Bluffton to celebrate Independence Day with two days of family fun, music and fireworks

The Town of Bluffton will celebrate Independence Day with a two-day lineup of events on July 2nd and 3rd, including a 5K race, live music, family activities, and a fireworks show over the May River.

Now in its fourth year, the town-sponsored festivities begin Wednesday, July 2nd, with the second annual Bluffton Independence Day 5K at Oyster Factory Park. The race steps off at 7 p.m. and benefits the Mayor’s “Stay Safe, Bluffton!” initiative, which funds student scholarships promoting safe driving.

The event is open to all ages and welcomes strollers and leashed dogs. The top three canine finishers will win prizes, and the first 400 registrants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt. Winners will be awarded the “Mayor’s Cup,” with their names engraved and displayed at Town Hall.

Live music from Deas-Guyz, a popular Lowcountry band known for its blend of Motown and beach music, will accompany the race and continue until 8:30 p.m. Food, beer, and wine will be available for purchase.

Runners and spectators must park at M.C. Riley Elementary School and use the free Palmetto Breeze shuttle to access Oyster Factory Park. Paid parking is also available at First Zion Missionary Baptist Church and Campbell Chapel AME Church, with proceeds benefiting church programs.

The celebration continues Thursday, July 3rd, with a pre-party at Martin Family and DuBois Parks from 5 to 9 p.m. The evening will feature carnival-style games, bounce houses, a rock climbing wall, and food vendors. DJ Jeff “T-Bone” Taylor will emcee the festivities, with live music from the Marine Corps Parris Island “Dirty Boots” Brass Band scheduled from 6 to 7 p.m. A local teenager will perform the national anthem on electric guitar at 5:55 p.m.

The day concludes with a 20-minute fireworks display beginning at 9 p.m. The show will launch from a barge in the May River and can be viewed from Oyster Factory and Wright Family Parks. Due to potential changes in barge positioning, attendees are advised to adjust their seating for optimal viewing.

To accommodate the crowds, road closures around Calhoun, Green, Lawrence, Bridge, and Water streets will go into effect starting Wednesday evening and again at 4 p.m. Thursday. Homeowners will have limited access during the event, and police officers will be stationed at key intersections to assist with traffic flow.

Both the Calhoun Street Regional Dock and the Oyster Factory Dock will be closed to pedestrian traffic from 5 to 11 p.m. on July 3rd due to safety concerns. Boaters will still be able to access the docks.

Handicapped parking will be available at Town Hall, with free golf cart transportation for attendees with mobility needs.

Town officials remind residents and visitors that personal fireworks are prohibited within Bluffton limits and will be confiscated. The events will proceed rain or shine, unless canceled for safety reasons.

For more information or to register for the 5K, visit runsignup.com.