SUMMER OF FUN

BY ALLYSON JONES

With live music, Broadway musicals, comedy acts, magicians, camps, clinics, classes, cruises and more taking place across the Island this season, summer fun is back in 2021! Here is just a taste of the special warm-weather events and activities happening on Hilton Head this summer, call ahead or visit the listed websites and social media pages to confirm all events, since COVID-19 protocols, crowd limits and other restrictions are subject to change.

COASTAL RESTAURANTS AND BARS

“Eat, Drink and Be Coastal” at the CRAB family of restaurants!

From the tasty tacos and margaritas at Aunt Chilada’s Easy Street Café, the waterfront dining found at Fishcamp on Broad Creek, Carolina Crab Company, Old Oyster Factory and The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek to the unique atmosphere of Reilley’s Grill & Bar, The Crazy Crab Harbour Town and The Boardroom HHI, all of these Coastal establishments offer the freshest food, superior service and exceptional entertainment.

Listen to live music from Connor Hollifield, Pete Carrol, Johnny Breeze, Tommy Sims, the Simpson Brothers, Jon Bruner, Ben Lewis, Nick Poulin, Stan Ray, Kyle Wareham, Jon Rooks, Mike Kavanaugh, Sara B or David Wingo nightly at Fish Camp on Broad Creek, Sunday through Friday nights at Aunt Chilada’s, and select evenings at The Crazy Crab at Jarvis Creek and Reilley’s.

For details on individual restaurants and their menus, visit hiltonheadcrab.com. Follow Carolina Crab Company, Old Oyster Factory and The Boardroom HHI on social media for music entertainment updates.

COLIGNY PLAZA

For over 60 years, Coligny Plaza has served as “Hilton Head’s Downtown” with more than 60 specialty shops, delicious dining options, the iconic Piggly Wiggly grocery store and an art house movie theater, just steps from the beach. During the summer months, the shopping center also showcases a nightly lineup of live, local musical entertainment suitable for all ages at Coligny Center Stage from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Gather around the stage for Jevon Daly’s Kids Show on Sunday and Wednesday; dance along to the festive sounds of La Pachanga on Monday; experience the exquisite stylings of local favorites Cranford and Lesch (John Cranford and Martin Lesch) on Tuesday; sing along to today’s hits with The Nice Guys on Thursday; jam out to country rock with Eric Reid on Friday; and enjoy the acoustic stylings of the Lowcountry’s own singersongwriter Sarah Burns on Saturday night.

Many of Coligny’s restaurants also feature nightly live music for your dining enjoyment. Call (843) 842-6050 or visit colignyplaza.com to confirm the entertainment schedule and check on upcoming special events.

COASTAL DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Located on the historic 68-acre Honey Horn property, the Coastal Discovery Museum’s mission is “to inspire people to care for the Lowcountry.”

One of only five Smithsonian Affiliates in South Carolina, the Museum carries out its mission with a variety of on- and off-site natural and cultural history experiences, lectures, tours, craft classes, cruises, exhibits and special events.

The first stop should be the Discovery House – Hilton Head Island’s oldest building -- to pick up a map or sign up for classes and tours at the Front Desk. While inside, check out the Kids Zone, permanent exhibits and temporary art exhibitions, as well as the Museum Gift Shop, before setting out to explore the property on foot, by bike or Segway.

An oyster shell walking trail winds throughout the property with two docks taking visitors out into the marsh, a Butterfly Habitat showcasing local species and native plants, a Carnivorous Plant Bog Garden, Heritage Garden, Camellia Garden, pasture and horse barn, public art and other exhibits.

Hands-on learning opportunities are available for all ages and interests, from the Marsh Critters and Wonderful Wings programs for preschoolers or Under the Sea, Blue Crab Discovery and Reptiles and Amphibians of the Lowcountry for families. Head out on the water on a Dolphin & Nature Tour or May River Maritime Cruise or explore neighboring Pinckney Island, a National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about The Civil War, The Forts of Port Royal and the Marsh Tacky, South Carolina’s Heritage Horse, or try your hand at Indigo Tie-Dye and Team Scavenger Hunts. Most programs are also available as private tours for groups of eight or more with advance notice.

Every Tuesday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., the Hilton Head Island Farmers Market showcases local farmers and producers with a selection of fresh produce, meats, eggs, seafood, baked goods, prepared foods, imported cheeses, all-natural supplements, artisan soaps and other beauty products, artwork, food trucks and more.

Admission and parking at the Coastal Discovery Museum are free, although donations are appreciated. The cost of special programs, tours and classes varies. For details and reservations, call (843) 689-6767 ext. 223 or visit coastaldiscovery.org.

