Fall Festivals and Events on Hilton Head Island
Fall festivals on Hilton Head Island offer a slice of the Lowcountry’s coastal charm with the traditions of Fall that you have come to expect. Combine community, culture, and family-friendly fun with these many events that showcase local arts, delicious seasonal flavors, live music, and Southern hospitality. Beachside Getaway is proud to offer a round-up of Fall events on Hilton Head Island and your Hilton Head event calendar.
Attending these festivals are a chance to support small businesses, discover unique crafts and performances, and create memorable experiences with friends and family as the year transitions into cooler weather. (On Hilton Head, we’re so ready for the cooler weather.)
You may be surprised to learn that Hilton Head Island is not all about going to the beach, playing tennis or pickleball, or playing golf (though really a great place to do those things!) and that we have so many interesting cultural events. It will make you want to consider planning your vacation to Hilton Head during the fall. Here’s what we recommend you attend:
- Historic Seafood Festival – through October 19
- Gullah Food Festival – October 18
- Italian Heritage Festival: October 18
- Historic Mitcheville Freedom Park Film Series
- Rock N’ Ribs: October 25: Rock N Ribs is a fundraiser for Second Helpings! Music by Algorhythm, Cranford Hollow, and an after show with Nick Poulin. Plus, AYCE BBQ!
- Legends and Luminaries presented by Coastal Discovery Museum: Fall Speaker Series
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Saturday, October 25
Looking ahead to November?
November events on Hilton Head Island include the popular Hilton Head Oyster Festival, the Hilton Head Island Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, and the Annual Lantern Parade. Other events feature the Half & Quarter Marathon & 5K, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot, and the start of the holiday season with various parades and markets. Check out some of these events here.
October 30–November 2, this festival features rare and antique cars, and includes the Aero Expo and Car Club Showcase.
Early November (November 7-8, 2025), a two-day festival at Shelter Cove Pavilion with oysters, live music, and family-friendly activities.
A free event celebrating the island's history and culture. It features bands, a glowing parade, and typically takes place closer to Thanksgiving.
November 2, 2025, hosted at The Sea Pines Resort.
A fun run held on Thanksgiving Day to help raise donations for the community.
Cultural and arts events
A month-long celebration of local arts featuring concerts, exhibits, and performances.
The "Art Beyond Tradition Group" returns for a biennial exhibit, and the museum also hosts various tours and markets throughout the month.
So while you might think of Hilton Head Island for our beaches, you can see that there are a variety of events to attend in the Fall season that are culturally diverse and interesting to everyone. Dive deeper in your vacation experience on Hilton Head!
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