January 2022 Calendar of Events

Polar Plunge: A fun polar plunge on New Year’s Day to benefit Charli’s Critters. Free. 11 a.m., Coligny Beach, 1 Coligny Circle, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6050 or colignyplaza.com.

THROUGH JAN. 2

Elf the Musical: A young orphan named Buddy mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and discover his true identity. Suitable for all ages. Cost is $61 for adults, $56 for children. Times vary. Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-2787 or artshhi.com.

JAN. 4

Bluffton Branch Library Reopening: The Beaufort County Library system is hosting a ribbon cutting for the reopening of the Bluffton Branch Library. Free. 9 a.m., Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. 843-255-6547 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

JAN. 4, 11, 18, 25

Little Hippies After School Yoga: Children will learn balance, life skills, self-love, positive socialization and more during this after school yoga program. Cost is $12 per child or $55 for a class pack of 5. 4:30 p.m., The Art of Massage and Yoga Therapy, 14 New Orleans Road, Suite 2, Hilton Head Island. 843-422-8378 or hiltonheadwellness.com.

JAN. 4-29

Exhibit: “Anything Goes”: The annual Art League-member show officially kicks off in January, featuring exhibits with truly any kind of art, including any media, shape, size or form. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mondays-Saturdays; 12-4 p.m., Sundays. Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-5060 or artleaguehhi.org.

JAN. 5

A Midwinters Whiskey Dinner: Enjoy a sampling of the highly acclaimed High West Whiskey paired with a savory multi-course dinner. Cost is $125. 6:30 p.m., Sea Pines Beach Club, 87 North Sea Pines Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1888 or seapines.com.

Savannah River Beer Dinner: Enjoy an evening of delicious food and craft beer, featuring Savannah River Brewing. Guests will experience a five-course dinner, paired with five different Savannah River Brewing beers. Cost is $50. 6 p.m., Old Oyster Factory, 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-6040 or oldoysterfactory.com.

JAN. 6

First Thursdays Art Market: Meet over two dozen local artists as they present their work on the first Thursday of the month. Stroll the plaza, see the exhibits, talk with artists and enjoy live music, complimentary wine samples and more. Free entry. 4-7 p.m., The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com.

JAN. 7

First Friday After Five: Shop, dine and enjoy Downtown. Explore and support Beaufort’s charming local downtown shops, restaurants and art galleries, featuring tasty refreshments and local live music. Free. 5-8 p.m., Downtown Beaufort. downtownbeaufortsc.org. 

How We Win: Countering Extremism Here and Abroad: Join speaker Farah Pandith for this month’s World Affairs Council presentation about countering extremism here and abroad. Cost is free for members, $20 for guests. 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.

JAN. 8

Martin Luther King Concert and Tribute: The Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice will pay tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. with the first-ever local musical performance and fundraiser. Featuring performances by the MLK Community Choir from 20+ churches. Tickets are $20. 7 p.m., Christ Lutheran Church Hall, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. celebratemlk2022.eventbrite.com.

JAN. 8, 29

Basketball Game Watch Events: Join the University of Michigan Alumni Club of Hilton Head/Beaufort County for several basketball game watch gatherings. Free. Times vary. Mellow Mushroom, 33 Office Park Road, Hilton Head Island. goblueuofmhhi@gmail.com.

JAN. 9

Artists Reception: “Non-Objective Art”: Join the SoBA Gallery for an artist’s reception with artist Missy Gentile, featuring work from her exhibit “Non-Objective Art.” Free. 3-5 p.m., The Society of Bluffton Artists Gallery, 6 Church Street, Bluffton. 843-757-6586 or sobagallery.com.

JAN. 9-10

Tchaikovsky’s Fifth: Join Conductor John Morris Russell and the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra for a performance featuring Tchaikovsky’s Symphony Number 5. Tickets are $25-$65. 4 p.m., Sunday; 7:30 p.m., Monday. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. hhso.org.

JAN. 11

Presentation: “Right Whales”: Join speaker J. Michael Williamson for a presentation about our coastal visitors, the North Atlantic right whale, one of the world’s most endangered whales. Cost is $35 for a single event or $90 for a three-part series pack. 6 p.m., SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Road, Hilton Head Island. 834-384-6758 or wachh.org. 

JAN. 12

Workshop: Freelance Writing for Beginners: In this online workshop, each participant will brainstorm a story idea in their niche and will work on a successful pitch. Cost is $45. 6-8 p.m. Register for Zoom link. patconroyliterarycenter.org. 

