Annual Festivals & Events on Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head has a reason to visit in every season—and some of the best ones happen year after year. From seafood and wine to Gullah culture, classic cars, wings, and summer nights at the harbour, the island's annual festivals are a great way to experience a little more of the Lowcountry while you're here. Here are a few Hilton Head traditions worth planning a vacation around.

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival

Typically held in February
Seafood is part of life in the Lowcountry, and the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival celebrates it properly. The annual event brings together local and visiting chefs, seafood, wine, special dinners, and culinary experiences while supporting the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation.
Good for: Food lovers and anyone looking for a reason to visit Hilton Head in February.

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration

Typically held throughout February
The annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration honors the history, food, music, art, and traditions of the Gullah people and their lasting influence on Hilton Head Island and the Lowcountry. Events take place throughout the month, giving visitors several opportunities to experience an important part of the island's story.
Good for: History, culture, art, food, and experiencing Hilton Head beyond the beach.

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival

Typically held in March
Good wine, good food, and spring on Hilton Head make a pretty solid combination. This longtime island event brings together wine tastings, culinary experiences, and special events, including its popular Public Tasting.
Good for: Couples, friends' getaways, and food and wine lovers.

Hilton Head Island Wingfest

Typically held in March
Come hungry. Wingfest brings local restaurants together to compete for bragging rights while visitors get to do the important work of deciding which wings deserve their vote. Add live entertainment and a lively outdoor atmosphere, and you have one of Hilton Head's favorite spring traditions.
Good for: Families, groups, and anyone with strong opinions about chicken wings.

HarbourFest Summer

Summer evenings at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina have become a Hilton Head tradition. HarbourFest brings live entertainment and family activities to the harbour throughout the season, with select nights featuring fireworks over Broad Creek. Grab dinner, walk the marina, and make an evening of it.
Good for: Families and summer visitors.

Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival

Typically held in September
Shrimp and the Lowcountry belong together. The Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival brings food, music, family activities, and plenty of shrimp to Harbour Town for a fun way to welcome fall on the island.
Good for: Families, seafood lovers, and early fall getaways.

Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival

Typically held in the fall
Classic cars look pretty good beneath the live oaks. The Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival brings an impressive collection of automobiles, automotive history, and special events to the Lowcountry each fall. Even if you don't consider yourself a serious car person, it's worth seeing.
Good for: Car enthusiasts, couples, groups, and fall visitors.

There's Always Another Reason to Come Back Beach season gets plenty of attention, but Hilton Head's annual festivals are a reminder that the island doesn't pack up when summer ends. February brings seafood and Gullah culture. March brings wine, food, and wings. Summer means HarbourFest. Then fall rolls around with shrimp, classic cars, and some of our favorite island weather. You could plan an entire year of Hilton Head trips around the calendar. We wouldn't argue with that.