Traveling to Hilton Head and want to enjoy some of the region’s most celebrated food festivals? Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! Lowcountry cuisine is alive and well in South Carolina, and this region reflects that rich & diverse culinary history. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the beautiful sea islands, our region is home to a variety of world-class foodie festivals and authentic Gullah celebrations that lure food lovers from around the globe!
Check out these nine food festivals that will delight even the foodiest of foodies in your group!
- LOWCOUNTRY OYSTER FESTIVAL
WHEN: February 2, 2025
ABOUT
Who’s ready to do some oyster shucking? How does 45,000 pounds of oysters sound? The Lowcountry Oyster Festival is the world’s largest oyster festival! Highlights include live music on the main stage, raw oyster eating and shucking contests, wine, a selection of domestic and imported beers, a Children’s Area and a “Food Court” showcasing a variety of local favorite restaurants to satisfy everyone’s taste.
*Please note: this year’s event is cashless. Guest will purchase food & beverage tickets with a credit/debit card at satellite ticket tents throughout the event.
2. HILTON HEAD ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
WHEN: February 17 – 23, 2025
ABOUT
Expand your culinary and cultural horizons! Over the course of seven days, visitors can take in celebrity guest chef dinners, enjoy the best of southern pitmasters, view local wildlife, experience cooking demos, sip wine tastings, learn from mixologists & scholars and so much more!
The festival explores the South’s evolving food culture, which has been returning to its roots in recent years by honoring its rich native agriculture. Experience the region’s rich fishing heritage during the weeklong festival. Here you can sample restaurants’ fresh catch specials, try fresh oysters, and maybe even learn how to fish yourself. From incredible seafood meals to rustic barbecue and bonfires, world-class talent and southern charm collide on one gorgeous Island setting. 
3. HILTON HEAD ISLAND GULLAH CELEBRATION
WHEN: February 1 – March 1, 2025
ABOUT
Come celebrate Gullah Culture! NIBCAA has hosted the Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration, since 1996, which showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Gullah is more than simply the language and name of a people. It encompasses the essence of struggle, spirituality, perseverance and tradition. The Native Island Gullah People adhere to the custom of their ancestors through the sewing of sweet grass baskets, the weaving of casting nets and preparation of traditional Gullah food.
This year’s Celebration events include the “Arts Ob We People Annual Art Exhibition and Sale”, “Taste of Gullah”, Arts, Crafts and Food Expo, Gullah Gospel Music Series and more! Come celebrate Gullah where your soul will be transformed by the spirit of the Gullah Culture!
4. CHARLESTON WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
WHEN: March 5 – 9, 2025
ABOUT
Charleston Wine + Food is a beloved community event aimed at making connections that inspire curiosity through thoughtful storytelling and meaningful experiences with a sense of place.
Charleston Wine + Food Festival was founded in 2005 by a group of loyal community leaders with a vision of creating an event to promote and elevate Charleston’s culinary brand. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the goal was to put Charleston on the map as a culinary destination and bring national and international attention to the city through the production of a multi-day wine + food festival. Charleston Wine + Food infuses homegrown flavor with top chefs, winemakers, authors, storytellers, artisans, experts, and food enthusiasts from around the globe for a five-day event that spans the first full weekend each March.
5. HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINGFEST
WHEN: March 22, 2025
LOCATION
Lowcountry Celebration Park
94 Pope Avenue | Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
ABOUT
The Hilton Head Island Wingfest will feature an astounding 20 – 25 local restaurants cooking their very best wings comprising over 6,500 lbs of chicken! There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from the fun kid’s zone, rock climbing wall, to the bungee jump area. Have the kiddos participate in the Kid’s Wing Bobbing Competition or make the foodie in your group enter the Adult Wing Eating Contest! Eat through the vendors, then vote for your favorite wing and watch the winner be crowned at 4:30pm.
Once inside the festival, money does not exist, and only tickets are accepted. Tickets can be purchase from the ticket tent located in the center of the park. Credit cards are accepted at ticket and drink tents. 
6. HILTON HEAD ISLAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
WHEN: March 23 – 29, 2025
LOCATION
Multiple Locations
See Map For More Details
Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
ABOUT
Cheers to the loveliest time of the year in the Lowcountry! The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival makes its return, bringing with it beautiful weather, delicious sips and tasty bites from the region’s culinary leaders.
The Hilton Head Island Wine and Food Festival has been proudly supporting the community for 38 years. Proceeds from the wine auctions at the Grand Tasting and Public Tasting events benefit the John F. & Valerie Currie Educational Scholarship Fund for college students pursuing a degree in the hospitality and tourism field. The scholarships are currently offered at the University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. In the past nine years, the Festival has supported deserving students with $125,000 in contributions from the scholarship fund.
7. ORIGINAL GULLAH FESTIVAL
WHEN: May 23 – 25, 2025
TICKETS
Admission: FREE!
LOCATION
Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Bay Street, Beaufort, SC 29902
ABOUT
At the Original Gullah Festival you’ll enjoy traditional storytelling, dancing, the sounds of jazz, blues, reggae and African drums. There will also be an enormous amount of food vendors and local artisans filled with local cuisine and traditional Gullah favorites. Bring the whole family to experience this one-of-a-kind event!
In the tradition of its founders, the festival continues to focus on educating the masses about the Gullah culture. In addition to food and artisan vendors, visitors can enjoy panel discussions and presentations on heritage and culture, and audience members even have an opportunity to become involved by asking questions and participating in meaningful discussions! All ages are welcome.
8. BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
WHEN: October 12 – 20, 2024
TICKETS
Prices of Events Vary: Purchase Tickets HERE!
LOCATION
Multiple Locations
See Map For More Details
Bluffton, SC 29910
ABOUT
The award-winning Annual Historic Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival is held annually in the charming and eclectic historic district, well known for its quirky art community, amazing restaurants, and natural river beauty.
The Seafood Festival is a weeklong event offering a myriad of activities, showcasing the locally harvested seafood, delicious Lowcountry cuisine, rich history, culture and art of the area and Southern hospitality found only in Bluffton. 
9. ROCK N’ RIBS MUSIC & BBQ FEST
WHEN: October 19 – 22, 2024
TICKETS
More Info Coming Soon!
LOCATION
Hilton Head Island, SC
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TBD – Coming Soon!
ABOUT
FOODIES UNITE! The Rock ‘N Ribs Music and BBQ Fest combines everything a foodie would want in a southern festival. A classic rock & roll weekend celebrating bbq, the people who make it, and the people who eat it. What’s not to like?! Stay tuned for more information about this rockin’ event!
EXPERIENCE LOWCOUNTRY LIVING!
Welcome to the ultimate Lowcountry culinary experience! On Hilton Head Island, you can indulge in the local flavors and traditions of the region while enjoying all the comforts of a luxurious vacation rental home. From gourmet kitchens stocked with top-of-the-line appliances to outdoor BBQs perfect for grilling up fresh seafood and Lowcountry veggies, you’ll have everything you need to cook like a true local in our selection of Hilton Head Island vacation homes.
Start planning your next Hilton Head Island beach vacation with Sunset Rentals today! Browse our collection of 1-7 bedroom vacation homes and villas, book with confidence and ease online, or give our team a call at (843) 785-6767.
We know the best places to stay, play, and feast on Hilton Head Island!
