The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration programming includes a variety of events designed to attract local residents, regional, national and international travelers. The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration has been recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast.
Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration events incorporate the many facets of the Gullah culture. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the food and music, receive firsthand, historical information and take a journey through the culture via the visual arts.
This year’s Festival runs form January 30 – February 28, and a list of events is as follows:
XVIII Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibit and Sale Opening Reception:
Fri., Jan. 30, 6 p.m.
The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration kicks off with an opening reception and preview of original works by emerging and leading artists that present the life of the Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and surrounding communities.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina – 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
$15 per person.
XVIII Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibit and Sale
The original works by emerging and leading artists that present the life of the Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and surrounding communities will be on display. Artists will be onsite at various times throughout the exhibit. Please check website for exact schedules.
Jan. 31-Feb. 25, Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina – 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
Free Will Offering
Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast
Sat., Jan. 31, 8 a.m.-noon
St. James Baptist Church – 209 Dillon Rd.
$12 per plate
Enjoy homestyle cooking that shows some, and reminds others of, a traditional Gullah breakfast featuring your choice of stewed oysters, shrimp in a savory Lowcountry gravy, fried fresh-catch fish paired with hot butter grits and fresh biscuits. Meals are prepared by people of the local Gullah community coordinated by Ooman Chef Louise Cohen.
Freedom Day
Sat., Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
St. James Baptist Church – 209 Dillon Rd.
Free Will Offering
National Freedom Day was established in 1948 by President Harry Truman in remembrance of the day President Lincoln signed the 13th amendment to the U.S. Constitution which outlawed slavery, Feb. 1, 1865. We mark this historical occasion with artists’ interpretations and musical performances showcasing the contributions of African Americans in South Carolina History.
Sweetheart Ball with Deaz Guyz
Fri., Feb. 6, 7 p.m.-11 p.m.
Westin Hilton Head Resort & Spa
Two Grasslawn Ave.
$65 per person
This event is sure to keep you dancing all evening long. Enjoy a Lowcountry buffet, including Native food. A cash bar will be available with beer, wine and spirits.
Taste of Gullah
Sat., Feb. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Arts Center of Coastal Carolina – 14 Shelter Cove Ln.
$12 per plate
This one-of-a-kind event features authentic Gullah dishes such as okra gumbo, conch stew, fried shrimp and char-grilled chicken and ribs. Enjoy entertainment by local artists including traditional dancers, musicians and storytellers.
Traditional Gullah Gospel Night
Fri., Feb. 13, 7 p.m.
First Zion Missionary Baptist Church
10 Robertson St., Bluffton
Free Will Offering
Celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This kickoff to the annual music series features The Voices of El Shaddai, the acclaimed community choir of the Lowcountry.
Arts, Craft & Food Expo
Sat., Feb. 14-Sun., Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Coastal Discovery Museum – 70 Honey Horn Dr.
Adult, $7 (Ages 12 +); Child, $3
This annual expo offers cultural demonstrations, authentic Gullah and African crafts and food for sale, as well as offering traditional storytelling and musical entertainment. (Rain Venue: Hilton Head Is. Middle School – 55 Wilburn Rd.)
Gullah Gospel Concert
Fri., Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
St. James Baptist Church – 209 Dillon Rd.
Free Will Offering
Performers, Time for 2, celebrate and honor the spiritual thread that binds the African ancestors and the Gullah of today. This duo of youth combines the harmonious sounds of classic instruments used to perform Gullah Gospel music.
Celebration of African American Authors
Sat., Feb. 21, 3-7 p.m.
Custom Audio Video
48 Pennington Dr., Unit B, Bluffton
Free admission along with complimentary food and beverages
This is your chance to learn from published authors about the inspiration for their latest books along with insight that may help you get started on that book you’ve wanted to write. Books by these authors will be available for sale.
Gullah Gospel Night
Fri., Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
First African Baptist Church – 70 Beach City Rd.
Free Will Offering
This final installment to this year’s Gullah Celebration’s annual music series features local gospel groups that are sure to leave your spirit high and musical soul fed.
Please call or visit the website to confirm dates, times and locations. (843) 255-7303 or gullahcelebration.com.