SHELTER COVE COMMUNITY PARK

Tuesday nights from June 8 through August 10, the Island Rec. Center hosts fun-filled Summer Jams in Shelter Cove Community Park from 6-10:30 p.m. with a Super Summer Jam scheduled for Sunday, July 4.

Bring lawn chairs and blankets to spend an evening enjoying cool breezes off the water after jumping around in the inflatable bounce houses, face painting, entertainment, festival food and drinks while waiting for the fireworks finale over Shelter Cove Harbor at dusk. Admission is free; there is a minimal charge for activities. (843) 681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.

SHELTER COVE HARBOUR

Situated in the middle of Hilton Head Island across from Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort, Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina offers world-class dining, shopping, activities and events overlooking the award-winning deep-water marina.

At time of publication, 2021 events were not confirmed and may be cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic. Please be sure to check out the following websites for the most up-to-date information on annual events at Shelter Cove Harbour including HarbourFest, fireworks and summer entertainment at ShelterCoveHarbourFest.com, the Memorial Day Weekend Hilton Head Island Art Festival HiltonHeadArtFestival.com, and Fall Music & Taste on the Harbour at ShelterCoveHiltonHead. com/events-news.

ARTS CENTER OF COASTAL CAROLINA

An independent, non-profit theater, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina brings “all that’s inspiring and wonderful in the arts to the Lowcountry,” with concerts, comedy, Broadway musicals, visual arts, workshops, summer camps and community events.

True to the Fleetwood Mac sound with every note, Black Jacket Symphony’s “Rumors” performance takes place over Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-29, showcasing the iconic album in the first act with the second act of this rock concert spotlighting more of the band’s greatest hits.

Just in time for summer, enjoy “the magically musical story of a Mother, a Daughter, three possible Dads, and an unforgettable trip down the aisle” when the Tony Award-winning “Mamma Mia!” is center stage, June 23-August 22. Writer Catherine Johnson’s sunny, funny tale unfolds on a Greek Island paradise with the storytelling magic of ABBA’s songs such as “Super Trouper,” “Dancing Queen,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Take a Chance on Me,” and “Mamma Mia!”

On July 12, Paul Reiser brings his brilliant brand of comedy to the Arts Center for two shows at 4 and 7:30 p.m. This multitalented comedian, actor, television writer, author and musician has spent the last 30+ years acting in Oscar and Emmy Awardwinning movies and TV shows, including “Mad About You,” “My Two Dads” and Netflix’s “Stranger Things.”

The soulful sounds of the Voices of El Shaddai will raise the roof on July 26 with a praise-worthy performance of high-energy gospel favorites while The Flying Karamazov Brothers spice things up this summer with a zany showcase filled with laughout-loud comedy, wild theatrics and astonishing juggling feats, August 28-29.

Over Labor Day Weekend, “Bruce in the USA” is the World’s #1 Springsteen tribute show, a high-energy musical experience that is a note-perfect and visually accurate recreation of Bruce Springsteen & The E St. Band, September 3-5.

Last year, the Arts Center’s creative, action-packed summer camps took place online. At press time, it was unknown whether these performing and visual arts camps would be held in person. For more information, please email aadams@artshhi.com.

To purchase tickets for Arts Center performances, call the Box Office at (843) 842-ARTS or visit artshhi.com.

THE SALTY DOG CAFE

A legendary waterfront experience awaits in South Beach Marina Village.

Overlooking Braddock Cove’s at the Island’s southernmost tip, The Salty Dog Café is one of the Island’s most iconic destinations serving up great food, frozen drinks and live music in a fun and casual atmosphere. Enjoy daily Happy Hour deals, fresh seafood, steaks and tasty hush puppies, homemade ice cream and pizza from one of several restaurants at the marina, shop at the specialty stores, sing along to your favorite songs from Trevor Harden, Dave Kemmerly, TD Hicks or Dallas Reese nightly on the outdoor deck or set sail in the Calibogue Sound aboard the private Picnic Boat or the daily Happy Hour Sunset Cruise.

During the summer months, DJ Crush’s Kid’s Dance Party kicks the fun into high gear on Wednesday and Friday starting at 6 p.m. or Ben the Juggler entertains the crowds with his interactive act on Saturday nights. On Thursdays at 6, the Kid’s Airbrush Color Party brightens everyone’s day or create your own Salty Dog souvenir at the Tie Dye Stations available daily. Additional fees may be charged for some activities.

For the complete entertainment schedule, restaurant menus, shopping and cruise information, visit saltydog.com.