Fall is a magical time on Hilton Head Island.
The humidity passes, the temperatures drop to the 80s and 70s, and the Island comes alive with an array of vibrant fall festivals. Whether you’re a local resident, a visiting family, or a tourist looking to experience the best of what the Lowcountry has to offer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival
Saturday, September 21, 1-4 pm, Harbour Town: This family-friendly event features mouth-watering shrimp dishes prepared by talented chefs from Hilton Head and Bluffton. Enjoy craft beers from over 16 breweries, shop an array of unique goods from local vendors, and revel in live music performed by Nashville songwriters Matt Warren, Trent Tomlinson, Rob Crosby, Deanna Bryant, and Earl Bud Lee as part of the Hilton Head Island Jam.
For the little ones, there’s an activity-packed “Kid Zone” with a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, and more. And guess what? Forrest Gump will be making an appearance! He knows all the ways shrimp can be prepared at the Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival. Don’t miss out on voting for the People’s Choice of Best Dish!
For more information, click HERE.
2. BlufftemberFest 2024
Saturday, September 28, 3–8 pm, Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton: Bluffton’s Annual Music Festival and Oktoberfest Celebration is a day of great music, food, and fun.
BlufftemberFest offers something for everyone:
- Oktoberfest Beer Garden: Enjoy a variety of authentic brews.
- Food Truck Court: Savor diverse culinary delights from our local food trucks.
- Arts & Crafts: Explore unique creations from local artists.
- Live Music: Performances by three incredible bands—The Chiggers, The Rick Nelson Band, and Rock Candy.
For more information, click HERE.
3. Fish & Grits Music Festival
Saturday, October 5, 12-6 pm, Lowcountry Celebration Park: The Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival celebrates the rich Gullah Geechee culture and its ties to the African diaspora by featuring amazing musical talent and delicious local cuisine.
For more information, click HERE.
4. Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture
October 10th – November 23rd: The Office of Cultural Affairs for the Town of Hilton Head Island and the Arts Council of Hilton Head will hold its seventh Annual Crescendo Celebration of Arts & Culture this year. This regional event, organized in honor of October’s National Arts and Humanities month, highlights, and showcases the vast array of arts, culture and history organizations, individual artists, performers, and authors residing and working on Hilton Head Island.
- Tuesday, October 15th: Annual Crescendo Community Celebration featuring live music, storytelling, and exhibitions by artists and cultural organizations at Shelter Cove Community Park. Special guest performance Charleton Singleton and Contemporary Flow.
- Bob Masteller’s Jazz For All Ages – 10th annual festival
- This is Not: Aldwyth in Retrospect exhibition at Coastal Discovery Museum
- Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra presents Symphony Under the Stars at Lowcountry Celebration Park
- Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park Anniversary Celebration
- Theatrical performances at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, Lean Ensemble Theatre, and Sea Glass Stage Company
- Visual arts exhibitions at the Coastal Discovery Museum, Art League Gallery, Art League Academy, and Island Recreation Center
- Nutcracker, presented by the Hilton Head Dance Theater
- Hands on programming and activities around the island
- Spotlight Talent Night with Island School Council for the Arts
- Historical tours and presentations with the Heritage Library, Coastal Discovery Museum, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, Gullah Museum, and others
- Family Friendly activities and arts experiences
- Poetry readings and special tours of the Poetry Trail
- Visit Hilton Head Island’s public art collection
- Music, cultural, and food festivals
- Songwriter Series – weekly free concerts at the park – 5:30 – 7:30 on 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, and 11/14
- Lantern making workshops
- Saturday, November 23rd: Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade along South Forest Beach and ending at Lowcountry Celebration Park.
For more information, click HERE.
5. Rock n’ Ribs Festival
October 17-20, Coligny Plaza: Don’t miss four unforgettable days of BBQ and Rock ‘N Roll, all in support of Second Helpings and the Carl Ruiz Foundation.
Highlights of the festival include:
- Cooking Classes: Learn from the pros and elevate your BBQ skills.
- BBQ Battles: Watch top pitmasters compete for glory.
- Live Music: Cranford Hollow and Rock legends, Drivin N Cryin with rock ‘n roll tunes all weekend long.
- Grand Tasting: Savor world-class BBQ flavors with renowned pitmasters.
The festival offers both free and ticketed events, with special perks for VIPs. Wrap up the weekend with a delicious Brisket and Biscuits Brunch at The Tiki Hut.
For more information, click HERE.
is a vibrant celebration of Italian culture and cuisine, perfect for families and friends alike. Held annually and hosted by the Italian-American Heritage Club, it’s day filled with Italian flavors, sounds, and traditions.
What to expect at the festival:
- Delectable Food: Indulge in traditional Italian dishes such as pasta, bread, cheese, fish, meatballs, sausage, calzones, and gelato.
- Live Entertainment: Enjoy live music performances, including a set by the Hilton Head Big Band.
- Fun Activities: Bring the whole family to experience an inflatable kids’ zone, browse local arts and crafts vendors, and participate in a silent auction and raffles.
- Exciting Competitions: Join in the fun with competitions like grape stomping and a pizza-making contest.
For more information, click HERE.
7. Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival
November 8 & 9: Experience a beloved tradition that’s been delighting visitors for over 30 years! The Oyster Festival showcases delicious local oysters and shrimp, set against a backdrop of live music and a vibrant atmosphere. Perfect for families and food lovers alike, this event promises fun, flavor, and unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this island favorite! Proceeds from our events benefit Island Rec Center’s Children’s Scholarship Fund.
For more information, click HERE.
