Fall is one of the best times to enjoy Hilton Head Island. Cooler temperatures arrive, the summer crowds begin to wane, and the Island is full of festivals, live music, food, art, cultural celebrations and plenty of reasons to get outside and enjoy the Lowcountry weather.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly afternoon, live entertainment, great Lowcountry food or one of Hilton Head’s signature annual events, there’s plenty happening throughout October and November. Here are a few events to put on your calendar this fall.
October: Festivals, Food & Fall Fun
Fall Music & Taste on the Harbour
October 1–15 | Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Enjoy fall evenings along the waterfront during Fall Music & Taste on the Harbour at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. The seasonal series brings live music to the harbour on select Thursday evenings, along with food and drinks available for purchase from participating restaurants.
It’s an easy way to take advantage of cooler fall evenings while enjoying music, dining and views of Broad Creek. View Fall Music & Taste event information.
Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival
October 3, Noon–6 p.m. | Lowcountry Celebration Park
Experience an afternoon of music, food, art and culture at the Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The annual festival celebrates the rich traditions and lasting influence of Gullah Geechee culture while bringing the community together for a lively day of entertainment.
Throughout the afternoon, festivalgoers can enjoy live music spanning a variety of genres, sample food inspired by Lowcountry and Gullah Geechee culinary traditions, and browse a marketplace featuring artists, makers and vendors. The festival also provides an opportunity to learn more about the people, traditions and stories that have helped shape Hilton Head Island and the surrounding Lowcountry.
With great food, live performances and plenty to explore, Fish & Grits offers a fun way to spend a fall Saturday while celebrating an important part of the Island’s cultural heritage. View Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival event details.
Gullah Food Festival
October 17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Food, culture and history come together during the annual Gullah Food Festival. The event is part of a busy October weekend on Hilton Head Island and provides an opportunity to experience and celebrate the Island’s rich Gullah heritage. Find Gullah Food Festival information.
Italian Heritage Festival
October 17, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
Come hungry for the Italian Heritage Festival, a celebration of Italian food and culture on the grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.
Visitors can enjoy Italian favorites including pasta, breads, cheeses, gelato and biscotti, along with activities and entertainment. The annual pizza-eating contest also returns as part of the festivities. View more details on the Italian Heritage Festival.
Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
October 29–November 1 | Various Locations
Automotive enthusiasts from across the country will make their way to the Lowcountry this fall for the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, one of the area’s signature annual events.
The multi-day celebration showcases an impressive collection of classic, rare and historically significant automobiles, bringing together collectors, enthusiasts and visitors for a weekend devoted to automotive history and design. Events throughout the festival offer opportunities to see beautifully preserved vehicles up close, learn more about their stories and connect with others who share an appreciation for motoring.
The weekend culminates with the Concours d’Elegance, where an exceptional field of automobiles is displayed and judged. Even if you’re not a dedicated car enthusiast, the combination of history, craftsmanship and one-of-a-kind vehicles makes this a unique fall event worth experiencing on Hilton Head Island. Learn more about the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.
November: Oysters, Lanterns & Thanksgiving Traditions
Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K
November 1, 8 a.m. | Harbour Town
Start November on the move with the Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon and 5K. Beginning at Harbour Town and winding through the Sea Pines Forest Preserve and leisure pathways, the event offers several distances for runners and walkers and offers participants an unforgettable way to experience the Island beauty by foot. Click here to register for the Hilton Head Half & Quarter Marathon and 5k.
Hilton Head Oyster Festival
November 6–7 | Shelter Cove Community Park & Lowcountry Celebration Park
Few things say fall in the Lowcountry quite like oyster season.
The Hilton Head Oyster Festival kicks off Friday evening at Shelter Cove Community Park with an all-you-can-eat event featuring local oysters and other Lowcountry favorites. Festival Day follows on Saturday at Lowcountry Celebration Park featuring local oyster clusters and shrimp, live music, artisan vendors and activities for children. It’s a full weekend devoted to good food and Lowcountry fun. Learn more about the Hilton Head Oyster Festival.
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
November 14 | Along the Beach
Hilton Head Island will light up the night on Saturday, November 14, when the annual Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade returns to Coligny Beach. Spectacular illuminated creations will fill the night sky and coastline as hundreds of participants come together for one of the Island’s most colorful fall traditions.
The annual event has quickly become a beloved seasonal attraction, celebrating Hilton Head Island’s rich history, natural beauty and strong sense of community. The parade features imaginative creations by acclaimed lantern artist Chantelle Rytter, along with hundreds of colorful lanterns handmade by residents, visitors, school groups and local organizations. Live music throughout the evening adds to the festive atmosphere as the illuminated procession makes its way along the beach.
Whether you create a lantern and join the procession or simply find a spot along the beach to watch, the Lantern Parade offers a memorable way to experience Hilton Head Island after dark. Learn more about the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade.
Photo courtesy of the Town of Hilton Head Island.
Turkey Trot 5K & Fun Walk
November 26, 8–10 a.m.
Before settling in for Thanksgiving dinner, get outside and enjoy one of Hilton Head Island’s favorite holiday traditions. The Island Recreation Center’s annual Turkey Trot 5K brings runners, walkers, families and friends together for a fun and active start to Thanksgiving Day.
The 5K begins at the Skull Creek Boathouse parking lot and continues into Hilton Head Plantation before looping back to the finish. All experience levels are welcome, and participants who want to add a little extra holiday spirit can show up in their favorite turkey-themed costumes and accessories.
For many participants, the Turkey Trot is less about the finish time and more about kicking off Thanksgiving with fresh air, exercise and a little fun before the festivities — and food — begin. Click here to sign-up.
Make the Most of Fall on Hilton Head Island
From waterfront concerts and cultural festivals to oysters, classic cars and glowing lanterns on the beach, fall offers plenty of opportunities to get out and enjoy Hilton Head Island.
Event dates, times, locations and admission details can change, so be sure to confirm information with the event organizer before heading out.
For even more things to do this season, visit the Hilton Head Island Events Calendar.
Photo courtesy of the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance
