Starting to plan your island itinerary for your dream summer vacation on Hilton Head? There’s so much to see and do while you’re in town, so to help you prepare for your trip and get the most out of your time on the island, we’ve collected a list of ongoing, holiday, and specialty events that are scheduled for this summer. We expect to be adding more events and information to this guide, so check back for updates before you make your way to HHI!
Holiday Events
Memorial Day Weekend
Summer technically starts on June 20, but vacationers often consider Memorial Day Weekend the unofficial start of the season. Expect gorgeous weather and the island to be buzzing with activity at the end of May. Read our official Memorial Day Weekend Events Guide, or see below for a brief overview:
Remember the significance of Memorial Day and honor the brave men and women who died protecting our country and freedom by signing up for the Hilton Head Freedom 5K on May 27th, 2024. Everyone is invited to this family-friendly run and walk–even Fido can go for the gold!
The 2024 Hilton Head Art Festival will be held at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina from May 24th-26th. Find pieces of all mediums from artists in the United States at this free festival. After getting your art fix, stick around and sing along with Shannon Tanner at HarbourFest on May 25th-27th. HarbourFest is scheduled weekly throughout the summer, so keep reading for more information!
4th of July
Pack your red, white, and blue if you’re visiting the island over the 4th of July! And if you’re a runner, make sure to pack your running shoes, since there are two patriotic races for you to choose from on Thursday, July 4th. The USA 5K run/walk is held completely on the beautiful, Coligny Beach, and is in partnership with the Sea Turtle Patrol of Hilton Head Island. Your other option is Palmetto Running Company’s Firecracker 5K, Beaufort County’s largest and oldest race. This run/walk at Jarvis Creek Park includes additional kids’ runs, cool swag, and a post-race party that’ll let you party like it’s 1776.
Spending your day at the beach? Set your timer for early afternoon, since the annual military aircraft flyover, Salute From the Shore, begins in Myrtle Beach around 1pm, and will fly over Hilton Head Island’s beaches before ending on the May River in Bluffton.
Let’s talk fireworks: a special edition of HarbourFest will include fireworks (instead of the usual Tuesday nights), so head there to sing and dance to Shannon Tanner and the Oyster Reefers at either the 6:30pm or 8:00pm show before the sun goes down and the fireworks begin! Or if you’d rather, head to Harbour Town in Sea Pines for a fireworks extravaganza that includes food, fun, and live music. The fireworks are said to begin at 9 pm.
Labor Day Weekend
We’re still working hard to collect events for the unofficial end of summer. The good news? The island still feels like summer long after Labor Day Weekend comes and goes. So far, we can report that all of the normally scheduled events, markets, live music, and more are still set to continue well past the end of August. The only thing that catches our eye so far is the last of HarbourFest will go out with a bang with special dates on Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st.
Ongoing Events
HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Most days of the week from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend (check calendar here)
6:00pm-9:00pm | Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Enjoy live entertainment from musician, Shannon Tanner and a Jimmy Buffet tribute band on select nights, or have a blast with island-favorite, Cappy the Clown. This family-friendly summertime tradition includes arts and crafts along with other kids’ activities, and even firework displays on select Tuesday Nights! Dinner is covered, as there are multiple delicious restaurants lining the harbour to chose from, as well as many shops to peruse before the live music gets started.
Movie Night in the Park
Thursday Nights–Dates TBD
8:30pm | Shelter Cove Community Park
The fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down on Hilton Head Island. Friends and families of all ages are welcome to grab their beach chairs or spread out blankets and beach towels to enjoy a movie under the stars. This free event is a popular summertime activity hosted by Shelter Cove Towne Centre and is a great way to take advantage of the warm summer nights on our beautiful island. Pack a picnic or grab some food from the many restaurants surrounding Shelter Cove Community Park. Coolers and pets are welcome!
Local Markets
Hilton Head Island Farmers Market
Every Tuesday
9:00am-12:00pm | Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Hilton Head Community Market
Every Saturday
9:30am-12:30pm | Shelter Cove Community Park
Hilton Head Night Bazaar
Every Third Saturday
5:00pm-8:00pm | The Bank
Keep checking back for newly added events and information!
