Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival 2026
Every winter, Hilton Head Island comes alive during our slowest season with the lively Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival! This Seafood Festival has become a tradition to celebrate coastal food with celebrity chefs and top notch events throughout the week, bringing people together all over the island and across the country. Whether you’re a devoted foodie, a curious traveler, or a local looking for a weekend of festivity, the festival offers a flavorful window into the region’s culture, community, and culinary excellence.
What the festival is all about: The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a celebration of fresh seafood, regional flavors, and the people who bring them from boat to table. Highlights typically include chef demonstrations, tastings, cooking classes, live music, family activities, and opportunities to connect with local fishermen and seafood purveyors. This isn’t just an event; it’s where food, drink, and the spirit of the South come to life
The festival, now in it’s 19th year, has grown into a cherished tradition, each year bringing a bigger, bolder celebration—more delectable dishes, richer memories, and friendships that endure.
From renowned chefs showcasing their craft to the rustic allure of barbecue under the stars and bonfires along the oak-lined marsh, every moment is crafted to delight. Sip fine wines, savor creations from expert mixologists, and indulge in Atlantic Coast’s freshest seafood. Throughout the week, you can go beyond the plate with exclusive wildlife excursions that bring you closer to the natural beauty that frames our festival. Join master classes where you’ll learn, laugh, and perhaps discover a new passion. It’s a chance to deepen your appreciation for the coastal environment and the bounty it offers. More than an event, it’s a heartfelt invitation to experience the essence of southern hospitality and to create memories that last a lifetime.
Don’t wait—tickets go fast! Secure your spot today and become part of a legacy that celebrates the best of the South
Highlights to look forward to:
- Chef demos: Watch renowned chefs showcase signature seafood dishes and share pro tips.
- Tasting experiences: Sample a curated selection of seafood dishes, often featuring local catches and seasonal ingredients.
- Family-friendly activities: Cooking workshops, kids’ tastings, and hands-on experiences for all ages.
- Live entertainment: Local bands and performances that capture the island’s spirit.
- Sustainability and education: Programs that highlight responsible fishing, conservation, and coastal ecology.
When and where: Held on Hilton Head Island February 23 – March 1, the festival brings together multiple venues across the island. Here are some event highlights to check out.
- Uncommon Cuts, February 20th at 6 PM. This is a limited-seating culinary experience designed for the true meat lover—those curious about rare proteins, exceptional sourcing, and the artistry required to cook them to perfection. Guided by Robert Owens of Owens & Hull and David Carrier, this one-of-a-kind dinner explores exotic and hard-to-find cuts from around the world, from prized selections sourced internationally to remarkable proteins found closer to home in the Lowcountry—often overlooked, rarely experienced, and unforgettable when done right.
- Zero Forks Given, February 26, at 7PM: Access to Zero Forks Given includes commemorative 2026 Festival Glass, includes ALL food and drinks. (Must be 21 or older to attend this event)
- Flutes and Caviar, February 27, various times and locations. Step into the world of refined indulgence with Flute & Caviar Chronicles, an exclusive master class hosted by renowned French Chef Olivier Geyer. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the elegance of champagne with the mystique of caviar, offering you the expertise to select and savor these delicacies like a true connoisseur. Guided by Chef Olivier, whose culinary brilliance has graced Michelin-starred restaurants and royal tables alike, you'll uncover the secrets of shopping for top-tier grocery store and wine shop champagnes. Learn how to expand your palate, discerning the finest bubbles at any price point. Discover the art of caviar, from indulging in an ultra-luxurious, rare variety to choosing exceptional options available at trusted retailers.
- Celebrity Chef Master Class: Marcus Samuelsson, February 26. Celebrate culture, flavor, and culinary creativity with an exclusive master class led by Marcus Samuelsson, award-winning chef, restaurateur, author, activist, and one of the most influential voices in food today.
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Practical links for attendees:
If you are looking for a vacation rental on Hilton Head for Seafood Festival, we can help at Beachside Getaway. Visit our website at this link to start browsing for properties.
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