Can you tell me more about the festivities? We will be staying there for the first time in July 2015. I knew about campfires, but no concerts, fireworks, etc. Where can I find details? Thanks!
The fireworks/concerts are not Disney specific activities, but are sponsored by the merchants at Shelter Cove (Disney is one of those sponsors). These events are free.
As noted, the concerts (Shannon Tanner - very family friendly program) are held most nights in the pavilion right on the harbor. This summer, in addition to the kid's oriented show, Shannon also participated in ParrotPallooza on Thursday evenings at the same location - still family friendly, but an "older" crowd was generally in attendance. These concerts begin right around Memorial Day and go thru Labor Day (not sure if those are the official start/end dates, but that is close).
Fireworks are part of "Harbourfest" which is held every Tuesday evening from mid-June - mid-August. There are jump houses for the kids and activities all evening ending with the fireworks around 9-9:15 weather permitting. They are fired from a barge anchored in the marsh behind the
DVC resort - so DVC guests have a great vantage point, but they cam easily be enjoyed from many spots around the harbour. Unless July 4th falls on Tuesday, that week will not have Tuesday fireworks but will have an extended show on July 4. Harbourfest is sponsored by the Shelter Cove merchants.
Several of the Shelter Cove restaurants offer summer entertainment in addition to the concerts and fireworks - Kingfisher, Scott's Fishmarket, Bistro 17, La Fontana, San Miguels and ELAs all have entertainment throughout the summer months. Some (Scott's, Bistro 17, La Fontana, ELAs) still have dining entertainment.
In addition to the great activities offered by the DVC resort, there are many, many local events all over the island and in nearby Bluffton (you drive thru Bluffton to get on the island).
I try to post local information when I get the list from a friend on the island - here is one for this month on the DVC Resorts Forum -
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3343233 .
Enjoy!
