Who doesn’t love autumn on Hilton Head? From sunny beaches, world-class golf, and outdoor adventures in nature to al fresco oceanfront dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and coastal homes for the holidays, Hilton Head Island offers a smorgasbord of fun this fall season.
Whether you’re seeking private access to miles of uncrowded beaches, heated pools, spacious gourmet kitchens to host family feasts – or a combination of it all – you’ll find your coastal home for the holidays and peace of mind with Sunset Rentals.
Our on-island team has been welcoming families to spend all seasons in our luxury homes on Hilton Head Island for more than 25 years. The autumn season kick-off festivals have begun and no matter how you like to celebrate the holidays, there are fun fall festivities for the whole family on Hilton Head Island!
HILTON HEAD ISLAND AUTUMN EVENTS
The Fish and Grits Music Festival
WHEN: October 5th, 2024
TIME: 12:00 PM -6:00 PM
LOCATION: Lowcountry Celebration Park94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival brings awareness to the unique Gullah Geechee culture and its connection to the African diaspora by showcasing great musical talent and local cuisine.
VISIT WEBSITE
JEEP ISLAND 2024
WHEN: October 11th – 12th, 2024
Meet and Greet: October 11th, 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Rowing and Sailing Center
Learn More
Main Event: October 12th, 12pm – 3PM
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Learn More
After Party: October 12th, 4PM – 9PM
Lincoln and South Brewing Company
Learn More
Jeep Raffle
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited X – 97,800 miles
You do not need to be present to win
850 tickets sold – $50/ticket
BLUFFTON ARTS & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
WHEN: October 1st – 20th, 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.
SUPPER SOIREE
WHEN: October 12th, 2024
TIME: 6:00PM – 9:00PM
LOCATION: Calhoun Street, Historic Old Town Bluffton
TICKETS: Purchase HERE!
4 Course Dinner with music, wine, and more
Come enjoy a night under the stars!
DINNER & LEARN
WHEN: October 16th, 2024
TICKETS: Purchase HERE!
TIME: Tours available at 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM
LOCATION: 21 Sawmill Creek Road, Bluffton
Reservations required. $45/per person. Proceeds to Waddell Mariculture Center. To make your reservation: blufftonartsandseafoodfestival.org
Tour the Waddell Mariculture Center, view the updated facilities, and learn from Director Erin Levesque how important this research facility is to our area and our resources. The tours will be given at five times, 4:00PM, 4:30PM, 5:00PM, 5:30PM and 6:00PM followed by dinner at Toomers Bluffton Seafood Restaurant, 27 Mellichamp Drive, Historic Downtown Bluffton. The dinner buffet includes Gumbo 2 Ways (chicken and seafood), Caesar salad, cornbread, cookies and tea. Beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. During dinner presentations will be given concerning preservation of our natural resources by Kim Jones and Al Stokes.
AUTHOR NIGHT
WHEN: October 12th, 2024
TIME:
5:30PM – Hors d’oeuvres
6:00PM – Showtime
LOCATION: Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park
11 Recreation Court Bluffton SC 29910
TICKETS: Purchase HERE!
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages provided by Southern Spice Catering and Events; Cost: $15.00; additional donations accepted; proceeds to the Waddell Mariculture Center. Reservations required.
SIPS & SEAFOOD PARTY
WHEN: October 18th, 2024
TIME: 5:00PM – 10:00PM
LOCATION: Hewitt Oaks, Bluffton SC
TICKETS: Purchase HERE!
Join in on the fun for a grand celebration under the stars on the beautiful grounds of Hewitt Oaks. The evening includes sensational Lowcountry dining, savory cocktails, along with contagious excitement with a wine pull, live and silent auctions as we raise money to support our Bluffton neighbors in need. All proceeds benefit Bluffton Self Help.
OLD TOWN OYSTER RUN 5K/10K
WHEN: October 19th, 2024
TIME: 8:00AM – 10:30AM
LOCATION: 10K Road Race, 5K Run Options
Bluffton Oyster Factory Park.
TICKETS: Register
Join in on the fun run through Old Town Bluffton with scenic river and marsh views. Compete in a fast-paced 10K or complete the 5K with the entire family! Both events will be professionally timed.
Awards presentation and After-Party immediately following. Music, Coffee, Cold Beer, Oyster Shooters, Gumbo, May River Mimosas, and much, much more!
ROCK N’ RIBS MUSIC & BBQ FEST
WHEN: October 17th – 20th, 2024
TICKETS: Purchase HERE!
LOCATION: Hilton Head Island, SC
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?!
Join in on the fun October 17th – 20th, 2024 for four days of world-class BBQ and Rock ‘N Roll in Coligny on Hilton Head Island to benefit Second Helpings and the Carl Ruiz Foundation. 2024 will include multiple events, both ticketed and free, over four days for connoisseurs, as well as, casual fans of both food and music.
