Bluffton’s Big Day Out
You ever walk into town and realize everyone else had the same idea? That’s Bluffton on festival weekend. One minute you’re grabbing coffee, the next you’re dodging stilt walkers, golden retrievers in sunglasses, and someone offering you a fried Oreo.
Call it Mayfest, call it Bluffton’s biggest day of the year (it's really called Bluffton Mayfest, if you're curious!). Either way, Calhoun Street will be packed on Saturday, May 10 with art, live music, and food that smells like summer already started. And yes—someone’s definitely bringing a pug in a tutu.
Calhoun Street Turns Festival Row
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Calhoun Street shuts down and fills up with over 160 vendors, two live music stages, and a crowd that doesn’t mind a little heat if the food’s worth it. And it is.
Expect everything from local art and handmade goods to shrimp and grits, pecan pie, and lemonade served in souvenir cups you’ll forget to wash out later. Shops like Gigi’s Boutique and Bluffton General Store will be in the mix too, so don’t sleep on the side-street finds.
Pies, Pups, and Plenty of Music
At 11:30 a.m., the Pie Eating Contest gets rolling at Dubois Park Pavilion, and yes—it’s messy in the most joyful way. Then at 1:00 p.m., the Ugly Dog Contest takes over the historic Heyward House lawn, and the competition is fierce, adorable, and full of dogs who have no idea they’re being judged.
Live music plays all day on these stages:
- Martin Family Park: Lyn Avenue (11–1), Peach Patrol (2–4:30)
- Bridge Street: Alan Price (11–1), String Surfers (2–4)
Bring a chair if you want. Or just dance awkwardly while holding funnel cake like the rest of us.
From Backyard Idea to Bluffton Tradition
Mayfest started in 1978 when local shop owner Babbie Guscio decided Bluffton needed a spring festival that felt like, well, Bluffton. No juries, no big sponsors—just local artists, homemade food, and a place for the community to gather. The first year, she convinced the ladies at Church of the Cross to sell sandwiches. They made $500 and ran out early.
Over the years, the festival grew, but the vibe stayed the same. In 2009, Babbie passed the torch to the Rotary Club of Bluffton, who’ve kept the spirit alive—quirky contests, local flavor, and all.
Make the Most of Mayfest
Mayfest is Bluffton in full color—loud, local, and exactly as weird as it needs to be. Come early, wear good shoes, and bring an appetite. Need more things to check out while you're here?
Hit up www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/arts-entertainment or browse local shops and transportation listings at Guide to South Carolina. There’s a lot more where this came from!
