Making plans for Independence Day? Where are the Beaufort County events happening?

With the nation’s 248th anniversary being celebrated this week, fireworks displays are rightfully expected and with the Thursday timing of July 4, many are taking Friday away from the office to create the rarest of summer treats: a four-day-long warm weather holiday. With the pageantry of parades and fireworks shows also comes the attendant traffic snarls and parking spot hunts. Arriving early and packing an extra dose of patience is key to enjoying the evening.

Here’s where to go to see the fireworks and how to navigate the surface streets and highways for a smooth commute.

Hilton Head Island

On Hilton Head Island, Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina is hosting the regions largest celebration, the annual Fourth of July Harbourfest Fireworks Show.

• The free event is open to the public starting at 5:30 p.m.

Fireworks will start as soon as the sky gets dark. But events are planned leading up to the show including

• Entertainer Shannon Tanner’s family show runs from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m.
• Cappy the Clown will be on site from 6 to 9 p.m. offering face painting, balloon animals, sand art, glitter tattoos and a variety of games.
• For an additional cost, children can visit bounce houses or have a train ride around the marina promenade.

Food and drink can be purchased from vendors and restaurants during the event. Guests are asked not to bring coolers.

Free parking for the event will be at the Hargray building near the Fresh Market, at 856 William Hilton Pkwy. A free shuttle will run from the parking lot to the marina from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m.

Anyone walking or biking from Palmetto Dunes to the marina must utilize the pedestrian underpass, under U.S. 278.

Port Royal

The Town of Port Royal is hosting a fireworks display on Sands Beach. The free event starts at 6 p.m. and fireworks will begin after sunset.

Food vendors for the event include Fly Pies, hamburgers and hotdogs from local Boy Scouts, Lawyers BBQ, Snack Shack, Tropical Treasures and Blue Sky Italian Ice.

Live music from DJ Kev Greaves and the Iron Mic Parris Island Marine Band will start at 8 p.m. and end when the fireworks begin.

Pets are not allowed unless they are service animals. Coolers, firearms and concealed weapons are also prohibited at the event.

Sands Beach Road will be shut down to traffic.

Golf Carts will be allowed on the beach. However, all carts are asked to be gone by 8 p.m. or to wait for all pedestrians to have left before driving off the beach.

Beaufort

On Friday, Beaufort’s First Friday will be “Red, White and Brews” themed. The monthly event is described as “a patriotic party where we blend the festive spirit of Independence Day with the community camaraderie of First Friday.”

First Friday’s can be a busy area so those who aren’t interested in the festivities are encouraged to avoid the Downtown core of Beaufort from 5 to 8 p.m.

The city does not have anything planned for the Thursday, July 4.

This list will be updated with more events throughout the week.