What's happening
From weekly farmers markets to the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head's event calendar runs year-round. Here's what's coming up.
Always on
These events happen on a regular schedule and are worth building your visit around. Check individual websites for current dates and any schedule changes.
Free outdoor concerts on the Shelter Cove Harbour waterfront. Genres range from beach pop to classic rock and Lowcountry blues. Bring a blanket or chair — the lawn fills up by 6 PM in summer.
DetailsWeekly Thursday market in charming Old Town Bluffton, 20 minutes from Hilton Head. Local produce, fresh seafood, prepared foods, and artisan goods. A good excuse to explore Old Town's galleries and restaurants afterward.
DetailsSaturday morning market at the Honey Horn property near the bridge. Local produce, honey, baked goods, plants, and crafts. The setting — a historic plantation property — makes it worth the trip even if you're not shopping.
DetailsAn informal daily gathering at the Harbour Town lighthouse plaza as the sun sets over Calibogue Sound. Street performers, musicians, and the natural spectacle of the sunset over the marsh. One of the most reliably beautiful moments on the island.
DetailsNational touring jazz acts in an intimate room at the Village at Wexford. Two shows nightly Tuesday through Sunday. The cocktail program is excellent and the food is worth ordering. Reservations essential for featured acts.
DetailsOne of the PGA Tour's most beloved events, held annually at Harbour Town Golf Links the week after The Masters. The combination of a world-class field, an intimate course, and the Harbour Town setting makes this the island's biggest annual event. Book accommodations 6–12 months in advance.
DetailsThe Grand Tasting evening kicks off Oyster Festival weekend at Shelter Cove Harbour. Premium oysters, curated wine and beer pairings, and live entertainment in a waterfront setting. Tickets required; limited capacity.
Annual oyster roast celebrating the start of oyster season. Fresh-roasted Lowcountry oysters, local beer, live music, and fall weather. A beloved island tradition.
Opening night of the Arts Center's fall Broadway touring series. World-class productions in an intimate 350-seat theater. Check artshhi.com for the current season lineup.
Annual Thanksgiving morning 5K run and walk on the beach. A beloved island tradition for locals and visitors alike. All fitness levels welcome. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Annual holiday tree lighting ceremony at Harbour Town. Live music, hot cocoa, carolers, and the magical lighting of the lighthouse. A wonderful family tradition to kick off the holiday season.
Annual holiday light display and festival at Shelter Cove. Thousands of lights, live entertainment, Santa visits, and holiday shopping. Free admission. A magical evening for families.
Ring in the New Year at Harbour Town with live music, fireworks over Calibogue Sound, and a festive atmosphere. One of the most spectacular New Year's Eve celebrations in the Southeast.
Annual restaurant week featuring prix-fixe menus at the island's best restaurants. A great opportunity to try fine dining at accessible prices. Check hiltonheadisland.org for participating restaurants.
Annual marathon and half marathon through the island's scenic bike paths and neighborhoods. Flat, fast course through Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and along the beach. One of the Southeast's most scenic races.
Monthly lecture series covering Lowcountry history, ecology, and culture. Expert speakers on topics ranging from Gullah Geechee heritage to coastal conservation. Free for museum members.
Annual celebration of Hilton Head's shrimping heritage. Fresh Lowcountry shrimp prepared every way imaginable, live music, craft beer, and local vendors. A beloved late-winter tradition.
Special Valentine's Day sunset sailing cruise from Harbour Town. Champagne, light bites, and a romantic sunset over Calibogue Sound. Limited capacity — advance reservations required.
Annual classic car show and concours d'elegance. Hundreds of rare and vintage automobiles on display, plus a gala dinner and auction. One of the Southeast's premier automotive events.
Annual St. Patrick's Day parade through the heart of Hilton Head. Floats, bands, Irish dancers, and plenty of green. One of the island's most festive community celebrations.
Guided group rides on Hilton Head's 60+ miles of bike paths. Routes for all skill levels, from leisurely beach cruises to longer fitness rides. Bike rentals available at multiple island shops.
The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival returns for its 42nd year with a week of wine, craft beer, and culinary experiences. Events run March 22-28, 2027 across multiple island venues. Highlights include the Public Tasting at Lowcountry Celebration Park (Sat, March 28), the Grand Tasting at Country Club of Hilton Head (Fri, March 27), Stay Gold at Rollers Wine & Spirits (Thu, March 26), Sip & Stroll at Sea Pines Center (Wed, March 25), and Craft Beers at the Beach at the Westin (Sun, March 22). All attendees must be 21+.
