Events
There is always something to do on Hilton Head Island!
Hilton Head Island is full of events throughout the year, so there's always something fun to do! Whether you're looking for live music, outdoor activities, or cultural events, you'll find plenty of options. Spring and Fall are the most popular times of the year for festivals and events…primarily due to the fantastic weather Hilton Head Island experiences during those seasons. However, there are still a number of events that happen during the summer & winter months.
Check out the list of events below that are open to the public. Some do require a small admission charge, but many can be experienced just by visiting. Almost all of them are family friendly as well. After you've booked your Hilton Head Island vacation rental, be sure to check back often as we will be updating this page as new events are announced! You will not want to miss out on any of the fun!
16 Annual Italian Heritage Festival
The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Starts: 11:00 AM ‐ Ends: 4:00 PM
Celebrating the rich, colorful, Italian culture, and cuisine, while supporting local charities and scholarships, the Festival offers something to please everyone. This includes an inflatable kids’ zone, local arts and crafts vendors, a silent auction, and live entertainment by the Hilton Head Big Band.
And, back by popular demand, the grape-stomping, and pizza-eating contests, raffles, and much more
Tickets are $8/person, free for children under 10. Parking is free. No pets please! ...
.jpeg)
Gullah Food Festival
Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island
Starts: 11:00 AM ‐ Ends: 4:00 PM
Experience the rich flavors and traditions of Hilton Head Island’s Gullah heritage at this annual cultural celebration! Enjoy authentic Gullah cuisine, lively music, and captivating storytelling while discovering the history, traditions, and culinary influences that make this Lowcountry community so special.
...
Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival 2026
Old Town Bluffton
Starts: 7:00 AM ‐ Ends: 10:00 PM
Celebrate 22 years of tradition with plenty of activities showcasing locally harvested seafood and Lowcountry cuisine while highlighting the rich history and culture of the area.
The celebration culminates with a juried fine art show and street fest on October 17th and 18th. It includes a juried fine art show featuring over 100 artists from ten different states displaying and selling art, delicious food provided by the area's premier culinary spots, along with great music and entertainment.
This festival runs daily daily from Oct 9, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026 ...
Street Fest Bluffton
Old Town Bluffton
Starts: 7:00 AM ‐ Ends: 10:00 PM
A juried fine art show featuring over 100 artists from ten different states displaying and selling art, delicious food provided by the area's premier culinary spots, along with great music and entertainment.
Oct 17, 2026 - Oct 18, 2026, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM...
.jpeg)
Mac and Cheese Festival
Lincoln and South Brewery
Starts: 5:00 PM ‐ Ends: 8:00 PM
Get ready to cheese the day at the ooey-gooey, golden-delicious Mac and Cheese Festival! Join us on Saturday, October 24th from 5–8 PM at Lincoln and South Brewery for a night filled with mouthwatering mac, cold brews, 50/50 Raffle, and college football on the jumbotron! Parking is limited, please carpool if you can! All mac-ed out? Lincoln and South will be selling additional food items. Cashless event!
Admission
$15 per person (limited about of tickets)
Kids under 10 get in free! (Select the free kid ticket option online)
Lincoln and South will be closed to the public during the event
Mac Tasting
Sample the cheesiest creations from up to 20 local vendors, each serving their unique spin on mac in a 3 oz cup.
$10 for 5 tastings – That’s just $2 a scoop of heaven!
Vendors will be serving from 10x10 tents (no power, all flavor)
...
Halloween on the Harbour
Harbour Town
Starts: 1:30 PM ‐ Ends: 3:30 PM
Celebrate Halloween with activities, games and trick-or-treating around Harbour Town. Showcase your costume on the famous Liberty Oak stage with a Halloween fashion show starting at 2:30pm. All ages welcome and costumes are encouraged! ...
Lantern Making Workshop 2026
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Starts: 9:30 AM ‐ Ends: 11:30 AM
Get creative at the Arts Center's Lantern Making Workshop on October 28! Design your own illuminated lantern using colorful materials and imaginative coastal-inspired designs, from mermaids to sea creatures. This hands-on workshop is the perfect opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to carry in Hilton Head Island's annual Lantern Parade on November 14. Registration is $55 per person....
Concour's d'Elegance HHI
Port Royal Golf Club, Hilton Head Island, SC
Experience one of Hilton Head Island’s most anticipated annual events, featuring an impressive collection of rare, vintage, and luxury automobiles. Enjoy stunning car displays, prestigious competitions, and a celebration of automotive history, craftsmanship, and design.
...
