Looking Ahead to Our Favorite Events of 2024

As 2023 winds down, we’re reminded that it’s been another remarkable year on America's Favorite Island®. As always, we filled it with fantastic food and one-of-a-kind art and culture. We’ve spent time on breathtaking beaches and exploring the natural wonders of our unique Lowcountry landscape. We even toasted to once again being named the Best Island in the U.S.! 

There are still many dynamic events to look forward to in 2023, including all the excitement the holiday season will bring. But let’s take a look ahead to 2024 and start dreaming about all the great events we’ll enjoy next year. 

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration highlights the vibrant cultural heritage and history of the Gullah people of the Lowcountry. The history of the Gullah people is a fascinating and inspiring tale of resilience and perseverance. The Gullah people have played a crucial role in shaping Hilton Head Island’s history and cultural traditions, including unique language, food, music, and craftsmanship. 

This annual celebration, which is held each February, was founded by the Native Island Business and Community Affairs Association (NIBCAA) and has been held since 1996. With dynamic events taking place throughout the month, it invites residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island to try delicious cuisine, enjoy live music, gain first-hand historical insights, and discover captivating visual art. It’s an opportunity to experience the beauty of the Gullah culture that continues to flourish in the Lowcountry. 

When you think of Lowcountry cuisine, you think freshly shucked oysters, blue crab, and a wide variety of delicious fish caught in local waters. We love our seafood around here, and the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival celebrates the ocean’s bounty as a community. It also celebrates Southern Heritage and culture with food, drink, music, and entertainment. To get a sense of what you can expect, just look at the names of some of the major events: Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast, Seafood & Champagne Sunday Brunch, Zero Forks Given. Sounds like delightful food with a big serving of fun to go with it.

The 2024 talent roster includes celebrity chefs, musicians, mixologists, writers, and influencers. Check out this year’s lineup to see if you recognize some of the culinary all-stars who will be featured this year. Are you hungry to celebrate yet? Buy your tickets today!

Every year, the Lowcountry welcomes some of the world’s best pianists to participate in The Hilton Head International Piano Competition. Presented by the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra, the competition comprises three separate events – the Young Artist Piano Competition, BravoPiano! Festival, and Adult Piano Competition – each taking place every three years. 

In 2024, BravoPiano! will be the focus, with a theme of “PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS…” showcasing outstanding competition alumni in collaborative performances. Think piano duos, chamber music programs, piano quintets, and many other exciting combinations! The event finale will offer a spectacular performance that includes George Gershwin’s legendary Rhapsody in Blue conducted by Maestro John Morris Russell. Lovers of virtuosic performance, jazz, chamber music, and classical won’t want to miss the incredible displays of musical prowess at BravoPiano! 2024.

Hilton Head Island and golf go hand-in-hand. With 26 Lowcountry-area golf courses, an ideal golf climate, and accommodations perfect for golf groups, it’s a magnet for passionate players of all skill levels. From March 4–6, Hilton Head Island will once again welcome “the Greatest Show in Women’s Intercollegiate Golf” when the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate tournament returns for the 12th time. 

Darius Rucker is one of the world’s biggest country music stars and a proud South Carolinian. Each year, his tournament attracts golfers and golf teams from the leading women’s university golf programs nationwide to Long Cove Club, home to a world-class Pete Dye-designed golf course. The course features all the beauty you expect from Lowcountry golf: century-old oak trees with Spanish moss, towering Carolina pines, and plenty of challenging water features. It’s the perfect setting to witness young future golf stars competing at a high level. 

The fantastic food events continue with the annual Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival. It’s a sure sign of spring on Hilton Head Island, having been celebrated for almost 40 years. 

The Wine & Food Festival is one of the East Coast's largest outdoor tented wine festivals. Anyone who loves wine and food — aspiring sommeliers, foodies, and the wine-curious — can sip or savor something special in a festive and friendly atmosphere. It’s a week of fun that includes Public Tasting and Grand Tasting events. A panel of experts and wine educators judge the wines at the private judging event. 

Visit the Competition website to see some of the winners from previous years and begin planning your 2024 experience.

Calling all members of Plaid Nation! Hilton Head Island’s PGA TOUR Signature Event returns to Harbour Town Golf Links April 15-21, 2024. 

South Carolina is believed by many to be the first place in America where golf was played. The RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing celebrates this history by inviting the world’s best professional golfers to battle in one of the PGA Tour’s most exciting tournaments. The RBC Heritage is a PGA TOUR Signature Event, featuring a $20 million purse and 700 FedExCup points for the winner — a big deal in the annual golf calendar! 

Last year’s tournament was one for the ages, with the suspense coming down to a playoff between two of the world’s very best. After three playoff holes, Champion Matt Fitzpatrick sank a short putt to beat Jordan Spieth on the iconic 18th hole at Harbour Town! What excitement will the 2024 RBC Heritage bring? Tickets are on sale now, so start planning your ideal Lowcountry golf experience today.

Drumettes, flats, or wingtips? Dry rub, barbecue, lemon pepper, or extra spicy? Chicken wings come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and flavors. We love to celebrate them all at Wingfest! Join us at Lowcountry Celebration Park this coming March. 

Connoisseurs of good food and fun will find lots to love about this festive, family-friendly annual cookout. Despite the name, it’s not just about delicious chicken wings. Wingfest also offers exciting kids’ activities like rock climbing and bungee jumping, along with performances by some fan-favorite local musicians. It’s a gathering we look forward to every year — and 2024 will be no different!
 

Start Planning Your 2024 Lowcountry Getaway 

This is just a taste of what will be happening on Hilton Head Island in 2024! Explore our events calendar to start filling your year with exciting Lowcountry events. Start planning your Hilton Head Island adventure today.