Your Guide to the Arts & Culture Scene on Hilton Head Island

There’s no better soundtrack to a Lowcountry getaway than live music — whether it’s the captivating arrangements of the Hilton Head Choral Society, the sultry standards of The Jazz Corner, or the inspiring sounds of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra. The acclaimed symphony has been a centerpiece of the island’s vibrant local musical scene for nearly half a century, with a mission to inspire, enrich, and unite the Lowcountry through music.

Catch a matinee or evening show at Hilton Head Island’s First Presbyterian Church, an intimately powerful performance space that also plays host to the prestigious Hilton Head International Piano Competition each spring. Choose from an ever-changing lineup of beloved symphonies and classic concertos — from Berlioz, Brahms, and Mozart to Tchaikovsky, Wagner, and Rachmaninoff. And if you’re planning to visit this summer, be sure to check out Jazz in the Park, a free outdoor concert series running from June through September in beautiful Lowcountry Celebration Park.
 

Sustainability goes to the heart of life here on Hilton Head Island — from Sea Turtle Patrols to The Outside Foundation’s oyster shell recycling program, beach clean-ups, and beyond. As America’s first eco-planned community, we’re proud to foster a culture of conservation and environmental stewardship, inspired by the vision of developer Charles Fraser, who founded the island’s first resort community almost 70 years ago. 

Fraser’s unconventional approach to land planning used covenants and deed restrictions to limit development, integrate man-made structures into the landscape, and showcase the island’s natural beauty. Inspired by his legacy, the Town of Hilton Head Island continues to prioritize land acquisition for green space, protecting our delicate habitat with more than 300 acres set aside to date.
 

When it comes to the magic of the stage, Hilton Head Island gets a standing ovation. Our coastal community boasts a thriving performing arts scene that includes the award-winning Arts Center of Coastal Carolina. This independent, non-profit company produces five shows each season in the 349-seat mainstage Elizabeth Wallace Theater, along with experimental and youth productions in a more intimate black box performance space.

Offering everything from musicals and comedies to dance recitals, dramas, and two exhibition spaces for visual art installations, the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina treats audiences to an electrifying showcase of local talent, along with guest vocalists and performers from across the country. The company is passionate about cultivating future generations’ appreciation for the arts, regularly offering field trips, workshops, summer camps, and master classes throughout the year, as well as playing host to a number of festivals and special events that celebrate the creativity, artistry, and vibrant culture of the Lowcountry. For more information on upcoming productions — including August Wilson’s dramatic masterpiece “Fences” and the smash hit musical “Chicago” — check out their highly anticipated 2024 Theater Series.
 

History comes alive here on Hilton Head Island — and perhaps nowhere more so than in Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park. The first self-governed freedman’s town of formerly enslaved people in the United States, Mitchelville was founded during the Civil War. Considered “contraband of war,” its once-enslaved inhabitants were granted the modest tract of land by forward-thinking Union General Ormsby Mitchel, where they set about creating a vibrant community. At its height, Mitchelville was home to an estimated 3,000 newly minted citizens — a powerful symbol of freedom, self-determination, and the inspiring resilience of its resident Gullah people.

Today, Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park commemorates this once-forgotten chapter in American history, and is one of six sites in South Carolina recognized by the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. Open daily from 6am to 9pm, the park offers private and self-guided tours along with historic exhibits, interpretive signage, and a picnic pavilion. Along with the annual Gullah Celebration, from January 28 to March 1, 2024, it offers an ideal way to connect with Hilton Head Island’s fascinating history and unique Gullah community. Of course, there are plenty of other incredible arts and culture events to enjoy no matter what time of year you find yourself on America’s Favorite Island — explore a full roundup of upcoming events on our Events page.

From captivating music, theater, and art to fascinating history and one-of-a-kind community celebrations, there’s a world of enriching cultural experiences waiting to be discovered here on America’s Favorite Island®. Find inspiration for an artful Lowcountry getaway, and start planning your next visit today!