The fall season may not necessarily look the same on the island as it does in other locations known for colorful fall foliage, but once the leaves begin to change across the country, Hilton Head Island’s festival season starts ramping up. Starting as early as September, festivals and events start filling up the calendar, only adding to the fun for visitors on vacation. If one thing is true about the island, is that we love celebrating food: seafood, Italian food, BBQ, shrimp, oysters…we can go on and on about the delicious plates that will be served up by local and award-winning chefs over the next coming months. Almost every event will feature amazing musicians and live entertainment, as well as offer collections of local vendors and specialty pop-up shops. The island’s Pumpkin Patch will even be popping up in October. Read on to learn more about some of the major events happening on Hilton Head this fall.
September
Island Jam 2024 Songwriter Festival
September 18-22, 2024
Various Locations
Welcome back to the 2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Jam, where Nashville’s songwriting brilliance meets Hilton Head’s charm. Join us for unforgettable music and storytelling in our picturesque low country settings. Featuring renowned, hit-songwriters and emerging artists, the festival promises an intimate celebration of creativity and camaraderie. Immerse yourself in the stories behind the songs amidst the scenic beauty and Southern hospitality of Hilton Head.
The full schedule for the 2nd Annual Hilton Head Island Jam is coming soon. Get ready for a lineup of events set across multiple iconic venues, including the serene Liberty Oak and the vibrant Lowcountry Celebration Park. Stay tuned for detailed times and dates.
For a full list of artists attending, to stay up to date with this year’s events, or even to take a look at last year’s inaugural festival, visit the Island Jam website.
Hilton Head Island Jam 2024 LOCASH Golf Bash
September 19th, 2024
9am Shot Gun Start
Heron Point Golf Course
Join LOCASH for an unforgettable day on the green during HHIJ 2024, set against the backdrop of Hilton Head’s picturesque Heron Point Course, one of the world’s premier golf destinations. This exclusive tournament blends the thrill of music with the passion for golf, offering fans a unique way to connect with their favorite artists in the heart of a golfing paradise.
Every player will receive a ticket to the opening pairing party and awards cocktail party. Wednesday’s event will include a private show by LOCASH & friends.
This event benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Find more information on the event’s website.
Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival
September 21, 2024
1:00-4:00pm
Harbour Town
Mark your calendars for the 5th annual Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival being held in Harbour Town within the Sea Pines property. In one afternoon, you’ll be able to sample shrimp dishes from local chefs, enjoy craft beers from more than 20 breweries, shop from specialty vendors, and listen to live music by local rock band, Groove Town Assault. This event is family-friendly, having a designated Kid Zone full of fun children’s activities, a bounce house, face painting, and more. Children 8 and under will have free admission. Tickets range from $40-$60. A gate pass must be purchased to enter Sea Pines.
CLICK HERE for a list of participating chefs and breweries, or if you’d like to buy tickets.
Rhythm & Brews
September 28, 2024
2:00-5:00pm
Shelter Cove Community Park
Presented by the Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (scheduled for March 23-29, 2025), this year’s Rhythm & Brews will be held at the beautiful, Shelter Cove Community Park. With a general admission ticket, festival guests will be able to enjoy live music, as well has having access to purchase food from local vendors and an unlimited number of tastings from 40+ breweries, distilleries, and wineries. A foodies dream, skip your lunch or dinner plans and spend your Saturday afternoon among friends and family in the Carolina sunshine with a stunning view of Broad Creek. Tickets are $49, and include complimentary parking as well as a keepsake tasting glass.
This event is a participant in Ales for ALS, a program that raises money for vital ALS research at the ALS Therapy Development Institute. For more information about this cause or the event in general, visit the festival’s website.
October
Off-Island: Beaufort Shrimp Festival
October 4 & 5, 2024
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort, SC
Take the beautiful drive from Hilton Head to Beaufort, South Carolina, and attend the 30th annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival. Great for all ages and free to attend, stroll up and down Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to find the Arts and Crafts Market, delicious food and drinks, as well as live entertainment. The Run Forrest Run 5K will be held on October 5th to celebrate the filming location of the classic movie, Forrest Gump. If you happen to see Mr. Gump yourself, make sure to ask for a picture with him! Also on the 5th, the 16th annual Charity Shrimp Race will be held. Purchase your rubber shrimp for the chance to win the $30,000 grand prize!
CLICK HERE for more information about this event.
Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival
October 5th, 2024
Doors Open at 12:00pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
This is a can’t-miss experience that highlights the rich Gullah Geechee culture with delicious food, live music, and entertainment. The Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival is great for all ages and will feature a mix of folk, funk, jazz, spoken word, R&B, and more. The on-site market will include many vendors selling culturally relevant clothing, art, and various other merchandise. Food vendors will offer an array of delicious hot, cold, sweet, and savory items that will leave you wanting to go back for more! General admission ranges from $5-$22.50 depending on age, and children 5 and under will have free admission. This event is rain or shine, and only clear bags will be permitted.
