One of the Town of Bluffton’s greatest honors is bringing people together.
It is part of what makes this community special. Neighbors gathering in our parks. Families spending time outside. Friends reconnecting. These events shape how we experience Bluffton and make our community special.
In the years following the pandemic, the town made a clear commitment: Create more opportunities for connection. Each year since, we have expanded our events calendar to meet that goal. These events are not just activities – they are part of Bluffton’s quality of life.
This spring and summer, that commitment continues.
In May, residents can explore Bluffton’s history through the Mobile Symposium series, “Bluffton’s Legends and Lores,” led by Glen Umberger, the town’s historic preservationist, at the town’s Welcome Center (111 Calhoun Street).
These short, lunchtime talks highlight the stories behind places many of us pass every day, from the Squire Pope Carriage House to the Church of the Cross and the Burning of Bluffton. These lectures will be held each Thursday in May from noon to 12:30 p.m. Meet at the Welcome Center.
May also brings one of Bluffton’s most well-known traditions, Mayfest in Old Town on May 9. Mayfest, a.k.a. the Bluffton Village Festival, is hosted by the Rotary Club of Bluffton. The town will have a booth set up on May River Road, so please stop by and pick up informational brochures and promotional items.
Families can enjoy Movie Nights in the Park, beginning May 15 at Martin Family Park with Lilo and Stitch, followed by Shrek on June 12 at the Riverside Barn event lawn. Each evening begins with games, bounce houses, and time to gather before the movie starts.
June and July bring opportunities for fun in the sun with kids’ waterslide events at the Field of Dreams and Buckwalter Place Amphitheater Park. These are simple, active Saturday mornings designed for families to enjoy time together outdoors. These events will be held June 6 at the Oscar Frazier Park and July 18 at Buckwalter Place Park – both events are from 9 a.m. to noon.
As Independence Day approaches, Bluffton’s community spirit is on full display. Events begin with a flag ceremony and dedication on July 2, followed by the Stay Safe Bluffton 5K and a series of celebrations leading into July 3, including a pre-fireworks gathering at Martin Family Park and the town’s fireworks at Oyster Factory Park.
The calendar continues into late summer with a family-focused performance on Aug. 21, when the town hosts Rick Hubbard’s Great American Kids Show at New Riverside Barn Park. Show time is 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Each event is designed with a purpose: to create space for connection.
These gatherings take place in settings that define Bluffton – our parks, our riverfront, and our shared public spaces. I encourage you to join us. Bring your family. Invite a neighbor. Take part in the moments that continue to shape Bluffton.
Because in Bluffton, community is not just something we talk about – it is something we do.
