4th of July Festivities I Kiawah & Seabrook Island I Pam Harrington Exclusives

Without a doubt, Independence Day is best spent at the beach in Charleston, SC. Some of our favorite memories are made at the beach with family and friends. Make summer plans and head to the Charleston Sea Islands to enjoy an amazing holiday getaway in the Lowcountry.

Preview the annual 4th of July events on Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island.

In between celebrations, enjoy summer on Kiawah and Seabrook Island. For the best recommendations, request access to our complimentary Charleston Sea Island Vacation Guides. We have curated a list of our favorite local restaurants, attractions, and shops so you can spend less time planning your getaway and more time enjoying it.

Annual Patriotic Bike Parade

This beloved family tradition kicks off the Independence Day festivities on July 4th at East Beach Village. Patriots of all ages are encouraged to join on bikes, skates, rollerblades, or on foot.

When: Saturday, July 4 | 5:00 – 5:45 PM | Parade begins promptly at 5:45 PM
Start: East Beach Village
Route: Down Sea Forest Drive, finishing at Night Heron Park
The Kiawah Island Recreation Department leads the parade, followed by Uncle Sam, Lady Liberty, and Captain America.
Admission is complimentary; no reservations required.
This event, as well as gate access, is limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents.

Independence Day Celebration at Night Heron Park

Saturday, July 4 | 6:00 – 9:00 PM | Night Heron Park

Following the Annual Bike Parade, the celebration at Night Heron Park officially kicks off with a full lineup of family fun. Festivities include live music, carnival games, inflatables, a photo booth, crafts, and more. Food will be served until 9:00 PM, featuring a cookout menu of traditional holiday favorites.

Festival Highlights:

7:00 PM — Annual Watermelon Eating Contest
7:30 PM — Kyle K'Otic Breakdancing Crew
9:15 PM — Fireworks, Night Heron Soccer Field

Food prices range from $5 to $20. Select attractions and crafts $3–$15. Tickets go on sale at the park starting at 4:00 PM. Night Heron Grill closes for food service at 4:00 PM; the bar is open until 9:30 PM.

Important reminders:

This event and gate access are limited to Kiawah Island guests and residents.
Admission to the festival is complimentary; no reservations necessary.
Please leave pets at home during fireworks for their comfort and safety.
No drones permitted in Night Heron Park.
No coolers permitted at any 4th of July event.

Red, White & Blue Festival at The Sanctuary

Saturday, July 4 | 5:00 – 9:00 PM | Terrace Lawn, The Sanctuary Hotel

An elevated Fourth of July tradition at The Sanctuary, this ticketed evening brings together live music, open-air lawn games, an obstacle course, soccer darts, family activities, and a buffet-style menu with cookout classics and seafood options. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display under the stars.

Tickets required — purchase in advance at KiawahResort.com
Guests of The Sanctuary receive priority reservations.
Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase and are not included with admission.

Friendly Reminder: The Town of Kiawah Island prohibits the discharge of personal fireworks on the island (sparklers excepted). This applies to all property owners and visitors, who may be ticketed for violations.

Kiawah Island — Week-Long Holiday Fun

A Week of Celebration: Kiawah Island Golf Resort (June 28 – July 4)

Beyond the July 4th events themselves, the Kiawah Island Golf Resort hosts a week-long holiday itinerary leading up to Independence Day. Highlights throughout the week include:

Salute from the Shore (July 4, ~1:00 PM): A military flyover along the entire South Carolina coastline, featuring F-16s, C-17s, and vintage aircraft — visible from anywhere on the beach.
The Treehouse Nature Center (open daily 9 AM–5 PM): Interactive exhibits, live animal ambassadors, and family-friendly nature programming. Admission is complimentary.
The Treehouse Art Studio (open daily 10 AM–4 PM): Drop-in pottery painting, wood crafts, canvas art, shell art, and more.
Tie-Dye T-Shirts (July 4, 11 AM–1 PM, Art Studio): Make a patriotic red, white & blue Kiawah Island Golf Resort souvenir. $25+ per shirt.
Sand Sculpting Contest (July 4, 1–2:30 PM, Sanctuary Beach Access): Grab a shovel and build your best American-themed sculpture. Complimentary; no reservations needed.
4th of July Pool Party (July 4, 12–1:30 PM, Night Heron Pool): USA-themed music, games, and fun on the pool deck. Exclusive to Resort Guests and Governor's Club Members.

For the full week-long event schedule, visit KiawahResort.com/holiday-events/4th-of-july or call Recreation Reservations at 843.768.6001.

Celebrate the 4th of July on Seabrook Island – 2026

Independence Day on Seabrook Island is a beloved two-day community tradition, with festivities running July 3rd and 4th.

Friday, July 3 — Seabrook Island 5K Walk/Run

Start the holiday weekend with a morning fitness celebration!