CLICK HERE to buy tickets and to find more information about this event.
Rock & Ribs: Music, Booze & BBQ
October 17-20, 2024
General Coligny Beach/Plaza Area
Benefiting Second Helpings and the Carl Ruiz Foundation, this 4-day-long festival features both free and ticketed events. Free events are all on the 17th, and include the Fire + Flavor cooking class hosted by Brian Duffy and Lee Lucier at Forrest Fire BBQ, along with the Sip and Shop Sneak Peek event that will feature live music across Coligny Plaza.
On Friday, October 18th, purchase tickets for the Lunch at the Lot: The Ultimate BBQ Battle, where you’ll witness a fierce competition between pitmasters all trying to earn your vote, as well as the Pitmaster’s Table gourmet BBQ dinner, and of course, the Rock the Night at FISH Concert.
On Saturday, October 19th, the BBQ Grand Tasting will be an all-inclusive event that will give you access to delicious food and beverages, as well as music from Cranford Hollow and Drivin N Cryin. VIP ticket holders will receive an extra hour to enjoy the festival, access to an exclusive tent with a bar and private concert, as well as festival swag! That night, stick around for Leftover Ribs, where you can jam out to multiple local musicians and find food and drink specials at various venues throughout Coligny.
Mark your calendar for the Brisket and Biscuits Brunch at the Tiki Hut on Sunday, October 20th.
Find the schedule and purchase tickets, here.
Pumpkin Patch
October 18, 2024
4:00-7:00pm
Shelter Cove Community Park
All are welcome to this complimentary event hosted by the Island Recreation Association. This annual event features a field of pumpkins to choose from, as well as the highly anticipated Kid’s Halloween Costume Contest that begins at 5:45pm.
Along with pumpkins, there will be bounce houses and other games. Train rides, concessions, and chances at climbing the rock wall will be sold individually. Explore the shops and have lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants within the Shelter Cove Towne Centre.
Italian Heritage Festival
October 19, 2024
The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
A celebration of Italian culture, the 14th annual Italian Heritage Festival will be held on the beautiful grounds of Honey Horn. The festival lineup will feature traditional Italian foods ranging from cheeses, breads, pasta, gelato, biscotti and more, so arrive hungry! There are scheduled activities for all ages, and of course, we couldn’t leave out the yearly Pizza Eating Contest! Parking on-site is free of charge. This event is rain or shine!
Visit the event’s website for more information!
Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
October 31-November 3, 2024
Various Locations
Since 2002, the Concours d’Elegance has been celebrated in the Lowcountry. The event’s charitable fund supports the youth who want to pursue a future in the automotive, aviation, and mobility industries while giving back to local youth programs and organizations in the community. A spectacular event showcasing the art and history of the industries, the festival kicks off on October 31st with the Grand Motoring Film Festival at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. This year, the Flights and Fancy Aeroport Gala will be held that Friday evening at the Hilton Head Island Airport. On Saturday attendees will be able to tour the Car Club Showcase, where over 20 clubs will be on-site at the Port Royal Golf Club. To close the festival, Sunday’s final Concours d’Elegance will be held at the Port Royal Golf Club. VIP ticket packages are available for insider experiences you won’t forget.
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets and learn more about the schedule of events.
November
Hilton Head Oyster Festival
November 8 & 9, 2024
Shelter Cove Community Park & Lowcountry Celebration Park
The Hilton Head Oyster Festival brings two days a year locals and visitors alike always look forward to. The All You Can Eat Event will be held on November 8th, from 5:00-8:00pm at the Shelter Cove Community Park. Here, you’ll be offered all-you-can-eat Lowcountry boil, seafood chowder, pulled pork, and of course, steamed local oysters. Tickets are limited and increase in price after October 2nd. This is a rain-or-shine event. The actual festival day is on that Saturday, November 9th, at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 11:00am-5:00pm. A full day of delicious food, great music, artisan pop-up shops, and kid’s activities, a lineup of local bands will be on the main stage for most of the afternoon. At 2pm, the festival swaps its live music for live entertainment–the Oyster Shucking Contest!
CLICK HERE to purchase tickets for either event.
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
November 23, 2024
5:00-7:00pm
Be on the lookout for more information about this annual event!
Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk
November 28, 2024
8:00am-10:40am
Run Start: 397 Squire Pope Rd, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
What better way to start your Thanksgiving than a Turkey Trot? Register your family and friends now for the 36th Annual Turkey Trot hosted by the Island Recreation Association.
The run starts at 8am in front of Dockside on Skull Creek.
Registration fee is $40 per entry, and $50 per entry after November 1st. Click here to register.
Deep Well Donations: The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association has partnered with the Deep Well Project to collect nonperishable food items for their food pantry. Please consider bringing a nonperishable food item to Packet Pickup or Race Day.