The fest starts Thursday, Oct. 17th with a Fire + Flavor cooking class with Brian Duffy and Lee Lucier at Forrest Fire BBQ followed by
the Sip and Shop Sneak Peek to discover exceptional deals on festival fashions while enjoying the mouthwatering BBQ and live music that will be showcased throughout Coligny Plaza. This event is FREE and open to the public.
Friday, Oct. 18th will host Lunch at the Lot: The Ultimate BBQ Battle with musical guests CornBred where top pitmasters go head-to-head, vying for your coveted vote with their incredible flavors, an extraordinary culinary experience at the Pitmaster’s Table gourmet BBQ dinner, and Rock the Night at FISH Concert with Grateful Dead Tribute band, Glass Camels featuring live music, dancing, and exclusive drink specials at FISH Casual Coastal Seafood.
Saturday, Oct. 19th will feature our BBQ Grand Tasting with over a dozen world-class Pitmasters and music by local legends Cranford Hollow, and Southern Rock superstars, Drivin N Cryin! This year’s Grand Tasting will be an ALL-INCLUSIVE EVENT, meaning your ticket price includes all food, music, and beverages! VIP ticket holders get an EXTRA HOUR of food & drink, a VIP-only tent area, a designated bar, a private concert, and exclusive swag/merch. The party will continue into the evening with Leftover Ribs and local musicians jamming out at multiple music venues across Coligny.
The weekend will wrap up on Sunday, Oct. 22nd with a Brisket and Biscuits Brunch at The Tiki Hut with live music.
The 14th Annual Italian Heritage Festival
WHEN: October 19th, 2024
TIME: 11:00AM – 4:00PM
LOCATION: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.
TICKETS: Purchase tickets HERE!
Parking is free.
No pets please!
This festival is a robust celebration of Italian culture with food, drinks, and live entertainment. The crowd-pleasing grape stomping contest will return as will the beloved pizza eating contest. But don’t worry, they will have some new events too, so don’t miss it! The Festival will offer a full slate of activities for locals, visitors, and kids.
A number of booths will be dedicated to traditional Italian foods, such as cheeses, breads, pasta, fish, meatballs, sausage and calzones, and delicious sweets, including Italian ice, gelato, biscotti and zeppolis – many sponsored by local restaurants. There will be a silent auction featuring an extensive selection of gift certificates to golf foursomes at our world-famous courses, area restaurants, boat cruises, spa visits, and of course, gift baskets, and a wide range of crafts, gifts, and art works on which to bid.
The 2024 Crescendo Celebration
WHEN: October 15th – November 23rd, 2024
LOCATION: Various Locations, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The 2024 Crescendo Celebration features a plethora of unique arts and cultural programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences, and educational offerings which are estimated to attract more than 10,000 people from all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Kicking off October 15th the program will amaze and excite attendees until the curtains close on November 23rd, 2024. Several marquee events are planned including performances, parties and the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.
Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance & Motoring Festival
WHEN: October 31st – November 3rd, 2024
LOCATION: Various Locations, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, honoring rich tradition with southern flair, will curate a rare collection of automotive delights set against a distinctive Lowcountry backdrop that can only be found here. A Fine Pairing.
Designed with purpose and driven by passion since 2002. Since its inception, the Hilton Head Island Concours has continued to elevate every aspect of this unique Lowcountry lifestyle event into an art form.
VISIT WEBSITE
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
WHEN: November 23rd, 2024
TIME: 5:30PM – 8:30PM
LOCATION: Parade Route: Alder Lane Beach Access to Coligny Beach Park
Parade Steps Off @ Sunset (5:45 PM-ish)
Created by and featuring artist Chantelle Rytter, the Lantern Parade is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island.
The only requirement to participate is having a lantern!
Lineup for the parade begins at 5:00PM at the Alder Lane Beach Access. The parade will step off at 5:45PM, right after sunset, and travel north along South Forest Beach up to Coligny Beach Park. Spectators can watch along the beach anywhere between Alder Lane and Coligny Beach Park.
Live Music at Hurricane Bar
WHEN: Now – November 9th, 2024
TIME: 6:00PM – 10:00PM
ADMISSION: FREE!
Catch live music Wednesdays through Saturdays all during the fall at the Hurricane Bar attached to Black Marlin.
Check out the schedule HERE!
OYSTER FESTIVAL
WHEN: November 8th -9th, 2024
SCHEDULE:
Friday | 5-8pm
Saturday | 11am-5pm
ADMISSION: $55, 12 and under $45 (price increase October 23) Buy now
LOCATION: Lowcountry Celebration Park – Pope Avenue (Near Coligny Circle)
All you can eat steamed local oysters, lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder & chili. Drinks sold separately. Live music and good community fun!
THE PERFECT HILTON HEAD ISLAND LODGING
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!
