MAY 1 - 31: The Beaufort Art Association Gallery in the historic Elliott House features the work of over 75 local artists. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1001 Bay St. (843) 379-2222 or beaufortartassociation.com.

MAY 1 - 31: The Sgt. John Basilone Foundation awards free books on the life of “Manila John” Basilone, one of the most heroic Marines in history, to honor recruit graduates at the Parris Island and San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depots. (888) 827-2762 or sgtjohnbasilone.com.

MAY 1 - 10: 4th Annual Lilies on the River event to benefit Hope Haven of the Lowcountry. Pay tribute to women who have made a positive impact on your life by purchasing a lily for $10 and raise awareness of sexual assault in our communities. May 10, the lilies will be released in a ceremony at Berkeley Hall. (843) 524-2256 or liliesontheriver.org.

MAY 1: Beaufort Performing Arts presents the hit Broadway play “Say Goodnight Gracie” featuring the comedy of George Burns, 7 p.m. 801 Carteret St. (843) 521-4145 or www.uscb.edu.

MAY 1: Beaufort County Historical Society’s Annual Meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort, noon. Guest speaker Dr. Gerald Schwartz discusses his book, The Diary of Ester Hawks. Corner of Church and North Sts. (843) 671-4865 or e-mail ivasouth@aol.com.

MAY 3: “Snakes Alive!” program for all ages at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 1-2 p.m. Learn all about snakes with the opportunity for a hands-on snake experience under supervision. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.

MAY 3: “A Taste of Beaufort” presented by Main Street Beaufort in Waterfront Park, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Local restaurants serve up at least 60 different dishes, plus live music featuring The Burning Smyrnans. (843) 525-6644 or atasteofbeaufort.com.

MAY 3: 5th Annual 1862 Circle Gala, “Celebrating Gullah Culture Through Art and Giving,” to benefit the Penn Center at the Parris Island Lyceum, 6 p.m. Featuring award-winning author Pat Conroy and honoring artist Jonathan Green and the Penn Club, Inc. Reservations required. (843) 838-2432 or penncenter.com.

MAY 7, 14, 21 & 28: Figure Drawing Classes with Daniel Liegey in the studio at the Arts Council of Beaufort County, 6-9 p.m. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 8 & 11: The Beaufort Orchestra presents “Beaufort Goes to Broadway: Sullivan to Webber, Favorites Old and New” at the USCB Performing Arts Center. Thurs. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 3 p.m. Call the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce for tickets. 801 Carteret St. (843) 986-5400 ext. 34 or www.beaufortorchestra.org.

MAY 9 - 30: An art exhibit by Hank Herring is on display in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Opening Reception on May 9, 5-8 p.m. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

MAY 10: 4th Annual Lilies on the River Brunch and Release Party at the Berkeley Hall Clubhouse. Brunch at 11 a.m.; Lily Release at 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit Hope Haven of the Lowcountry. Reservations required for brunch. (843) 524-2256 or liliesontheriver.org.

MAY 10: “Cinderella & The Chinese Slipper” concert presented by Bits ‘n Pieces Puppet Theatre in Waterfront Park, 5:30 p.m. Free and open to the public. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 10: “Hunt for History” program for all ages at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Look for “History Mysteries” throughout the park. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.

MAY 11: The Heritage Aire Celtic Ensemble performs in Old Town Port Royal, 5:30 p.m. Part of the Port Royal Performances Series. Free, bring a chair. Paris Ave. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 12: Photography Club of Beaufort meets at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, 7 p.m. Special guests and discussions. Bldg. 22, Room 100. photoclubbeaufort.com.

MAY 13 & 27: Beaufort Writers meet in the Lady’s Island Airport conference room, 5:30 p.m. 39 Airport Circle. For details, e-mail evanste@islc.net.

MAY 12: “Critique Drop-In” at the Arts Council of Beaufort County, 6-8 p.m. Share your work with other new and emerging artists and established artists. Learn how to give and receive positive criticism. Facilitated by Deanna Bowdish. Free. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 15 - 16: “Kennedy Center Partners in Education Seminar -- Artists as Educators: Planning Effective Residencies for Students” Teaching Artist Institute at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina on Hilton Head Island, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Pre-registration required. 14 Shelter Cove Lane. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 16 - 17: Art Weekend in Old Town Bluffton. Gallery Walk featuring the work of over 200 artists with live music on Fri., 3-8 p.m. “Art in the Park” next to the SoBA Gallery on Boundary St. on Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with an art auction from 3-4 p.m.; “Authors on the Porch” at the Heyward House on Sat., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (843) 757-6586 or sobagalleries.com.

MAY 17: Land Use and Water Workshop sponsored by the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition on St. Helena Island. Free. (843) 838-1171 or e-mail gullgeeco@aol.com.

MAY 17: Congaree Creek Bus Tour (Sherman’s Right Wing) retracing the steps of the right wing of General Sherman’s army as it approached and entered Columbia, SC, in February 1865, 9 a.m. Hosted by the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. 1101 Lincoln St. (803) 545-0002.

