2nd Annual "Under The Ancient Oaks"

Contact organizers for additional details about event times.

Step back to a Lowcountry autumn in the 1860s… 🍂

Join the Historic Bluffton Foundation, the Town of Bluffton, and the Southeastern Coalition of Authentic Reenactors (S.C.A.R.) for the 2nd Annual Under the Ancient Oaks - "History at Heyward: Everyday Life in the 19th Century."

📅 Saturday, November 8, 2025

📍 Heyward House Museum & Historic Bluffton Foundation - 70 Boundary Street, Bluffton, SC 29910

⏰ Festival: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Oyster Roast: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Living History Festival (Free Admission)

Experience Bluffton's past come alive through interactive living history demonstrations, period cooking, crafts, and reenactments of daily antebellum life. The Citadel Military Living History Society will perform militia drills and musket firings throughout the day, while local artisans and food vendors fill Martin Family Park with the sights and sounds of the season.

Bring the family and enjoy:

• Citadel cadet marches and firing salutes
• Music, crafts, and educational activities
• Living history encampments and demonstrations
• Modern food & artisan vendors next door at Martin Family Park

🎟️ Daytime festival is free and open to all!

Evening Oyster Roast (Ticketed Event)

As the sun sets, gather under the oaks for a traditional Oyster Roast on the Heyward House Common Grounds. Dine alongside cadets and reenactors in full period attire, enjoy live music, and take in the charm of Bluffton’s history under the stars.

🎟️ Tickets: $70 per person (includes dinner and champagne)

💵 Bar available (cash or donation)

🌙 Historic Bluffton Foundation

About the Event

Under the Ancient Oaks - "History at Heyward" is a one-day celebration of Bluffton's heritage, preserving history through education, reenactment, and community engagement. Come experience the stories, traditions, and people who helped shape the Lowcountry we know today.