• 5K begins at 7 p.m.• Free “Chase the Chief” Kids Fun Run at 6:45 p.m.• First 400 registered participants receive a commemorative race T-shirt• Packet pickup: Wednesday, July 1, from 4-7 p.m. at New Riverside Barn, 30 Red Barn• No race-day registration• Awards ceremony immediately following the race• Free concert featuring Deas-Guyz following awards presentation• Food, beer, and wine available for purchase• *New*: Patriotic drone show at dark, sponsored by the Town of Bluffton and Fetch A Vet

Parking and Shuttle InformationAttendees should park at Pritchardville Elementary School, 9447 Evan Way, and use the free Savannah Trolley shuttle to New Riverside Barn Park.Shuttle service runs continuously from 5:30-11 p.m. The final shuttle departure from the event area will be approximately 10:30 p.m.Parking at New Riverside Barn Park is extremely limited and reserved for event operations, vendors, and ADA-accessible parking.Independence Day pre-party set for July 3 from 5p.m. until 9p.m. at Martin Family Park and DuBois Park

Enjoy a family-friendly evening filled with music, food, and activities before the fireworks display.Activities include:• Carnival-style games with patriotic prizes while supplies last• Bounce houses and rock wall• Food and beverage vendors• DJ Jeff “T-Bone” Taylor• Live music by the Parris Island Dirty Boots Brass Band from 6-7 p.m.• Presentation of the Colors by Bluffton Boy Scout Troop 241• National Anthem performance at 5:55 p.m. by a local student performerThe Town is committed to accessibility and inclusion. Many activities will be located on paved surfaces to accommodate guests of all abilities and/or with special needs.Fireworks DisplayFriday, July 3 | 9 p.m.Oyster Factory Park and Wright Family ParkThe Town’s annual 20-minute fireworks show will launch from a barge in the May River and can be viewed from both parks.Food vendors will be available, with food and beverages available for purchase.Please note barge positioning may change due to weather, water conditions, and other operational factors. Guests may need to adjust viewing locations.Parking and Shuttle for Pre-Party and FireworksAttendees are encouraged to use the free Savannah Trolley shuttle from Town Hall, 20 Bridge St.Parking is available near the shuttle stop, including:• Town Hall parking lots (20 Bridge Street surrounding Town Hall)• M.C. Riley Elementary School bus parking lot on Bridge Street• Newly renovated parking lot on Pritchard Street near the Beaufort County pool and   baseball field• M.C. Riley Early Education Center bus loop on Pritchard StreetShuttle service runs continuously from 4-11 p.m.Additional parking options include Town public parking lots and paid church parking at:• First Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 Robertson St.• Campbell Chapel AME Church, 25 Boundary St.• Cornerstone Church, 1300 May River Road

ADA ParkingDesignated ADA parking is available at Town Hall.A complimentary golf cart shuttle for guests with mobility needs will be provided by the Town of Bluffton and Hidden Treasures.Road ClosuresFor public safety, roads near event venues will be closed to vehicle traffic.Thursday evening:• Lawrence Street• Green StreetFriday beginning at 3 p.m.:• Calhoun Street from Green Street to Water Street• Bridge Street from Boundary Street to Wharf StreetLocal access will be limited after 8 p.m.Bluffton police officers will assist homeowners with access, except between 8-11 p.m.Dock Closures and Boater AdvisoryFor public safety, both the Calhoun Street Regional Dock and Oyster Factory Dock will close to pedestrians from 5-11 p.m. Friday, July 3.Boaters may access the May River throughout the day, but temporary restrictions will be implemented prior to and during the fireworks display.As launch time approaches, law enforcement will establish a safety zone around the fireworks barge. During this time, vessels may experience temporary restrictions entering or leaving certain areas.The public boat ramp remains open, but boaters should anticipate delays immediately before and during the fireworks display.Weather PolicyEvents will be held rain or shine unless canceled for safety reasons.Due to event logistics and staffing, canceled events will not be rescheduled.Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal in BlufftonPersonal fireworks are prohibited within Bluffton town limits.Bluffton police officers will confiscate illegal fireworks and respond to complaints.Bluffton Municipal Code Sec. 14-99:It is unlawful to fire, sell, store, or possess fireworks within the Town of Bluffton.

Town of Bluffton Independence Day Celebration July 3

Town of Bluffton 5th Annual Independence Day Celebration on Friday, July 3. The celebration will begin at 5 p.m. with a pre-party at Martin Family and DuBois Parks. The fireworks show will start shortly after 9 p.m. and will be visible from Oyster Factory and Wright Family Parks.

• Carnival-style games with patriotic prizes (while supplies last)

• Bounce houses and a rock wall

• Food and beverage concessions available for purchase

• 104.9 The Surf Jeff T-Bone Taylor

• Live music by the Parris Island “Dirty Boots” Brass Band from 6–7 p.m.

• Rick Hubbard’s Bubble Stuff Show

• National Anthem sung by a local Bluffton student

Fireworks Display: 9 p.m. | Oyster Factory & Wright Family Parks

The fireworks show will launch from a barge in the May River and can be viewed from both parks.

Note: Barge positioning may change due to various factors; attendees may need to adjust their seating to ensure the best view. 

Great American Kids Show set for Aug. 21 in Bluffton

The Town of Bluffton will be presenting Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show Aug. 21 at New Riverside Barn Park. Preshow starts at 6:30 p.m. with the performance from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. This is a free family event and there will be food trucks on site for purchases. Free kazoos will also be distributed while supplies last.

List of food pantries from around the Lowcountry

Jasper County Events

Families Against Gun Violence hosting event July 18 in Ridgeland

Families Against Gun Violence will be hosting a dinner at Wagonbranch Community Center in Ridgeland July 11 which will feature several speakers. The speakers will include law enforcement officials and others. For more information, contact LaHoma Scott at (843)368-6629.

Library Card Design Contest open until June 30

Get your creative energy ready because the Library Card Contest is now open! This exciting contest invites anyone who lives, works, studies, or volunteers in Allendale, Hampton, and Jasper counties to showcase their artistic talent by designing a brand-new library card! Show off your creativity and leave your mark on the community! For complete details: https://ahjlibrary.org/library-card-design-contest/