Celebrate July 4th in the South Carolina Lowcountry: Your Guide to Fireworks, Festivals & Family Fun in Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort
Looking for the best way to celebrate Independence Day in the Lowcountry? From waterfront fireworks and patriotic parades to food festivals and family-friendly races, Beaufort County is bursting with red, white, and blue celebrations this Fourth of July. Whether you're a local or exploring Hilton Head real estate, Bluffton neighborhoods, or homes for sale in Beaufort, these July 4th festivities are a perfect reminder of why living in the Lowcountry means living where you love to celebrate.
Salute from the Shore Flyover
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Viewable along the beaches and waterfronts of Beaufort County
Don’t miss this awe-inspiring military flyover featuring F-16s and vintage aircraft as they soar the South Carolina coastline. This patriotic tradition honors America’s military and ends near Bluffton’s May River sandbar—an ideal spot to take it all in.
Hilton Head Island 4th of July Events
Shelter Cove Fireworks & HarbourFest
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Live entertainment begins at 6:30 PM, fireworks at dusk
Location: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Experience Hilton Head’s biggest fireworks display! With live music, face painting, bounce houses, and Cappy the Clown, this event is perfect for all ages. Park at HH Community Church and hop on the free shuttle.
Nearby restaurants: Scott’s Fish Market, Ela’s on the Water, Top Dawg Tavern, San Miguel’s Mexican
Hilton Head Firecracker 5K
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Honey Horn Park
Start your day with a scenic race through the island. A family-friendly event celebrating 41 years of running and fun. Register at hiltonheadfirecracker5000.com.
Harbour Town Parade & Gregg Russell Concert
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Parade at 9:30 AM, concert at 8 PM, fireworks to follow
Location: Harbour Town, Sea Pines
Decorate your bikes and pets for the morning parade, then return in the evening for a Sea Pines favorite—Gregg Russell’s concert under the Liberty Oak followed by fireworks over Calibogue Sound.
Nearby restaurants: Crazy Crab, Quarterdeck, CQ’s, Fraser’s Tavern, Links American Grill
Frosty Frog Hot Dog Eating Contest
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Coligny Plaza
For something a little wilder, head to Frosty Frog to watch (or join!) this all-American eating contest—patriotic, fun, and a local favorite.
Bluffton Independence Day Festivities
Bluffton Independence Day 5K & Concert
Date: Wednesday, July 2
Time: Race at 7:00 PM, concert from 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: Oyster Factory Park
Run through Historic Bluffton and stay for live music from Deas-Guyz, all supporting safe driving awareness.
Bluffton Fireworks & Family Pre-Party
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 5:00–9:00 PM
Location: Martin Family & DuBois Parks
Enjoy carnival games, food trucks, bounce houses, and a guitar solo of the National Anthem before fireworks light up the May River at 9 PM. Free shuttle service available from M.C. Riley Elementary.
Independence Day Fun in Hardeeville
Hardeeville’s 4th of July Celebration
Date: Friday, June 28
Time: 6:00–9:00 PM
Location: Behind City Hall, 205 Main Street
Kick off the holiday early with bounce houses, food vendors, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display. Bring lawn chairs and enjoy a small-town celebration under the stars.
Beaufort & Port Royal: Historic Charm Meets Celebration
Beaufort Firecracker 5K
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Bay Street, Downtown Beaufort
Dash across the Woods Memorial Bridge and through the charming streets of Downtown Beaufort in this community race.
Port Royal Celebration at The Sands
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 5:00–10:00 PM
Location: Sands Beach, Port Royal
Celebrate with food, kids’ activities, live music from the Parris Island Marine Band, and fireworks over the Beaufort River.
Fripp Island & St. Helena Festivities
Fripp Island 5K
Date: Thursday, July 3
Time: 9:00 AM
Location: Creekhouse, Fripp Island Resort
Take a scenic jog around the island to kick off the long weekend.
Fripp Island Golf Cart Parade
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 9:00 AM
Theme: Superheroes
This beloved Fripp tradition brings together decorated golf carts in a fun, festive morning celebration.
Fripp Island Fireworks
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: Dusk
Location: Fripp Island Beach
End your night with a family-friendly fireworks show along the shoreline.
St. Helena Juke Joint Jam
Date: Friday, July 4
Time: 7:00 PM–Midnight
Location: Penn Center, St. Helena Island
Celebrate Gullah-Geechee heritage with music, dancing, and local culture. This 25+ event is a unique Lowcountry experience.
Why Locals Love July 4th in the Lowcountry
Living in Hilton Head, Bluffton, or Beaufort means more than just beautiful homes and coastal views—it’s about becoming part of a vibrant, welcoming community that knows how to celebrate. From bike parades to beach fireworks, the Fourth of July is the perfect time to experience the heart and soul of the Lowcountry lifestyle.
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