Did you know that the first-ever Oktoberfest actually celebrated a marriage? For nearly a week in October of 1810, the inaugural Oktoberfest in Munich was meant for the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The couple decided that the party be repeated annually in, and eventually Oktoberfest became one of the largest festival in the world.
While we all can’t visit the official Oktoberfest held in Munich every year, communities far and wide try to replicate the festivities to celebrate autumn–and good beer–with their own local touch. There’s nothing like spending a day in the fresh, fall air with a crisp beer in hand, enjoying live entertainment and activities with friends and family.
We’ve collected a list of Oktoberfests on and around Hilton Head Island. This year’s list is organized by date, with both events on the island highlighted in orange. Additional Oktoberfests are located in areas that’ll make for a perfect day’s outing off-island.
Hilton Head Oktoberfest at The Bank
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
12:00pm at The Bank
Head to The Bank, a beer garden located on the south end of the island that offers a variety of food in addition to beverages, for the third annual Hilton Head Oktoberfest held at this location. So far, we only know the date, start time, and location for this event, but stay tuned for more information!
Stay up to date with The Bank’s event on their Facebook Page.
BlufftemberFest (Bluffton, SC)
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
3:00-8:00pm at Oyster Factory Park
Distance from HHI: ~8 mi., 15 minutes
Bluffton’s Oktoberfest began in 1992, and attendees keep coming back for great live music, delicious food and beverages, as well as arts and crafts. There will be live performances by headliner, Chillakaya, as well as The Rich Nelson Band and special guest, Pete Carroll.
This event is rain or shine and cash only. Don’t forget your lawn chairs! Bring your pets if they’re on a leash! Purchase festival tickets in advance on the event’s website for a discount. Children 12 and under are free.
OktoPRfest (Port Royal, SC)
Saturday, September 27th, 2025
11:00am-5:00pm at Paris Avenue in Old Village
Distance from HHI: ~32 mi., 50 minutes
The Town of Port Royal’s OktoPRfest will let you “Party Port Royal Style“. Expect delicious German-inspired food alongside American festival food favorites served by local chefs, as well as a wide variety of beers to choose from. Enjoy live entertainment such as Charles Maring and Greg Keys & Company, and of course, make sure to explore the Craft Market. Families will love the kids’ zone!
Admission is free for this event, and everyone is invited, but please leave your pets at home. See event details here.
Hilton Head Island’s Oktoberfest presented by Samuel Adams and Rollers
Saturday, October 4th, 2025
12:00-4:00pm at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Head to Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina for a beautiful fall day filled with great beer, German-inspired fun, and live music performances by Rolling Stones cover band, White Liquor. And when we say great beer, we mean it! You’ll be met with more than fifteen beer vendors ranging from local breweries like Lincoln and South and Side Hustle Brewing, to nation-wide favorites like Samuel Adams. Take part in the official Samual Adams Stein Hoist Competition, or dress to impress and compete for a chance to win awesome prizes during the event’s Costume Contest.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the event’s website.
Plant Riverside District Oktoberfest (Savannah, GA)
Select Weekends in October (Oct. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, & 19)
11:00am-8:00pm at Plant Riverside District
Distance from HHI: ~31 mi., 50 minutes
The Fifth Annual Oktoberfest Celebration held at Plant Riverside District in Downtown Savannah will span over three weekends in October. Similar to the first-ever Oktoberfest, Savannah’s will include a race, but instead of horses, there will be the Savannah Wiener Dog Races. Additional competitions include the Pretzel Toss, Pretzel Fishing, and Stein Holding Challenge. These events are family-friendly, so bring your group and arrive hungry, as delicious, authentic German food will be served while you enjoy the live music and other festivities.
Visit the event’s website for more information.
Ninth Annual Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s (Charleston, SC)
Saturday, October 11th, 2025
11:00am-6:00pm at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church
Distance from HHI: ~100 mi., 2 hours, 5 minutes
Saints and sinners willkommen! Join in on the fun at the Eighth Annual Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s in the heart of Downtown Charleston and across from Marion Square. Expect live music, authentic German cuisine, a lively biergarten that will offer local craft beers, a German bakery, and a Kinderzone.
While admission is free, food and beverage tickets are available for purchase on the event’s website, as well as onsite during the event. One adult meal ticket includes a Brat, German potato salad, and a pretzel.
