Lowcountry Events in September: Your Guide to What’s Happening in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort, and Savannah This Month

September is one of those months that reminds you why living in the Lowcountry feels a little different. Summer crowds begin to ease, evenings become more comfortable, and the local calendar fills with outdoor concerts, waterfront festivals, farmers markets, community celebrations, food events, races, and live music. Whether you live here year-round, are visiting for a fall getaway, or are considering a move to Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, or Beaufort, September 2026 offers plenty of reasons to get out and experience the communities that make this corner of the South so special.

Hilton Head Island Events in September

Jazz in the Park

When: September 1, 7PM

Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island

September begins on a high note with Jazz in the Park at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy an evening of live jazz in one of Hilton Head Island's favorite outdoor gathering places. It is an easy way to combine great music with the relaxed outdoor lifestyle that defines Hilton Head.

First Thursday Artisan Alley

When: September 3, 4PM - 7PM

Where: The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

First Thursday Artisan Alley brings together local artists, makers, live music, food, and community organizations in the heart of Sea Pines. Stroll through the plaza, browse locally made goods, and enjoy an early September evening beneath the live oaks.

Hilton Head End of Summer 5K

When: September 5, 9AM

Where: Coligny Plaza, Hilton Head Island

Say goodbye to summer with a morning run near one of Hilton Head Island's best-known beach districts. The End of Summer 5K gives runners and walkers a chance to get outside before spending the rest of the day enjoying Coligny's shops, restaurants, and nearby beach access.

Lowcountry Paddlefest

When: September 11 - 13

Where: Various locations on Hilton Head Island and Pinckney Island

Kayakers and paddle-sport enthusiasts can spend an entire weekend on the water during Lowcountry Paddlefest. The event includes sprint races, social events, race-day activities, a Pinckney Island litter sweep, and technical races. Proceeds benefit The Outside Foundation and the Hilton Head Island Recreation Association, pairing recreation with stewardship of the waterways that make Lowcountry living so distinctive.

Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival

When: September 17 - 20, performances throughout the day and evening

Where: Multiple venues throughout Hilton Head Island

One of September's signature Hilton Head events returns for four days of live music. The Hilton Head Island Jam brings more than 30 Nashville songwriters and performers to venues across the island, including Lowcountry Celebration Park, Harbour Town's Liberty Oak, The Jazz Corner, Beach House, and other popular gathering spots.

The festival is built around intimate performances where songwriters share both their music and the stories behind familiar country and pop songs. Most events are free, making this one of the best weekends of the year for live music on Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival

When: September 19, 1PM - 4PM

Where: Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

Shrimp, craft beer, live music, and Harbour Town make a rather convincing September combination. The 8th Annual Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival will feature all-you-can-eat shrimp dishes prepared by local chefs, more than a dozen craft breweries, specialty vendors, children's activities, and performances tied to the Hilton Head Island Jam.

A portion of proceeds benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Tickets are required, and children eight and younger are admitted free.

Harbour Town Fall Fest

When: September 27, 11AM - 6PM

Where: Harbour Town, 149 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island

Welcome fall, Lowcountry style. Harbour Town Fall Fest combines a sidewalk sale at the Harbour Town Shops with live music by Deas-Guyz, children's activities, boating and watersports opportunities, dining along the harbor, plus a classic car display by the Carolina Dreamers Car Club.

The sidewalk sale runs throughout the event, while live music and many of the family activities take place during the afternoon.

Bluffton Events in September

Bluffton Farmers Market

When: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 12PM - 4PM

Where: Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton

A Thursday tradition in Old Town, the Bluffton Farmers Market brings together local farmers, food producers, makers, bakers, and small businesses each week. Pair a visit to the market with lunch, shopping, or a walk through Bluffton's historic district for an easy introduction to everyday life in one of the Lowcountry's most popular communities.

The Bridge Collective Market

When: September 3, 10, 17 & 24, 10AM - 2PM

Where: Martin Family Park, Bluffton

Also taking place on Thursdays, The Bridge Collective Market adds another reason to spend part of the day in Old Town Bluffton. Browse vendors, local goods, and creative offerings before continuing into the historic district's galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.

Bluffton Concert Series Featuring Tru Gentleman

When: September 4, 5:30PM - 7:30PM

Where: The Barn at New Riverside Event Lawn, Bluffton

Start Labor Day weekend with an outdoor performance by Tru Gentleman at New Riverside. Bluffton's public parks have increasingly become gathering places for neighborhood events, concerts, and festivals, offering residents another glimpse of the community-oriented lifestyle drawing newcomers to the area.

Reggae Pon De River

When: September 5, afternoon and evening

Where: Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton

Set beside the May River, Reggae Pon De River brings Caribbean-inspired music, food, and atmosphere to one of Bluffton's most scenic parks. The festival takes place Saturday at Oyster Factory Park, followed by a separate sunset dinner cruise from Hilton Head Island on Sunday evening.

Expect plenty of rhythm, waterfront views, and a decidedly relaxed Lowcountry approach to Labor Day weekend.

Bluffton 9/11 Ceremony

When: September 11, 8:30AM - 10:30AM

Where: Buckwalter Park Veterans Memorial, Bluffton

The Town of Bluffton will hold its annual September 11 remembrance ceremony at the Buckwalter Park Veterans Memorial. The morning observance offers the community an opportunity to honor the lives lost and recognize first responders, members of the military, and their families.

Roots & Rivers Festival

When: September 12, 2PM - 8PM

Where: Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton

The Roots & Rivers Festival celebrates Black culture, entrepreneurship, creativity, music, and community along the May River. Guests can explore a marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses and artisans while enjoying food, live entertainment, cultural experiences, and a family-friendly Kid Zone.

The event is designed to highlight both Bluffton's history and the people shaping its future, a fitting theme for a town that continues to grow while fiercely protecting its sense of place.

Bluffton River Sweep

When: September 19, 9AM - 11:30AM

Where: Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton

Part community event, part environmental stewardship, the Bluffton River Sweep invites volunteers to help clean the May River and surrounding areas. It is a hands-on opportunity to help protect one of Bluffton's most treasured natural resources and a reminder that the May River is more than scenery. It is central to Bluffton's identity.

BlufftemberFest Sunset Party

When: September 26, 3PM - 8PM

Where: Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton

BlufftemberFest closes out Bluffton's seasonal Sunset Party series with live music, food, drinks, and an afternoon beside the May River. The festival is produced by Bear Foot Sports and has become one of the area's laid-back end-of-summer traditions. Think less pumpkin spice, more cold drink by the river. As September should be.

Beaufort Events in September

First Friday After Five

When: September 4, 5PM - 8PM

Where: Downtown Beaufort, Bay Street and surrounding streets

Downtown Beaufort comes alive on the first Friday of each month as galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and local businesses stay open late for First Friday After Five. Visitors can stroll Bay Street and the surrounding historic district while enjoying refreshments, live music, art, shopping, and community activities.

For September's First Friday, Charter One Realty's Beaufort office at 818 Bay Street will join the festivities with a tailgate party from 5PM - 8PM, offering refreshments and showcasing Beaufort-area artist Chris Appl-Walsh, whose work includes oils, watercolors, mosaics, and stained glass. It is a perfect excuse to stop in, meet a few locals, and enjoy one of downtown Beaufort's best monthly traditions.

Dana Ridenour Book Launch: All the Hidden Pieces

When: September 5, 5PM - 7PM

Where: Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort

The Pat Conroy Literary Center will celebrate local author and retired FBI agent Dana Ridenour's new novel, All the Hidden Pieces. The free launch event includes refreshments, conversation, book sales, and signing opportunities. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

An Evening with Susan Beckham Zurenda and Cassandra King

When: September 10, evening

Where: Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort

Beaufort's reputation as a literary destination continues with another September author event at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Susan Beckham Zurenda will appear in conversation with acclaimed author Cassandra King, adding to a month of programming that celebrates the Lowcountry's unusually rich connection to Southern literature.

10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention

When: September 25 - 26

Where: Pat Conroy Literary Center and event locations in the Beaufort area

The Pat Conroy Literary Center celebrates a decade of bringing readers, authors, and book clubs together during the 10th Annual Lowcountry Book Club Convention. Programming begins Friday, September 25, with additional events planned for Saturday.

Expect author conversations, literary discussions, keynote programming, and plenty of opportunities for readers to connect with one another.

Race4Love 5K & 3K Walk

When: September 26, 8AM

Where: Cat Island, 8 Waveland Avenue, Beaufort

Runners and walkers can take in the scenic streets of Cat Island while supporting Hopeful Horizons during Race4Love. Participants can choose a timed 5K run or untimed 3K walk, with youth divisions available as well.

The flat course winds through several Cat Island neighborhoods and benefits Hopeful Horizons' work supporting survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

Beaufort Theatre Company Presents Into the Woods

When: September 26 & 27, 7:30PM - 9:15PM

Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort

The Beaufort Theatre Company opens its production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods at the USCB Center for the Arts. The musical combines familiar fairy tales with Sondheim's trademark wit and a deeper look at wishes, choices, and consequences.

Additional performances continue into early October.

Savannah Events in September

Savannah World Oddities Expo

When: September 5 - 6, 11AM - 7PM

Where: Savannah Convention Center, 1 International Drive, Savannah

For something decidedly outside the ordinary, the Savannah World Oddities Expo returns to the Savannah Convention Center over Labor Day weekend. The two-day event features artists, creators, collectibles, unusual exhibits, and vendors from the wonderfully strange side of the creative world. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.

Tybee Island Labor Day Beach Bash

When: September 6

Where: Tybee Island Beach, Tybee Island

Labor Day weekend wraps up with a beachfront celebration on Tybee Island featuring live music and fireworks. With Savannah only a short drive from the Lowcountry, Tybee makes an easy September day trip for Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort residents looking for a little Georgia coast time.

An Evening with Alan Taylor

When: September 10

Where: Savannah

The Georgia Historical Society welcomes Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Alan Taylor for a special evening program. Savannah's extraordinary concentration of historic sites, architecture, museums, and cultural organizations makes events like this a natural fit for anyone interested in Southern and American history.

Savannah 912 Day

When: September 12

Where: Locations throughout Savannah

Savannah celebrates its famous 912 area code with Savannah 912 Day, an annual citywide celebration of local neighborhoods, businesses, culture, and community pride. Established in 2021, the event has grown into a series of activities designed to encourage residents and visitors to explore Savannah while supporting the people and places that make the city distinctive.

The City of Savannah lists 912 Day among its major annual September events.

Savannah Jazz Festival

When: September 18 - 20

Where: Forsyth Park and other Savannah venues

One of Savannah's signature cultural events returns in September with world-class jazz and free public performances. The Savannah Jazz Festival celebrates the city's long relationship with jazz through performances by local, regional, national, and international musicians.

The main weekend festivities include concerts in Forsyth Park, making this a particularly good excuse for a September evening across the river. Bring a chair or blanket, claim a patch of grass, and settle in.

September in the Lowcountry: More Than a Place to Visit

September offers a particularly good snapshot of what residents love about Lowcountry living. One weekend might mean live music beneath the oaks on Hilton Head Island, the next a festival overlooking Bluffton's May River, an evening walking Bay Street in Beaufort, or a quick trip to Savannah for jazz in Forsyth Park. These aren't simply things to do. They are part of the everyday lifestyle that continues to attract people searching for homes in Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, and throughout the South Carolina Lowcountry.

For 40 years, Charter One Realty has helped buyers and sellers navigate this remarkable region, developing a level of local knowledge that only comes from decades spent living, working, and investing here. As a market-leading Lowcountry real estate brokerage, Charter One Realty understands that choosing a home is also about choosing the community, traditions, waterways, restaurants, events, and lifestyle surrounding it. Around here, the calendar is part of the real estate story too.