JAN. 13

Audubon Monthly Member Meeting: Join the Hilton Head Audubon Society for a monthly membership meeting with updates on the Hilton Head MOTUS Wildlife Tracking System Project. Free. 3-4:30 p.m., Island Rec Center, 20 Wilborn Road, Hilton Head Island. hiltonheadaudubon.org.

Reluctant Radical: Explore how Saxton’s determined resistance to President Andrew Johnson’s orders helped shape Emancipation for blacks on the sea islands, in stark contrast to the experience in the rest of the Deep South. Cost is $15. 1-2:30 p.m., USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Room 213, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

JAN. 13-22

Beaufort Oyster Festival: Conceived and hosted by the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, the Beaufort Oyster Festival will celebrate all aspects of our Lowcountry and Carolina Sea Islands oystering culture and agri-tourism economy from historical, to architectural, ecological, agricultural, culinary, artisan, and more. Event costs and times vary. Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Downtown Beaufort. bftoysterfestival.com. 

JAN. 14

Black Excellence Ball: Join the Bluffton MLK Observance Committee for an evening of food, live music, awards and more. This occasion is a night of celebration for the triumphs and accomplishments of African American entrepreneurs, educators, musicians, artists and community leaders. Cost is $75. 5:30 p.m., Northridge Event Venue, 435 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. blufftonmlk.org.

JAN. 15

Mark Rapp Quintet at the Jazz Corner: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

Bonfire and Oyster Roast: Join the Old Oyster Factory for a bonfire and oyster roast. Cost is $35. 5-8 p.m., Old Oyster Factory, 101 Marshland Road, Hilton Head Island. 

Charlifest 2022: A music and community festival honoring Charli Bobinchuck. There will be music, art, food and more. Free. 12-4 p.m., Coligny Plaza, Between FISH and Skillets, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6050 or colignyplaza.com.

JAN. 19

Lighthouses of the Lowcountry: Preserving safe entry to Southeastern coastal ports has always been a challenge due to migrating shoals and sandbars. Learn how lighthouses have helped master the challenge and allowed Port Royal, among others, to become a major center of shipping. Cost is $15. 1:30-3 p.m., USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Room 214, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

JAN. 19, 26 and FEB. 2

Brain Boosters: A three-week course that is like a tune-up for your brain. Practice neuroplasticity exercises to improve overall brain health with Memory Matters. Cost is $99 for three-week course. 1-3 p.m., Memory Matters, 117 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-6688 or memorymatters.org.

JAN. 20

An Evening with Pamela Courtney: Join the Pat Conroy Literary Center for a discussion with Pamela Courtney, author of Hotdogs for Hyenas: A Soul Forged in Rhodesia. Free. 6-7 p.m., Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort. patconroyliterarycenter.org. 

Martinis at the Mansion: The Mansion on Forsyth Park’s charity networking series will take place on the third Thursday of every month to benefit a different local nonprofit. Admission is a suggested $5 donation. 5:30-7 p.m., Mansion on Forsyth Park, 700 Drayton Street, Savannah. 912-238-5158 or kesslercollection.com.

JAN. 20-30

Other Desert Cities: Enjoy this performance about Brooke Wyeth, who returns home to Palm Springs after a six-year absence to celebrate Christmas with her family. She announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal tragic event in the family’s history. Tickets are $25-$40. Times vary. Hilton Head Preparatory Theatre, 3000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6246 or hhprep.org.

JAN. 21

The Arc of Crises in the Levant: Join speaker Mona Yacoubian for this month’s World Affairs Council presentation about Syria, Lebanon and Iraq post-ISIS. Cost is free for members, $20 for guests. 10 a.m., First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-384-6758 or wachh.org.

JAN. 21-22

“Blueberry Hill” at the Jazz Corner: Featuring Reggie Deas and Deas Guyz. $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

JAN. 22

Bluffton Frosty 5K: A fun race that winds through Historic Old Town Bluffton along the May River. Walk, run or bring the kids for a day of fun. Dogs and strollers welcome. Proceeds will benefit BLHS Cross Country Team and the Grace Sulak Scholarship Fund. 8 a.m., Oyster Factory Park, 63 Wharf Street, Bluffton. 843-815-1718 or palmettorunningcompany.com. 

Paint, Pots & Plants: Join Art League instructor Andrea Smith for a fun afternoon of plants and painting. Each student will be guided through painting their own terra cotta pot to keep with a live plant. Cost is $45. 1-2:30 p.m., Art League Academy, 106 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-5738 or artleaguehhi.org.

JAN. 23

Evolution Big Band: Enjoy a fun concert with Evolution Big Band. 2 p.m., Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton. 843-815-6570 or lowcountrypres.org. 