Honky Tonk Chicks at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Starts: 7:30 PM
Get ready for a boot-stomping good time as the Honky Tonk Chicks take the stage November 5–6! This talented female trio brings country music's biggest hits to life with powerhouse vocals, lively choreography, and audience singalongs. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of country classics, modern favorites, and even a little line dancing. Tickets are $60 per person....
.jpeg)
HHI Oyster Festival
Shelter Cove Community Park + Lowcountry Community Park
Celebrate a beloved Lowcountry tradition with a weekend of fresh local oysters, delicious coastal cuisine, and live entertainment. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat oyster feast on Friday, followed by a lively Saturday festival featuring local seafood, artisan vendors, music, and family-friendly activities....
Hilton Head Island Annual Lantern Parade
Alder Lane Beach Access to Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island, SC
Starts: 5:00 PM ‐ Ends: 8:00 PM
Watch Hilton Head Island's coastline come alive with hundreds of glowing, handcrafted lanterns in this magical annual celebration. Featuring illuminated works of art, live music, and a festive parade along the beach, this family-friendly event celebrates the island's creativity, natural beauty, and community spirit....
Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 5k
Dunes House - Palmetto Dunes
Starts: 9:00 AM ‐ Ends: 11:00 AM
Enjoy an early morning 5K walk or run along the beach this Thanksgiving. The Palmetto Dunes Turtle Trot 5K is back for its 6th year!
Register now - Thanksgiving Turtle Trot 2026
...
.jpeg)
Caramel Apple Festival
Heritage Farm, Sea Pines
Starts: 1:00 PM ‐ Ends: 3:00 PM
Celebrate the fall season with a fun-filled afternoon at Heritage Farm! Enjoy delicious caramel apples, festive crafts, games, a bounce house, and family-friendly activities in a charming outdoor setting. A sweet Thanksgiving weekend tradition perfect for visitors of all ages....
First Thursday Artisan Alley
The Shops at Sea Pines Center
A celebration of local art, music, food, and community. Stroll the plaza, meet local makers, enjoy live music, and support causes close to home. Located at The Shops at Sea Pines Center
Dates are monthly and as follows:
● March 5: 3 PM - 6 PM
● April 2: 4 PM - 7 PM
● May 7: 4 PM - 7 PM
● June 4: 4 PM - 7 PM
● July 2: 4 PM - 7 PM
● August 6: 4 PM - 7 PM
● September 3: 4 PM - 7 PM
● October 1: 4 PM - 7 PM
● November 5: 3- 6 PM
● December 3: 2-5 PM...
Cheyenne Jackson: Suspiciously Merry Holiday Special 2026
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Starts: 4:00 PM ‐ Ends: 7:00 PM
Celebrate the holiday season with Broadway star Cheyenne Jackson as he brings his Suspiciously Merry holiday spectacular to Hilton Head Island for two performances on December 15! Enjoy an entertaining mix of beloved Christmas classics, powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and festive humor in this one-of-a-kind holiday concert. Tickets start at $63 per person. ...
.jpeg)
Polar Pines Express Holiday Wagon Ride
Heritage Farm, Sea Pines, Hilton Head Island, SC
Starts: 1:00 PM
All aboard the Polar Pines Express on December 19 for a magical holiday adventure through Sea Pines! Enjoy a festive wagon ride inspired by The Polar Express, complete with Christmas carols, storytelling, hot chocolate, holiday crafts, and sweet treats. Advance reservations are required....
.jpeg)
Harbour Town New Year's Eve Celebration
Harbour Town
Starts: 6:00 PM ‐ Ends: 1:00 AM
Ring in 2027 with an unforgettable New Year's Eve celebration at Harbour Town! Enjoy live music, waterfront entertainment, and festive dining before watching the iconic Harbour Town Lighthouse ball drop at 7:00 PM and again at midnight. The celebration runs from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM....
.jpeg)
Harbour Town Lights
Harbour Town
Experience the holiday magic of Harbour Town from November 27 through January 1! Wander along the beautifully decorated waterfront, admire illuminated seasonal displays and the towering Christmas tree, and enjoy festive entertainment throughout the season. The lights are free to experience, though visitors without a Sea Pines pass must pay the $10 vehicle entry fee....
.jpeg)
Annie at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Celebrate the holiday season with the beloved Broadway musical Annie, running December 2 through January 3! Follow the heartwarming adventures of everyone's favorite redheaded orphan in a lively performance filled with unforgettable songs, dazzling entertainment, and holiday cheer. Tickets are required and available through the Arts Center....
.jpeg)
Holidays at Shelter Cove
Shelter Cove Community Park
Experience the magic of the holidays at Shelter Cove from November 24 through January 4! Stroll along the waterfront beneath twinkling lights, admire beautifully illuminated boats, and explore festive boutiques and restaurants. This enchanting coastal holiday display is free to enjoy....
