Best Memorial Day Weekend Events in Savannah, Hilton Head & the Lowcountry (2026)

Memorial Day Weekend in the Lowcountry always feels like the unofficial start of summer. The beaches fill up, live music drifts through waterfront parks, boats line the marinas, and nearly every coastal town comes alive with festivals, markets, and outdoor celebrations. From Savannah’s historic squares to Hilton Head’s harbourfront events and Beaufort’s cultural festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to spend the long weekend.

Here are 10 things happening this week from Savannah and Tybee to Bluffton, Beaufort, and St. Simons.

1. Memorial Day Kickoff to Summer
   Where: Plant Riverside District, Savannah
   Date: May 22 to May 25
   Time: Varies by event
   Savannah’s riverfront is kicking off summer with live music, food, drinks, and Memorial Day weekend energy at Plant Riverside District. A great one to add to your weekend plans.
2. Flags for the Fallen
   Where: National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force, Pooler
   Date: May 22 to May 25
   Time: Museum hours
   A powerful Memorial Day tribute in Pooler. The National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force will display thousands of flags honoring the Eighth Air Force airmen who gave their lives in World War II.
3. Richmond Hill Memorial Day Ceremony
   Where: J.F. Gregory Park, Richmond Hill
   Date: Monday, May 25
   Time: 11:00 a.m.
   Join the Richmond Hill community at J.F. Gregory Park as we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
4. Fort McAllister Memorial Day Commemoration
   Where: Fort McAllister State Park, Richmond Hill
   Date: Saturday, May 23
   Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
   Step back into history at Fort McAllister with living history, tours, musket demonstrations, and cannon firings. A meaningful way to spend part of Memorial Day weekend in Richmond Hill.
5. Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Fort Pulaski
   Where: Fort Pulaski National Monument, near Tybee
   Date: Saturday, May 23
   Time: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m.
   Fort Pulaski will host cannon firing demonstrations near Tybee this weekend. A strong pick for history lovers, families, and anyone looking for something different after the beach.
6. The Mad Hatters, Tom Petty Tribute
   Where: Tybee Post Theater, Tybee Island
   Date: Saturday, May 23
   Time: 8:00 p.m.
   Tybee Post Theater is bringing the music this Memorial Day weekend with The Mad Hatters, a Tom Petty tribute show. Perfect for a Saturday night on Tybee.
7. Hilton Head Island Art Festival
   Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, Hilton Head Island
   Date: May 22 to May 24
   Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
   Spend the weekend at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina for the Hilton Head Island Art Festival. Art, shopping, food, marina views, and Lowcountry charm all in one spot.
8. Bluffton Memorial Day Ceremony
   Where: Buckwalter Place Park, Bluffton
   Date: Monday, May 25
   Time: 10:00 a.m.
   Bluffton will gather at Buckwalter Place Park to honor fallen service members. A meaningful local ceremony for anyone looking to observe Memorial Day with intention.
9. Beaufort National Cemetery Memorial Day Ceremony
   Where: Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort
   Date: Monday, May 25
   Time: 12:00 p.m.
   Beaufort National Cemetery will host a Memorial Day ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. A solemn and meaningful way to mark the day.
10. Taps at Twilight
    Where: Neptune Park, St. Simons Island
    Date: Monday, May 25
    Time: 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
    St. Simons Island’s Taps at Twilight is one of the most moving Memorial Day traditions on the coast, with patriotic music, a wreath presentation, honor guard, and Taps at Neptune Park.

Coastal Lowcountry Travel Tips for Memorial Day Weekend

Arrive Early for Beaches & Parking

Holiday weekend traffic increases significantly throughout Savannah, Tybee Island, Hilton Head, and Bluffton. Beach parking lots and marina areas often fill before midday.

Make Dining Reservations Early

Popular waterfront restaurants and rooftop bars book quickly during Memorial Day Weekend — especially in Savannah and Hilton Head.

Expect Summer Weather

Late May in the Lowcountry usually brings warm temperatures, high humidity, and afternoon sunshine perfect for boating, beach days, and outdoor festivals.

Plan Around Sunset

Some of the best experiences all weekend happen in the evenings — sunset cruises, harbourfront concerts, marshfront dining, and waterfront walks become the highlight of the holiday.

Memorial Day Weekend across Coastal Georgia and Coastal South Carolina offers a little bit of everything: beach days, cultural festivals, waterfront concerts, historic charm, and community celebrations. Whether you’re spending the weekend in Savannah, relaxing on Hilton Head Island, exploring Bluffton, or experiencing the rich heritage of Beaufort, the Lowcountry delivers one of the South’s best starts to summer.

From waterfront living to historic charm, the Lowcountry offers something for everyone. If you’re considering a move to Coastal Georgia or South Carolina, reach out to The Trisha Cook Team to start exploring your options.