JAN. 23-24

Piazzolla, Ravel and More: Join Jose-Luis Novo and Hector Del Curto for a performance featuring the music of Astor Piazzolla, Maurice Ravel and more. Tickets are $25-$65. 4 p.m., Sunday; 7:30 p.m., Monday. First Presbyterian Church, 540 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. hhso.org.

JAN. 24

Cemeteries and Families of Hilton Head Island: A presentation about Hilton Head Island’s fourteen Native Islander cemeteries, some dating to plantation burial grounds in Colonial times. Cost is $15. 10:30 a.m., USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Room 214, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

JAN. 25

Ambush at Parker’s Ferry: Often referred to militarily as “the perfect ambush”, Parker’s Ferry was probably Francis Marion’s best battle and is a recent addition to the Liberty Trail. Find out about the Trail and how the Swamp Fox orchestrated an embarrassing and costly defeat for the British forces in Colleton County. Cost is $15. 3-4:30 p.m., USCB Hilton Head Campus, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Room 214, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

An Evening with Kathryn Purcell: Join the Pat Conroy Literary Center for a discussion with Kathryn Purcell, author of There’s Something Wrong With Us: A Daughter’s Story of Mental Illness, Loss and Healing. Free. 6-7 p.m., Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort. patconroyliterarycenter.org.

JAN. 28-29

Stee & Ear Candy Band at The Jazz Corner: $10. 7:30-11 p.m., The Jazz Corner, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8620 or thejazzcorner.com.

JAN. 29

Hilton Head Snow Day: A family-friendly event featuring a snowfield, inflatable rides and entertainment. Cost is $10 for ages 2-17. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.

Ted Flach Memorial Golf and Tennis Classic: A golf, tennis and pickleball event to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island. Registration costs vary. 8 a.m., Sea Pines Country Club, 30 Governors Road, Hilton Head Island. “Like” the event on Facebook.

JAN. 29-FEB. 5

Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber Restaurant Week: 14th annual Restaurant Week. More than 70 of Bluffton and Hilton Head Island restaurants participating. Restaurants will offer prix-fixe menus starring new entrees, signature dishes, and fan favorites. View menus at ChamberRestaurantWeek.com.

JAN. 30

Hilton Head Half and Quarter Marathon: Experience a half or quarter marathon featuring a course that showcases Hilton Head's beauty. Cost is $70 for half marathon, $55 for quarter marathon. 8 a.m.-12 p.m., LowCountry Celebration Park, 2 South Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island. runsignup.com. 

ONGOING EVENTS

MONDAYS

Indigo Tie Dye: Learn how indigo dye is made from a plant and use it to create a tie dye t-shirt to take home. All supplies are provided. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3-4 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223 or coastaldiscovery.org. 

Virtual Kid’s Story Time: Listen to Rebecca read family favorites about the Lowcountry’s natural and cultural history on the Coastal Discovery Museum’s Facebook page. 10:30 a.m. Watch on Facebook Live at @coastaldiscoverymuseum. 843- 689-6767 or coastaldiscovery.org.

MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS, FRIDAYS

Memory Matters: “Virtual Compass Classes”: An online program designed for adults experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Compass provides curriculum-based activities, physical exercise, relaxation techniques, life-long learning, small group discussions and socialization. Cost is $400 per month. 10 a.m., 1 p.m. 843-842-6688 or mymemorymatters.org. 

TUESDAYS

Farmers & Makers Market: The Market will present more fresh, local produce, seafood, breads and cheeses, crafts and artisans than ever before. Enjoy the colorful displays that grow and change each week throughout the season. Free entry. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island.

Hilton Head Island Farmers Market: Support our local farmers and producers and take home fresh produce, pasture-raised chicken, free range rabbit, pork, seafood, salsa, sausage, cookies, bread, she crab soup and more. Entrance and parking are free. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum. 70 Honey Horn Dr, Hilton Head Island. 843-473-5231 or hhifarmersmarket.com. 

Open Mic Night at Corks: Show up and show off your talent during this open mic night, every Tuesday night at Corks Bluffton. 7-10 p.m., Corks Wine Bar and Restaurant, 14 Promenade Street, Bluffton. 843-815-5168 or corkswinecobluffton.com.

Party in the Park: Enjoy the beautiful new Lowcountry Celebration Park with a family happy hour, including live music, bounce houses and beverages. Free entry. 5:30-8 p.m., Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island. 843-681-7273 or islandreccenter.org.