MAY 17: Sherman’s Left Wing Bus Tour retracing the steps of General Sherman’s army as it marched through central Lexington County in February of 1865, 1 p.m. Hosted by the Columbia Regional Visitors Center. 1101 Lincoln St. (803) 545-0002.

MAY 17: Elise Witt & The Mezzanine Band perform in Old Town Port Royal, 5:30 p.m. Part of the Port Royal Performances Series. Free, bring a chair. Paris Ave. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 17: 2nd Annual Low Country 5K Hog Jog Twilight Trail Run & Nature Walk hosted by Bear Foot Sports at Sergeant Jasper Park in Hardeeville, 6 p.m. Includes a Toddler Trot, Awards Ceremony and Post-Race Blowout with food, live music and door prizes. Proceeds benefit the Bluffton High School cross country team. Near Exit 8 at I-95 and Hwy. 278. Pre-registration required. (843) 757-8520 or bearfootsports.com.

MAY 18: “Cooks & Books“ presented by Literacy Volunteers of the Lowcountry at The Mall at Shelter Cove, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m. “The Heat is On” cooking competition featuring local chefs, plus food tastings and book signings with Lowcountry authors. Tickets may be purchased at various locations. (843) 686-6655 or lowcountryliteracy.org.

MAY 18: Community Sing in the Frissell Community House at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 7:30 p.m. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

MAY 19: Charity G.O.L.F. (Growing Our Library Foundation) Tournament at Hampton Hall Golf Club, 12:30 p.m. Award Presentation and Reception at 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Public Library Foundation of Beaufort County. Pre-registration required. (843) 846-6057 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

MAY 22: “Moment by Moment… Practical Perspectives in Dementia Care” conference hosted by Alzheimer’s Respite & Resource at the Moss Creek Clubhouse, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Keynote speaker Jolene Brackey, author of Creating Moments of Joy, plus a panel of local experts. Reservations required. (843) 842-6688 or alzheimersrr.org.

MAY 23 - 31: “Net Results,” an exhibit of new work by fiber artist Kim Keats and painter Melba Cooper, is on display at The Charles Street Gallery. Artist Reception on May 23, 5:30-9 p.m. 914 Charles St. (843) 521-9054 or thecharlesstreetgallery.com.

MAY 23 - 25: 22nd Annual Original Gullah Festival in Waterfront Park and other venues throughout historic Beaufort. Live entertainment, arts exhibits, vendors, food, educational forums and more celebrating the unique culture of the Sea Islands. (843) 525-0628 or gullahfestival.org.

MAY 23 - 24: 2008 Artist Showcase presented by the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn. Meet the Artists Reception on Fri., 5-8:30 p.m. Sat. exhibit hours are 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 2225 Boundary St. (843) 986-1102 or bcbcc.org.

MAY 24 - 31: Pre-registration for Summer Reading Programs at all branches of the Beaufort County Library. Includes the Bookworm Read-to-Me Club for ages 2-3, Catch the Reading Bug program for ages 4-5th grade and Metamorphosis for grades 6-12. Programs run June 9-July 19. (843) 470-6508 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

MAY 30: LowCountry Children’s Chorus Spring Concert at The Baptist Church of Beaufort, 7:30 p.m. 600 Charles St. (843) 522-9744 or bcob.org.

MAY 31: Cool John Ferguson performs in Old Town Port Royal, 5:30 p.m. Part of the Port Royal Performances Series. Free, bring a chair. Paris Ave. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

MAY 31: “Preparing & Completing Your Lesson Plans” Teaching Artist Institute with Lisa Annelouise Rentz at the Arts Council of Beaufort County, 2-5 p.m. Free. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JUNE 1 - 30: The Beaufort Art Association Gallery in the historic Elliott House features the work of over 75 local artists. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1001 Bay St. (843) 379-2222 or beaufortartassociation.com.

JUNE 1 - 30: The Sgt. John Basilone Foundation awards free books on the life of “Manila John” Basilone, one of the most heroic Marines in history, to honor recruit graduates at the Parris Island and San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depots. (888) 827-2762 or sgtjohnbasilone.com.

JUNE 1 - 28: Pre-registration for Summer Reading Programs at all branches of the Beaufort County Library. Includes the Bookworm Read-to-Me Club for ages 2-3, Catch the Reading Bug program for ages 4-5th grade and Metamorphosis for grades 6-12. Programs run June 9-July 19. (843) 470-6508 or beaufortcountylibrary.org.

JUNE 1 - 20: “Net Results,” an exhibit of new work by fiber artist Kim Keats and painter Melba Cooper, is on display at The Charles Street Gallery. Artist Reception on May 23, 5:30-9 p.m. 914 Charles St. (843) 521-9054 or thecharlesstreetgallery.com.

