What better way to begin the warm winter on America’s Favorite Island® than with festivities dedicated to deeply rooted traditions, art, and culture? The annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration kicks off on January 28 and runs until March 1, 2024, offering a captivating series of events that includes art exhibits, sunset cruises, dining experiences, a poetry series, and more — all related to the incredible history of the Gullah people. Named by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, this yearly gathering is an opportunity to learn more about an important part of Lowcountry’s history and celebrate a rich and vibrant culture and heritage that continues today.

March also brings Wingfest back to Lowcountry Celebration Park. This family-friendly cookout offers delicious wings, of course, but also brings live music from local musicians along with kid-friendly activities. Coconutz Sportz Bar has won the People’s Choice for Best Wings for the last five years in a row. Join in the fun to see if they can make it six straight years at the top!

Rucker, a proud South Carolinian, is the golf lover behind this prestigious event, which draws elite women's university golf programs to Long Cove Club. Nestled amidst century-old oak trees, towering Carolina pines, and challenging water features, the Pete Dye-designed golf course sets the stage for a showcase of young talent. 

Golf Island shows its colorful side from April 15th to 21st, when Plaid Nation returns for the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. One of just eight PGA TOUR Signature Events on the annual calendar, it’s held at Harbour Town Golf Links and honors the rich heritage of golf in South Carolina — which many believe is the first place in America where someone played golf. As one of the PGA TOUR’s most exciting tournaments — with a $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points available for the winner — it’s a professional golf spectacle enthusiasts won’t want to miss. 

Want to get out, get active, and explore the beauty of Hilton Head Island on two wheels? Pedal Hilton Head Island on Sunday, May 5th, is just the ticket. This charity cycling event offers six distances so riders of all skill levels can participate. From the “Family Fun Ride” that covers two scenic miles along pathways and beaches to the Metric Century ride that covers a full 62-mile road course, and four options in between. The best part? This annual fundraiser benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, with money going to local kids. 

May also brings along the 2024 Hilton Head Art Festival, a weekend of art, shopping, dining, and entertainment presented by Nash Gallery. All the art on display is made in the USA by artists who deal in a wide range of media: pottery, wood, glass, metal, paint, photography, and more. The festival is a fantastic opportunity to support local and American artists and enjoy the late spring sunshine at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina.

Moving into the heart of the summer, we’ll once again celebrate Juneteenth on Hilton Head Island. The Lowcountry is the perfect place to experience this rich holiday, given the important history and heritage of African-American cultures that continue to this day. Hilton Head Island’s Juneteenth celebrations are filled with lively art, fantastic food, and music. The heart of the party is Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, which honors the first self-governed Freedmen’s town in America.
 

When fall hits, we turn our attention to the HHI Gullah Food Festival hosted by the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island. This family-friendly event promotes the Lowcountry’s rich heritage with delicious dishes like shrimp and grits, seafood gumbo, deviled crabs, and more. The festival promotes Gullah customs, language, stories, and traditions. Enjoy vibrant Gullah culture with live music, community storytellers, face painting, food vendors, and games for all ages. 

Fans of classic cars rejoice in November when the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival rolls into town. If you can read French, you know this translates as a “competition of elegance,” which nicely describes what you’ll encounter at this annual exhibition of automotive excellence. Craftsmanship, engineering, and design are all on display in the form of rare and antique cars. Events include a Club Car Showcase, a Rolls-Royce Owners' Club National Mini Meet, and the grand finale: the Concours d'Elegance.  Seventy-five judges will select the Best in Show from over 200 spectacularly rare pre-1974 vehicles. 

The fall fun continues with the Crescendo Arts Festival, an annual month-long celebration of local arts and cultural programs that features concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences, and educational offerings. The festivities are estimated to attract more than 10,000 people from all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe. One of the major highlights is the finale event, the annual Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade, which brings a glowing beauty to the fall night. 

When winter begins, you’ll find plenty of reasons to make Hilton Head Island your holiday destination. But don’t be expecting sleigh rides and snow with our year-round mild climate! Think more of spectacular sunsets, year-round golf, fishing, and more. 
 

Now that you know about our year-round events, start planning your visit to America’s Favorite Island®! Learn how to get here, discover our latest special offers, and order your free Hilton Head Island Vacation Planner to start planning your trip to the Lowcountry in 2024.