News Summary
Memorial Day weekend promises a variety of family-friendly events in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort. The Hilton Head Art Festival and the Original Gullah Festival are major attractions, while memorial ceremonies honor military service members. Increased travel is expected, with millions traveling by air and car, leading to heightened traffic. Safety measures and accessibility improvements at beaches will be implemented to accommodate large crowds. A recent tragic incident highlights the importance of water safety during the busy holiday. Overall, this weekend will be significant for both locals and visitors.
Hilton Head, SC – Memorial Day weekend is set to be an exciting time for residents and visitors alike in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort, offering an array of events and activities geared towards families and holiday travelers. With traffic predicted to surge due to the holiday, individuals are encouraged to plan ahead as they embark on their weekend adventures.
This weekend, Hilton Head Island will host a variety of family-friendly activities. The Hilton Head Art Festival will take place from Friday to Sunday at Shelter Cove, featuring dozens of artists showcasing and selling their creations, including paintings, photo prints, pottery, jewelry, and more. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and conclude on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
On Sunday evening, a Patriotic Choir Concert titled “America Sings!” will be presented by the Hilton Head Choral Society and Category V Brass. This concert is set for 7:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. Ticket prices are $30 for adults and $15 for children, making it an accessible option for families looking to enjoy patriotic music together.
Meanwhile, Beaufort will host the Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina from May 23–25 at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The festival offers free admission and features a variety of performances, workshops, traditional Gullah food, arts and crafts, live storytelling, and music. This annual celebration promotes the rich culture and heritage of the Gullah community, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
In addition to the festivities, several memorial ceremonies are scheduled to honor those who have served in the military. The Bluffton Township Memorial Day Ceremony, sponsored by American Legion Post 205, will take place on Monday at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Buckwalter Place Park. This event will include a special mention of Kathy Strong, who is working to purchase a memorial brick for every state, with Bluffton being her choice for South Carolina.
On the same day, Hilton Head Island will hold its Annual Memorial Day Ceremony at the Veteran’s Memorial, Shelter Cove Community Park, starting at 9:30 a.m. These ceremonies provide a time for reflection and appreciation of the sacrifices made by service members.
Travel predictions indicate that over 3.5 million people are expected to travel by plane for the holiday weekend, sparking increased activity at airports. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport anticipates one of the busiest weekends of the summer, with a peak of nearly 54,000 flights scheduled for Thursday. Travelers are advised to arrive early due to expected longer security lines and to comply with TSA guidelines for a smoother experience.
For those opting to drive, AAA has forecasted that more than 45 million people will travel at least 50 miles over the four-day weekend, with over 40 million expected to travel by car. It is recommended that drivers leave early to avoid heavy traffic, particularly on Friday when congestion tends to peak.
In preparation for increased crowds on Hilton Head’s beaches, new accessibility measures, including Mobi-Mats and additional beach wheelchairs, will be provided. Beachgoers are advised to observe caution in the water and respect sea turtle nesting habitats as they enjoy the holiday.
However, with the surge in visitors and activities comes a heightened safety warning. Law enforcement presence along highways and at the airport is expected to increase, with drivers encouraged to adhere to speed limits. Airport officials recommend using cell phone lots for passenger pickups to alleviate congestion.
In a recent tragic incident, a 50-year-old New Jersey woman, Aine Ni Cheallaigh, drowned while boogie boarding off Hilton Head Island. She was found unresponsive and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have stated that her death is not considered suspicious, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of water safety during the busy holiday.
With a blend of cultural events, remembrance ceremonies, and travel predictions, Memorial Day weekend is shaping up to be a significant occasion on Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, and Beaufort.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Celebrates 40th Original Gullah Festival
Beaufort to Honor Fallen Service Members This Memorial Day
40th Original Gullah Festival Celebrates Gullah Heritage
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Trump Grants Pardon to Former Councilwoman Michele Fiore
Beaufort Nurses Recognized with 2025 Palmetto Gold Award
Quilts Celebrate Culture at Hilton Head Island Event
Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Community Hospital in Bluffton
Additional Resources
- Island Packet: Memorial Day Weekend Events
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- WTOC: Airport Preparedness for Memorial Day
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island
- NJ.com: Tragic Incident in Hilton Head
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- WJCL: Beach Preparations for Crowds
- Google News: Memorial Day 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
