.jpg)
July Fourth weekend is very busy on Hilton Head, with the island’s fireworks displays attracting enormous crowds. This is generally about the busiest month, and advance reservations, whether for restaurants, accommodation, or even for many activities, are a necessity throughout July.
All sorts of celebrations are in store when you visit Hilton Head Island for the Fourth of July including, 5K run/walk, parades, music, a carnival, and of course fireworks! You’ll want to make sure you plan early and arrive with plenty of time to park and claim your space. Have a look at some highlights that are planned. Times can change so be sure to check the event links for any updates.
FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS & HAPPENINGS ON HILTON HEAD ISLAND
FIRECRACKER 5K
Start off your July Fourth with the 36th annual Hilton Head Firecracker 5K Walk and Run. This is the largest and oldest road race in Beaufort County, as well as one of the top 10 races in South Carolina. Starting in beautiful Jarvis Creek Park, you’ll experience a scenic tour of Hilton Head Island, complete with waterfront views and southern charm.
After you’ve crossed the finish line, take part in a fun post-race celebration featuring events for kids, music, BBQ, fresh fruit and refreshments, door prizes, and more. A percentage of proceeds from the event benefit local charities, including The Hilton Head Rotary Club and the Hilton Head High School Cross Country Team to name a couple. Register here for the Firecracker 5K.
SALUTE FROM THE SHORE
Over ten years ago, good friends Johnny Folsom and Toddy Smith were sitting on the beach on the Fourth of July talking about how they were enjoying family and friends while the young people of the military were defending us overseas. Johnny and Toddy decided that these people needed to be honored, and they set out to find a way to make this happen and so the Salute From the Shore was born.
Each year on the Fourth of July, hundreds of thousands of people gather on South Carolina's beaches to show their appreciation to America’s armed forces during a military aircraft flyover. This year, F-16s from the Shaw Air Force Base will fly overhead alongside military C-17s and privately owned vintage planes and should arrive at the Sea Pines Beach Club at approximately 1:30 p.m.
The flyover starts at Cherry Grove in the Myrtle Beach area and wraps up at the sand bar on the May River in Bluffton. Grab a chair and head to the beach. Then look to the sky shortly after 1pm for the flyover as they make their way down the coastline to Hilton Head Island beaches. Everyone is encouraged to come out to the beach to salute our military.
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
It’s not the Fourth without a fireworks show, and Hilton Head Island delivers! They’ll be plenty of fireworks and family activities from day through dusk.
Harbourfest Fourth of July Celebration
This year marks the 33rd year of Harbourfest! While Harbourfest is an all-summer long celebration that takes over Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina with fireworks, carnival games, face painting, music and more. Fireworks are typically Tuesday and Thursday nights but for the Fourth of July, they will be on Monday, July 4 (no show Tuesday, July 5) and will begin when right after dusk. Details on the celebration can be found here.
Activities include a special patriotic family show with Shannon Tanner at 6:30 and 8 p.m., and kids activities with Cappy the Clown from 6 to 9 p.m. There will also be train rides around the promenade for the children.
Staying in a Palmetto Dunes vacation home or villa make access to the Shelter Cove events easy! The Dunes Buggy can take you there, or it is easy to bike or walk along the paths. All guests walking/biking to Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina must use the pedestrian/bike underpass under 278. Shuttles will run continuously from 5-11 p.m. For more info call (800) 827-3006. Events are free and open to the public.
Sea Pines—Harbour Town Fourth of July Celebration
If you’re staying near one of Island Time’s vacation homes in Sea Pines, Harbour Town will celebrate the Fourth of July holiday with a variety of festivities including children’s activities, live music, food and beverages. The fireworks extravaganza that will light up the sky over the famous Harbour Town Lighthouse and Calibogue Sound. A wonderful time will be had by all—come and enjoy food, fun and live music. Fireworks will be at approximately 9 p.m. There is a $6.00 gate fee to enter Sea Pines Resort. For more info call Sea Pines Resort at (843) 785-3333 or visit www.seapines.com.
Harbour Town Fourth of July Parade
Before the fireworks, what could be better than a parade to show off your red, white and blue spirit? Decorate your bicycle, wagon, dog or kids for a full-filled parade around Harbour Town. Meet in the parking lot adjacent to the Quarterdeck at 8:30 a.m. to register and pick up decorating supplies. Parade lineup begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. and entries will be judged on patriotism. Supplies are limited to first 100 registered. Following the parade, continue the celebration with carnival games, inflatables and more. Call The Sea Pines Resort Recreation Department (843) 842-1979 for more information.
NOTE: For the celebrations listed, times and entertainment are subject to change and weather permitting so be sure to check to see if there are any changes before you head out.
There’s no better place to spend the Fourth of July than Hilton Head Island! We hope to see you soon in your red, white, and blue!