When: Friday, July 3 | 8:00 AM
Start/Finish: The Lake House
Course: 3.4 miles through the front half of Seabrook Island
Cost: $30 per participant (event shirts are limited — register early)
Participants are placed in corrals based on pace selection at registration.
Packet Pickup: Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2

Friday, July 3 — Fireworks at the Seabrook Island Club

The Town of Seabrook Island presents its annual fireworks display at dusk, courtesy of the Town of Seabrook Island.

When: Dusk (approximately 9:00 PM) | Friday, July 3
Location: Seabrook Island Club Driving Range
Rain Date: Sunday, July 5

This year's fireworks celebration at the Club features an expanded event:

4:00 PM — Members and guests may begin placing chairs on the Driving Range Lawn
5:00 PM — Food and bars open for service
6:00 PM — Entertainment begins on the Main Stage featuring:
- Rotie Salley
- Kotic & The Break Circuit Breakdancers
- Midnight City Band
9:00 PM — Fireworks begin

Activities: 9-hole mini putt-putt, inflatable carnival games, video game truck, Balloon Art by Balloons by Brittany, fairy hair, face painting, and Holy City Photobooth.

Food & Beverage: Four outdoor bars, Pizza Kitchen, Seabrook Island Club Food Truck, and an All-American Buffet on the Putting Green.

Tickets: The event is free to attend. Food and beverages are purchased with tickets ($1 ticket = $5 value, inclusive of tax and service charge). Tickets can also be used for holiday-themed merchandise, including glow sticks, beaded necklaces, sunglasses, and more. All ticket sales end at 8:00 PM.

Transportation: Two trolleys will run on a loop between the Lake House and Island House from 4:30–10:30 PM. A third trolley will be available for additional transportation from 9:00–10:30 PM.

Policies: No outside food, drinks, coolers, or pets permitted. All attendees purchasing alcohol must have a 21+ ID bracelet. ID check stations will be available at the Atlantic Room and near bar stations. All regular Island House food and beverage operations will be closed on July 3 in preparation for the event. The driving range, putting greens, and golf veranda close at 11:00 AM on July 3.

For more information, contact Abby Grooms, Community Affairs Director, at (843) 768-9121.

Saturday, July 4 — Annual July 4th Parade

Seabrook Island's annual parade is one of the most festive and well-attended traditions on the island.

When: Saturday, July 4 | Set up by 9:00 AM | Parade begins at 9:30 AM
Route: Full Seabrook Island Road loop (6.7 miles)

Parade lineup:

Dry Section lines up at the Lake House front lawn
Wet Section lines up in the Seabrook Island Village area

Participation rules:

Bicycle riders must line up at the front of the parade and maintain a speed of 6 mph.
Any vehicle allowed on Seabrook Island roads and capable of maintaining 10 mph may participate.
All truck participants must remain in the truck bed at all times.
Do not throw candy or items from vehicles.

Saturday, July 4 — After-Parade Fun at the Lake House

The celebration continues after the parade on the Lake House front lawn!

When: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | Lake House Front Lawn
Jump Castle
Waterslide
Giant Bubbles
Face Painting

Celebrate Near the Islands: Freshfields Village Summer 2026 Events

Conveniently located at the gateway to both Kiawah and Seabrook Islands, Freshfields Village hosts a full summer events calendar that runs from Memorial Day through late August — all free and open to the public.

While there is no standalone July 4th fireworks event at Freshfields Village, the Village is an ideal gathering spot before and after holiday celebrations on the islands. Here's what's happening in and around the July 4th holiday:

Music on The Green (Weekly Fridays)

Live outdoor concerts on the Village Green every Friday evening from late May through August, 6:00–9:00 PM. Bring your chairs and blankets, grab dinner to-go from a Village restaurant, and enjoy an evening of local and regional music. Friday, July 3, falls within this series — a perfect pre-fireworks stop.

Bingo & Movies on The Green (Wednesday Evenings in July)

Every Wednesday in July, starting at 6:30 PM, including July 1st, just before the holiday. Unwind under the stars with a classic outdoor film experience — blankets, lawn chairs, and a relaxed Lowcountry evening.

Farmers Market (Mondays, June–August | 3:00–7:00 PM)

Running every Monday through the summer on the Village Green, the Freshfields Farmers Market features local produce, prepared foods, artisan goods, and Lowcountry crafts. The July 6th market is a great way to wind down after the holiday weekend.

Cars & Coffee (3rd Saturday of the Month | 9:00–11:00 AM)

A fun morning tradition with classic and specialty vehicles on display. Coffee and breakfast available for purchase from Village retailers. The July 18th edition is the closest to the holiday.

All Freshfields Village events are free and open to the public. For the full 2026 summer schedule, visit FreshfieldsVillage.com/events.

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About Pam Harrington Exclusives

Pam Harrington Exclusives is an independent, women-owned luxury real estate brokerage founded in 1978, specializing in Kiawah Island, Seabrook Island, and Johns Island, South Carolina. As an MLS-affiliated independent brokerage, PHE provides unbiased representation across all three markets — including resale inventory and new construction.

The firm's office is located at 4341 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, Johns Island, SC 29455, at the gateway to Kiawah and Seabrook Islands. 843.768.3635