Hands-on fun! Programs vary weekly.

Duration

1 Hour - 2 Hours

About

There is something special happening AFTER HOURS at the Coastal Discovery Museum. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in unique experiences on Thursday evenings. Topics, activities, times, and fees vary…so keep checking the calendar to see what’s next.

September 25, 2025 Cast Net Throwing Class 5:30-6:30pm

Cast nets are a favorite tool for recreational fishing thanks to their effectiveness in catching live bait. But here in the South Carolina Lowcountry, cast netting is more than just a fishing method — it's a tradition deeply rooted in the Gullah Geechee culture and the region's coastal heritage.

Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn how to throw and open a cast net with ease, no matter your experience level. You'll practice with different net sizes and gain the skills to use them confidently. Whether you're here to learn a useful skill or simply try something new, this class is for you.

We’ll be practicing in the field, and no fishing license is required for the workshop itself. However, if you'd like to test your skills from the dock afterward, please have a paper or digital copy of a valid South Carolina fishing license.
$15 per person
Ages 13 and older only please.

October 2, 2025 Indigo Exploration – Tote and T-shirt Edition 5:30-6:30pm

Travel back in time and "meet" Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a pioneering young woman whose experiments with indigo in 1739—at just 17 years old—helped turn the crop into a thriving industry in colonial South Carolina. Discover her remarkable story, learn how indigo dye was traditionally made, and create your own indigo tie-dye t-shirt and tote bag to take home.

The Museum will provide one t-shirt (available in sizes Child S – Adult XXL) and one tote bag per participant. You’re also welcome to bring one additional small cotton item to dye using authentic indigo derived from our region’s historic “cash crop.”
$25 per person
Ages 13 and older only please.

October 9, 2025 iPhone Photography: Tricks & Tips from a Pro- October 9th, 2025 - 4:30-6:30pm

Surrounded by stunning scenery, learn how to capture picture-perfect moments using your iPhone in this hands-on photography workshop led by professional photographer Sophia Schade. Designed for iPhone 12 or newer models, this session will guide you through camera modes, settings, and creative techniques to elevate your mobile photography skills—no prior experience required.

What to Bring:
• iPhone 12 or newer
• Charger or portable power bank

Come ready to explore, shoot, and see the world through a new lens—right from your phone!

Ages 13 and older only please.
$35 per person (ages 13 and older only please)

October 23, 2025 Pumpkins, Posies, & Prosecco! 5:30 - 6:30pm

You're invited to a delightful evening of creativity and connection. Sip a glass (or two) of bubbly prosecco as you design your own one-of-a-kind fall floral arrangement using seasonal flowers, lush greenery, and a festive pumpkin.
Guiding you through the experience is Jill Moore—Master Naturalist and owner of Moore to Life—who will share fun and fascinating insights into fall blooms, greenery, pumpkins, and essential oils.
All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary—just bring your creativity! Whether you're a local or just visiting the Lowcountry, this is a fun, festive experience you won’t want to miss.

21 and older only please $35 per person

November 6, 2025 A Journey Through Tea: History, Practices, and Tasting Experience 5:30 - 7pm

Join us at the Coastal Discovery Museum for a delightful tea exploration, where history and flavor come together. This engaging program will delve into tea's rich history and cultural significance, highlighting its journey from ancient to modern practices.

Participants will enjoy a guided tea tasting featuring an array of exquisite teas, complemented by freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, strawberry preserves, and zesty lemon curd. To sweeten the experience, indulge in an assortment of mini desserts that will tantalize your taste buds.

In a hands-on segment, attendees will create and take home their own handcrafted tea blends, selecting from various ingredients to craft a unique flavor profile reflecting their preferences. Each guest will also receive tea blend recipes to recreate their creations at home.

Whether you are a seasoned tea lover or a curious newcomer, this program promises to be a refreshing and educational journey into tea.

Fee: $40 per person / (ages 13 and older only please)

November 13, 2025 Jellyfish Lantern Workshop- 5:30-7:30pm

Join the tradition and create your own jellyfish lantern for Hilton Head Island's beloved Lantern Parade! This workshop is your chance to craft a unique lantern with guidance from our museum staff, who will provide all the necessary supplies- including the lights. Bring your creativity and get ready to light up the beach during this year's celebration on November 22.
Space is limited, and only registered participants will be admitted into the program area.
Ages 13 and older please. There is a Family Friendly lantern workshop scheduled for Nov 15, 2025
$40 - 1 lantern kit and 1 adult (ages 13+)

November 20, 2025 Create Your Own Lantern Workshop- 5:30-7:30pm

Join the tradition and create your own 14" x20" cylindrical lantern for Hilton Head Island's beloved Lantern Parade! This workshop is your chance to craft a unique lantern with guidance from our museum staff, who will provide all the necessary supplies- including the lights. Bring your creativity and get ready to light up the beach during this year's celebration on November 22.
Space is limited, and only registered participants will be admitted into the program area.
Ages 13 and older please. There is a Family Friendly lantern workshop scheduled for Nov 15, 2025
$40 - 1 lantern kit and 1 adult (ages 13+)

December 4, 2025 Indigo Tie Dye -Holiday Edition- 5-6:30pm

Get into the holiday spirit with a hands-on indigo tie-dye workshop! Celebrate the season by creating your own festive designs using natural indigo dye, derived from the indigo plant. Once a valuable cash crop in the Lowcountry, indigo is now a favorite among artists for its rich, vibrant hue.

Each participant will receive an apron, a tote bag, four tea towels, a scarf, and one T-shirt (available in sizes Child S – Adult XXL) to dye and personalize. Our museum staff will be on hand to guide you every step of the way.

Make something special for yourself—or craft one-of-a-kind holiday gifts your friends and family will love!

Fee: $45 per person / Ages 13 and older only please.

December 11, 2025 Creative Coastal Decoupage 5:30pm- 7:30pm

Unleash your inner artist at this delightful evening of coastal creativity! In this workshop, you’ll discover the art of decoupage—decorating objects with paper napkins and applying a protective finish for a beautiful, glossy finish. Many different napkin designs are available for you to choose from, or bring your own favorite ones. Guided by local artist Camilla Pagliaroli, owner of Create with Camilla, you'll transform oyster shells and large scallop shells into unique ornaments and trinket dishes to keep or share as holiday gifts. No prior experience is needed, making this event perfect for everyone. By the end of the evening, you’ll have two original decoupage projects (choose between two ornaments, two trinket dishes, or one of each). Come with friends, or make new ones in this fun, interactive experience!

All supplies are included, and you’re invited to bring your favorite wine (age 21 and older) and snacks to enjoy as you create

Fee: $40 per person / ages 13 and older only please

December 18, 2025 Camelias and the Art of Waxing Flowers - Members Only 4:30-6pm

Camellias are a stunning winter-blooming flower with a rich history and timeless beauty. Discover their story and learn the delicate art of preserving their blooms. You will have the opportunity to selecting your own camellia from our garden — home to over 135 varieties and proudly featured on the American Camellia Trail. Then, head indoors for a hands-on workshop where you’ll master the technique of flower waxing, preserving your camellia (and a few other blooms) to take home and enjoy.

This is a Members-Only Workshop — become a member to unlock access to exclusive workshops and special events. Spots fill quickly, so become a member today!
Fee: $30 per person / ages 13 and older only please

Check back for more programs - we update the schedule frequently.