February 2026: Lowcountry Event Highlights
Bluffton, Beaufort, and Hilton Head Island, SC
Celebrate the spirit of February in the Lowcountry with unforgettable coastal South Carolina traditions. From the world-renowned Beaufort Film Festival to the 30th anniversary of the Gullah Celebration, here is your definitive local guide to what’s happening this month.
Bluffton Events: Old Town Charm
Experience the “Bluffton State of Mind” with community-focused gatherings in the Historic District.
Taste of Bluffton: Lowcountry Edition
When: Feb 6 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Oyster Factory Park
Enjoy all-you-can-eat May River oysters, local shrimp, and pulled pork sliders. Family-friendly fun and live music on the river, making it the ideal kickoff.
Bluffton Winter Art Walk
When: Feb 13 | 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Old Town Arts & Cultural District
Stroll Old Town galleries with a drink in hand, meeting Lowcountry artists and enjoying pre-Valentine’s atmosphere.
Mary Benson: Artist in Residence
When: Feb 19 – 21 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: FLOW Gallery + Workshop (Palmetto Bluff)
The Vibe: Observe Charleston painter Mary Benson as she demonstrates her unique “stained-glass” oil painting style. Don’t miss the artist’s welcome reception on Friday, Feb 20, to see how she captures the ethereal light of the salt marshes.
5th Annual Bluffton History Shindig
When: Feb 28 | 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Where: Oyster Factory Park
The Vibe: A lively tribute to Bluffton’s heritage. Expect storytelling from local “characters,” traditional music, and a community ambiance that celebrates the town’s unique history and preservation efforts.
Beaufort Events: Films & Festivals
Immerse yourself in “America’s Happiest Seaside Town” with international cinema and award-winning BBQ.
An Evening with Journalist Steve Oney
When: Feb 5 | 5:00 PM
Where: Pat Conroy Literary Center
The Vibe: Intellectual and engaging. Author Steve Oney discusses his book On Air: The Triumph and Tumult of NPR. It’s a rare chance to hear “insider” media history in an intimate setting (reservations highly recommended).
Bands, Brews & BBQ Festival
When: Feb 13 – 14
Where: Paris Avenue, Port Royal
The Vibe: A sanctioned SCBA BBQ competition. Friday night is the “Wing Throw Down” party, followed by Saturday’s main event featuring craft brews, live music, and the best brisket and ribs in the state.
Chocolate Valentine Mixology
When: Feb 14 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: RLB Distillery
The Vibe: Hands-on and decadent. Led by mixology experts, you’ll learn to craft cocktails infused with dark chocolate and white-chocolate-covered strawberries. Perfect for a unique Valentine’s date night.
20th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF)
When: Feb 17 – 22
Where: USCB Center for the Arts
The Vibe: Beaufort’s premier red-carpet event. Ranked among the “Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals” globally, this 20th-anniversary edition features screenings of indie films, documentaries, and a glamorous Sunday awards gala.
Hilton Head Island Events: Culture & Cuisine
The island comes alive with culinary masterclasses and deep cultural roots.
30th Annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration
When: Throughout February
Highlight: Gullah Market at Historic Mitchelville (Feb 7)
The Vibe: A milestone year for this festival. Explore the food, music, and “Arts Ob We People” exhibition. It is an essential deep dive into the West African traditions that formed the Lowcountry.
Saturday Oyster Roast
When: Feb 7 | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Lincoln & South Brewing Co.
The Vibe: A quintessential Lowcountry afternoon. Enjoy all-you-can-eat succulent oysters paired with local craft beer and live outdoor music in a relaxed brewery setting.
Comedian Tom Papa: “Grateful Bread Tour”
When: Feb 16 | 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
The Vibe: Clean, observational, and brilliantly funny. The veteran comedian brings his latest tour to the island for two shows that find the hilarity in everyday life and family.
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
When: Feb 23 – March 1
Highlight: The Savory Fare Saturday (Feb 28) at Honey Horn
The Vibe: The island’s biggest culinary event. The week features masterclasses with celebrity chefs like Kardea Brown, followed by a massive Saturday tasting event with live music and world-class seafood.
