It’s Bluffton’s busiest event season
Bluffton has a crowded, fun-filled calendar of events, bringing plenty of opportunities to enjoy the cooler weather and spend time with friends and neighbors.
The Town’s Events and Venues Department brings these experiences to life throughout the year. Its team develops creative programs for residents of all ages and abilities.
The Town’s calendar includes Concerts in the Park, summer waterslide events, movie nights, Ballet in the Park, end-of-school pop-up events, the Bunny Bonanza, historic preservation lectures and the Kazoo Show. The Town also hosts a Glow Dance for residents with special needs and commemorative programs such as the 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony.
Some of Bluffton’s longest and largest traditions are also Town events, including our Independence Day 5K, pre-party, drone show and fireworks. The annual Christmas tree lighting and Bluffton Christmas Parade are always held during the first weekend in December.
Whether an event brings thousands of people or a smaller group of neighbors, the goal is the same: to help you love where you live.
Here is what we have planned for the remainder of 2026:
• Safety Spooktacular — Friday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m., Oscar Frazier Park: Bring the family out for an evening of Halloween fun with first responders, a helicopter display, a dunk booth (Bluffton police officers) and other activities. There will not be a costume contest for people this year, but our four-legged residents will have their chance to compete in the dog costume contest.
• Concert in the Park — Friday, Nov. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Buckwalter Place Park Amphitheater: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy live music by Groove Town Assault. This will be the third and final Concert in the Park of 2026.
• Christmas Tree Lighting — Friday, Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m.: Join us as we officially kick off the holiday season in Bluffton at Martin Family Park.
• Bluffton Christmas Parade — Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m.: One of Bluffton’s largest and most beloved traditions returns with creative floats, community groups, local businesses and plenty of holiday spirit. Can’t come? Join us live on Beaufort County TV for the broadcast.
• Holiday Ice Rink — Dec. 11-20, New Riverside Barn Park: For the first time, the Town will bring a free outdoor ice-skating experience to New Riverside. The rink will be open on selected afternoons and evenings throughout the 10-day celebration:
Friday, Dec. 11, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor
Saturday, Dec. 12, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor
Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., with a Holiday Craft Fair
Monday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 4-10 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 4-10 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 18, 4-10 p.m., with DJ “T-Bone” Taylor
Saturday, Dec. 19, 4-10 p.m., with a performance from The Nutcracker and a DJ
Sunday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Santa at New Riverside Barn — Friday, Dec. 11, 4-7 p.m.: Santa will visit the barn to meet families and pose for photographs. Bring your own camera to capture the moment.
• Holiday Craft Fair — Sunday, Dec. 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., New Riverside Event Lawn: Shop with local artists, craftspeople and hobbyists surrounding the ice rink. Stay tuned to the Town’s social media platforms for more details.
• Santa at the Welcome Center — Thursday, Dec. 17, 4-7 p.m.: Stop by the Welcome Center to visit Santa and take your own photographs.
• Afternoon Tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy — Saturday, Dec. 19, New Riverside: The Okatie Youth Ballet will present excerpts from The Nutcracker, followed by tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy inside New Riverside Barn. Stay tuned to the Town’s social media for more details.
I hope you will mark your calendar, bring your family and invite a neighbor to join you. These events belong to the community, and we hope you enjoy them.
Larry Toomer is the mayor of the Town of Bluffton. ltoomer@townofbluffton.com
Editor’s Note: As a service to readers, the newspaper regularly provides space to elected officials to share updates about the government bodies and communities they serve.
