Bluffton Independence Day 5K 2026 — Bluffton, SC

Kick off your Independence Day festivities with the Bluffton Independence Day 5K! Join us on Thursday, July 2nd at 7:00 PM at the New Riverside Barn Park for an evening run, jog, or walk through Bluffton's newest parks. This exciting race is the first event in the Town’s Independence Day Celebration, making it the perfect way to start the holiday fun! Post-Race Party: Stick around after the race for an epic celebration featuring: Live music Beer Food trucks T-shirt canon Awards ceremony Race for a Cause: This stroller- and dog-friendly 5K benefits the Mayor’s “Stay Safe, Bluffton!” campaign and provides student scholarships to promote safe driving in Bluffton and Beaufort County. Free Kid's Fun Run - "Chase the Chief": Calling all kids 8 and under! Join us for the “Chase the Chief” Kids Fun Run — a fun run around the park where kids will try to catch the Bluffton's Chief of Police! This is all about fun, smiles, and lots of laughs. All participants will receive a prize! Bring the kids, wear your red, white, and blue, and get ready for a fun Independence Day tradition! Patriotic Costume Contest: Show off your red, white, and blue! Dress in your best patriotic gear for a chance to win our Patriotic Costume Contest. Stars, stripes, Uncle Sam hats, tutus, capes — the more creative the better! The winner will receive the Grand Prize. Have fun, be creative, and show your American spirit! The Mayor’s Cup: The top overall male and female winners will have their names engraved on the Mayor’s Cup; a prestigious trophy displayed at Bluffton Town Hall. This award symbolizes the Town’s commitment to safe and mindful driving for all ages. Swag: The first 220 registrants will receive a Bluffton Independence Day 5K race shirt. A wards: Mayor’s Cup: Overall male & female winners Custom medals: Top 3 in each division:12U, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80, Top 3 Dogs Packet Pickup: Date: Wednesday, July 1st Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Location: New Riverside Red Barn Park (30 Red Barn Dr. Bluffton, SC 29910 After Party: Celebrate with live music, food trucks, beer, and giveaways—the perfect way to keep the Independence Day vibes going strong! Don’t miss out! Gather your family, friends, and pups for this unforgettable holiday tradition in beautiful downtown Bluffton! Parking: Parking and Shuttle Information – Parking at the Barn is extremely limited. Attendees should park at Pritchardville Elementary School, 9447 Evan Way, and use the free Savannah Trolley shuttle to New Riverside Barn Park. Shuttle service runs continuously from 5:30-11 p.m. The final shuttle departure from the event area will be approximately 10:30 p.m. Parking at New Riverside Barn Park is extremely limited and reserved for event operations, vendors, and ADA-accessible parking. Using the shuttle will help reduce traffic congestion and make arrival and departure much easier for everyone. Thank you for your help in making this a safe patriotic event. Keep the Celebration Going: The fun doesn’t stop there! Come back the next day for the Independence Day Pre-Party at Martin and DuBois Parks, followed by the Town’s spectacular fireworks displays at Oyster Factory Park and Wright Family Park. Pre-Party: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Fireworks: At dusk