Two evenings of fresh Lowcountry seafood paired with live jazz at Harbour Town. Local chefs, regional musicians, and the beautiful backdrop of Calibogue Sound.
Practice rounds for the RBC Heritage PGA TOUR event. Watch the world's best golfers prepare on Pete Dye's legendary Harbour Town Golf Links. Tickets required. A great opportunity to get close to the players.
Annual tennis tournament held during RBC Heritage week. Amateur and professional divisions. A great way to enjoy the island's world-class tennis facilities during the most festive week of the year.
Annual juried art show held during RBC Heritage week. Regional and national artists display and sell original works in the beautiful outdoor setting of Harbour Town. Free admission.
The 59th RBC Heritage PGA TOUR event at Harbour Town Golf Links. One of the most beloved stops on the PGA TOUR, featuring the iconic candy-striped lighthouse at the 18th hole. Tickets required.
Annual Earth Day beach cleanup organized by the Hilton Head Island Environmental Coalition. Volunteers of all ages welcome. Gloves and bags provided. A great way to give back to the island.
Two-day celebration of Lowcountry seafood featuring local restaurants, live cooking demonstrations, craft beer, and live music. Shrimp, oysters, crab, and more from the best kitchens on the island.
Several events on Hilton Head draw visitors from across the region and require advance planning. The RBC Heritage golf tournament (April, week after The Masters) is the island's biggest annual event — accommodations book out 6–12 months in advance. The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival (February) celebrates the Lowcountry's culinary heritage with tastings, chef demonstrations, and waterfront events. The Concours d'Elegance car show (October) draws classic car enthusiasts to the island each fall. The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival (March) has grown into a serious culinary event with national chefs.
The Shelter Cove Tuesday Night Concert Series (May–September) is the island's most popular free recurring event — free outdoor concerts on the harbour waterfront every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM. The Bluffton Farmers Market runs every Thursday year-round in Old Town Bluffton. The Hilton Head Island Farmers Market runs Saturdays from May through November at Honey Horn. The Jazz Corner has live music Tuesday through Sunday with two shows nightly — cover charges vary by act.
Spring (March–May) brings the RBC Heritage, the Wine & Food Festival, and the return of the Tuesday concert series. Summer (June–August) is peak season for outdoor events, beach concerts, and the farmers markets. Fall (September–November) is the island's best-kept secret — the Concours d'Elegance, the Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival, and the return of cooler temperatures make October and November excellent months to visit. Winter events are quieter but the Jazz Corner and the Bluffton Farmers Market run year-round.
The most reliable sources for current Hilton Head event listings are the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce website (hiltonheadisland.org), the Island Packet newspaper's event calendar, and the individual venue websites for Shelter Cove Harbour, Sea Pines Resort, and the Jazz Corner. For last-minute event discovery, the Coligny Beach area and Harbour Town plaza both have informal street performers and pop-up events most evenings in season.
The Shelter Cove Tuesday Night Concert Series (May–September, 6:30 PM) is the island's best free recurring event. The Harbour Town Sunset Celebration happens daily at no charge (Sea Pines gate fee applies for non-guests). The Hilton Head Island Farmers Market on Saturdays and the Bluffton Farmers Market on Thursdays are both free to attend.
The RBC Heritage golf tournament, held annually the week after The Masters in April at Harbour Town Golf Links, is the island's biggest annual event. It draws a world-class PGA Tour field and tens of thousands of spectators. Daily tickets run $50–$150. Book accommodations 6–12 months in advance.
Yes. The Jazz Corner has live music Tuesday through Sunday year-round. The Bluffton Farmers Market runs every Thursday year-round. The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival (February) and Wine & Food Festival (March) are major off-season events. October and November are excellent months to visit — the Concours d'Elegance and Motoring Festival draw car enthusiasts, and the weather is ideal.
The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce (hiltonheadisland.org) maintains the most comprehensive event calendar. The Island Packet newspaper's website also has a reliable events section. For venue-specific events, check Shelter Cove Harbour, Sea Pines Resort, and The Jazz Corner directly.
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