JUNE 5: The Arts Council of Beaufort County presents “The Eclectic Collector” with host Clay Morton of Dataw Island, part of the “President’s Circle” series, 6-8 p.m. Limited tickets, reservations required. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JUNE 7 - 30: “The Connection: Barbados and the South Carolina Connection” exhibit is on display in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Presented by the SC National Heritage Corridor. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

JUNE 7, 14, 21 & 28: “Saturday Museum Safari“ in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 1-4 p.m. Fun family activities including art workshops, cooking, crafts, videos and more. Pre-registration required. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

JUNE 9: “Critique Drop-In” at the Arts Council of Beaufort County, 6-8 p.m. Share your work with other new and emerging artists and established artists. Learn how to give and receive positive criticism. Facilitated by Deanna Bowdish. Free. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JUNE 9: Photography Club of Beaufort meets at the Technical College of the Lowcountry, 7 p.m. Special guests and discussions. Bldg. 22, Room 100. photoclubbeaufort.com.

JUNE 10 & 24: Beaufort Writers meet in the Lady’s Island Airport conference room, 5:30 p.m. 39 Airport Circle. For details, e-mail evanste@islc.net.

JUNE 14: Delta Moon performs in Old Town Port Royal, 5:30 p.m. Part of the Port Royal Performances Series. Free, bring a chair. Paris Ave. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JUNE 18: Arts Council of Beaufort County’s Annual Meeting, Awards Ceremony & Reinstated Art Auction, 6 p.m. 1111 Boundary St. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JUNE 21: “Searching for Your Roots” genealogy workshop for all ages at Old Santee Canal Park in Moncks Corner, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Learn how to fill in the blank branches of your family tree. 900 Stony Landing Rd. (843) 899-5200 or oldsanteecanalpark.org.

JUNE 28: Havana Son performs in Old Town Port Royal, 5:30 p.m. Part of the Port Royal Performances Series. Free, bring a chair. Paris Ave. (843) 379-2787 or beaufortcountyarts.com.

JULY 1 - 31: “The Connection: Barbados and the South Carolina Connection” exhibit is on display in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Presented by the SC National Heritage Corridor. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

JULY 1 - 31: The Beaufort Art Association Gallery in the historic Elliott House features the work of over 75 local artists. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1001 Bay St. (843) 379-2222 or beaufortartassociation.com.

JULY 1 - 31: The Sgt. John Basilone Foundation awards free books on the life of “Manila John” Basilone, one of the most heroic Marines in history, to honor recruit graduates at the Parris Island and San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depots. (888) 827-2762 or sgtjohnbasilone.com.

JULY 11 - 20: 53rd Annual Beaufort Water Festival, “Livin’ a Coastal Dream,” in Waterfront Park. Concerts, dances, contests, sporting events, arts and crafts, shrimp boat tours, air shows and more. (843) 524-0600 or bftwaterfestival.com.

JULY 13 - 25: 4th Annual Gullah Studies Summer Institute, “Teaching African American History: The Gullah People of the Sea Islands,” at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Pre-registration required. (843) 838-2432 or penncenter.com.

AUGUST 1 - 31: The Beaufort Art Association Gallery in the historic Elliott House features the work of over 75 local artists. The gallery is open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 1001 Bay St. (843) 379-2222 or beaufortartassociation.com.

AUGUST 1 - 31: The Sgt. John Basilone Foundation awards free books on the life of “Manila John” Basilone, one of the most heroic Marines in history, to honor recruit graduates at the Parris Island and San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depots. (888) 827-2762 or sgtjohnbasilone.com.

AUGUST 1: “The Connection: Barbados and the South Carolina Connection” exhibit is on display in the York W. Bailey Museum at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Presented by the SC National Heritage Corridor. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

AUGUST 22 - 24: Gullah/Geechee Nation International Music & Movement Festival 2008 at the Charleston Maritime Center in Charleston, SC. A commemoration of abolition and freedom celebration with boat rides, music, craftsmen, ceremonies, Gullah/Geechee cuisine, workshops and more. (843) 838-1171 or officialgullahgeechee.info.

AUGUST 29 - 31: 28th Annual Hilton Head Island Celebrity Golf Tournament at The Arthur Hills Course in Palmetto Hall, Robert Trent Jones Course in Palmetto Dunes and the Harbour Town Golf Links in The Sea Pines Resort. Amateur golfers are matched with celebrities from the world of sports, TV, film, music and comedy to raise money for local children’s charities. Spectators welcome. (843) 842-7711 or hhcelebritygolf.com.

SEPTEMBER 1 - 30: The Sgt. John Basilone Foundation awards free books on the life of “Manila John” Basilone, one of the most heroic Marines in history, to honor recruit graduates at the Parris Island and San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depots. (888) 827-2762 or sgtjohnbasilone.com.

SEPTEMBER 1: “Labor Day on the Green” hosted the Penn Center in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park on St. Helena Island, 11 a.m. Experience local traditions, music and food. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

SEPTEMBER 18 - 21: 15th Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival. Parade, rides, food, fireworks, live entertainment, arts and crafts and more. 101 Town Circle. (843) 589-2565 or yemassee.net/festival.html.

SEPTEMBER 21: Community Sing in the Frissell Community House at the Penn Center on St. Helena Island, 7:30 p.m. (843) 838-2474 or penncenter.com.

OCTOBER 18: Annual Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at South Carolina National, 8 a.m. (843) 986-1102 or bcbcc.org.

Please Note: We make every effort possible to see that the information in our Calendar of Events is accurate. However, events sometimes change without prior notice. Please call the listed phone numbers for confirmation.