Zion Cemetery and Baynard Mausoleum Costumed Cemetery Tour: Visit the gravesites of four Revolutionary War heroes and learn about the blood skirmish fought just a few steps away. $15 Adult/$10 Child, 10:30 a.m., Corner of U.S. 278 & Matthews Dr, Hilton Head Island. Reservations required- 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

THURSDAYS

Civil War Era: Hilton Head Island was home to thousands of Union soldiers during the Civil War. Join this presentation featuring maps and historic photos of this time on Hilton Head from 1861-1865. Reservations required. Cost is $12 for adults, $7 for children. 3 p.m., Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-689-6767, ext. 223. or coastaldiscovery.org.

Dueling Pianos Show: The only Dueling Pianos Show on Hilton Head Island takes place each Thursday night on the Rooftop Bar. 8-11 p.m., Rooftop Bar at Poseidon, 38 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-341-3838 or therooftophhi.com.

Farmers Market of Bluffton: Meet local farmers, chefs and artisans every Thursday on Boundary Street. Buy a fresh assortment of strawberries, produce, beets, potatoes and more. Also, hear local, live entertainment and educational lectures. Noon-5 p.m., Martin Family Park, 68 Boundary Street, Bluffton. 843-415-2447 or farmersmarketbluffton.org.

Historic Fort Mitchel Tours: Immerse yourself in the fascinating Civil War history of Hilton Head Island with a visit to Fort Mitchel. Costumed characters and an expert tour guide will demonstrate the vital historic importance of this place and the role the fort and its namesake, General Mitchel, played in shaping Hilton Head history, including historic Mitchelville. Cost is $15 for adults, $10 for children. 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hilton Head Plantation, 65 Skull Creek Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-686-6560 or heritagelib.org.

THURSDAYS, FRIDAYS

Sit and Stitch: Enjoy knitting, crochet, needlepoint, rug hook practice as Needlepoint Junction stays open late. All levels welcome. Outside food and drink permitted. Free. Virtual Thursdays 3 p.m.; In-person Fridays 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Needlepoint Junction, Suite J-7-E, Village at Wexford, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or needlepointjunctionhhi.com.

FRIDAYS

Sit and Stitch: Practice needlepoint every Friday during this casual sit and stitch event. All levels welcome. Free. 10 a.m., Needlepoint Junction, 1000 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 6134, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-8488 or shopneedlepointjunction.com.

SATURDAYS

Marina Mornings: Outdoor Yoga: Practice yoga on the pavilion at Shelter Cove, with draft kombucha to follow. All levels welcome. Cost is $20. 8 a.m., Pure Salt Studios, 1 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island. 843-707-7027 or puresaltstudios.com.

DAILY EVENTS

ALLIGATOR AND WILDLIFE BOAT TOUR

Alligator & Wildlife Boat Tour with H2O Sports in the Sea Pines Forest Preserve. Get an up-close view of indigenous plant and animal life, including the American alligator, on a one-hour guided boat tour. Reservations are required, 843-671-4386 or h2osports.com.

CURBSIDE CRAFTS TO-GO

Children and adults can order a variety of craft activities pre-assembled and ready to enjoy at your home or villa. Book online. Cost is $12-$20. Sea Pines Resort Fitness and Recreation Department, 71 Lighthouse Road, Suite 122, Hilton Head Island. 843-842-1979 or seapines.com. 

TRAIL RIDES THROUGH THE SEA PINES FOREST PRESERVE WITH LAWTON STABLES

Trail Rides through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve with Lawton Stables. Meander through the preserve on horseback for the true feel of the untouched Lowcountry. Trail riders must be at least 8 years old. Reservations are required. 843-671-2586 lawtonstables.com.

PICKLEBALL AT PALMETTO DUNES

Learn how to play Pickleball with daily clinics and round robins at the Palmetto Dunes Pickleball Center in Palmetto Dunes Oceanfront Resort. Courts and equipment are available to rent. Reservations recommended. palmettodunes.com.

THE HARBOUR TOWN LIGHTHOUSE MUSEUM

Explore Hilton Head Island’s rich history and learn the story behind its famous lighthouse in a unique, museum-like setting. Admission is $4.25/person, complimentary for children ages 5 and younger. 149 Lighthouse Rd. 843-671-2810 or harbourtownlighthouse.com.

ADVENTURE HILTON HEAD

Enjoy a thrill-seeking Zipline tour with scenic views of Broad Creek. Ages 10 and older. Cost is $89 per person. High Ropes courses feature four levels of difficulty. Ages 5 and older. Cost is $49 per person. GoKart Hilton Head, a new family-friendly attraction, debuted last summer. 33 Broad Creek Marina Way, Hilton Head Island. 843-682-6000 or visit www.myadventurehiltonhead.com.