Truly unlike anywhere else on the map, Hilton Head Island is not only a welcoming vacation destination to visitors, but is home to many and has played numerous pivotal roles throughout history. Starting at the end of August of this year, the island will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Town of Hilton Head’s incorporation, as well as the 360th anniversary of Captain William Hilton’s first actual sighting of the island.
Join in on the fun as the community celebrates with multiple events, many of which are free to attend! Read on for a list of highlighted events, and click here for the full list as events are continually being added.
August 25-27, 2023
Breeze Trolley ROCKS! A Painted-Rock Ride and Find Adventure
Along the Breeze Trolley Routes, find one of the 20 hidden painted rocks, share on your social media with the tags @BreezeTrolley and @CultureHHI, and re-hide the rock for the next group to find! This is a fun, family-friendly experience that’s completely free and will put your group in the running for one of 10 Breeze Trolley/Culture HHI Prize packs!
Participants are encouraged to paint their own rocks to add hide along the routes, and don’t forget to add #BreezeTrolleyROCKS in your post! Happy finding!
August 26, 2023
360/40 Celebration Community Picnic
Lowcountry Celebration Park
4pm-8pm
This event is free to attend, and to ensure that there will be enough hot dogs and hamburgers to go around, make sure to sign up if you’re planning on attending. This community celebration will be fun for all ages, with live music by local artists, local display booths to check out and interact with, as well as fun and games such as face painting, bounce houses, and more!
August 30, 2023
Jazz in the Park Featuring the John Brackett Quartet
Lowcountry Celebration Park
7:30pm-9:15pm
The finale of the popular Jazz in the Park series that is organized every year by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, you won’t want to miss long-time locals, the John Brackett Quartet perform under the stars. Free to attend, don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the many surrounding restaurants, or bring a sweet treat to enjoy during the show. We recommend you bring your beach chairs or a blanket.
September 10, 2023
360/40 Celebration of Gullah Culture
Lowcountry Celebration Park
1pm-5pm
Hosted by the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head and the Native Island Business & Community Affairs Association, everyone is welcome to attend this free event that highlights the traditions and heritage of the Gullah community. Learn more and celebrate this unique culture through live music, dance performances, storytelling, and more. You will not want to miss this event!
September 13, 2023
Chalk the Walk
Island-Wide
As you go throughout your day on the island, you’ll notice that local businesses, schools, and other organizations will let their creativity soar and create temporary chalk designs along their pathways and parking lots. Some groups will let you join in on the fun, so don’t be shy and add your own artwork if you have the chance.
September 14-17, 2023
Hilton Head Island Jam – 2023 Songwriter Festival
Various Locations
This inaugural 3-day musical celebration will be hosted at over a dozen locations across the island, and will feature a lineup of celebrated and up-and-coming artists from near and far. VIP access passes can be purchased to have full access to every performance, and all ages are welcome to attend. For a list of artists, venues, and more information about this festival, visit the event’s website here.
September 16, 2023
360/40 Celebration Community Concert
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Gates Open by 6pm, Concert Begins at 7pm
Bringing both the 360/40 Celebration and the Hilton Head Island Jam to a close, this free community concert will feature LOCASH, a songwriter duo that debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charters with their hit song, “I Love This Life”. Opening acts will include artists from the Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival.
Hilton Head History Tours
Website | 843-949-0144
Taking a history tour is a fun learning experience year-round, but during the 360/40 Celebration, you can take a tour for $20 instead of $49! Call to reserve your spot on one of the following dates:
August 28
September 1, 8, 11, &15
Other events, community conversations, educational tours, and more will be hosted by various groups throughout the island between August 26 and September 16:
The Lowcountry Reads-A Community Conversation About Diversity
Interfaith Celebration Service
Concert: A Songwriter’s Journey Through History
9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Coastal Discovery Museum’s Behind-the-Scenes Tour
A Home for Islanders: A Neighborhood Walk & Talk of Hilton Head’s Habitat for Humanity Community
Emerging Art on the Island: Charles Fraser & Walter Greer
