Hilton Head’s Best Annual Events and Owner Exclusives

While the sandy beaches and award-winning golf courses are what most people think of when you mention Hilton Head Island, there’s so much more to discover at this dream vacation destination. 

Local festivals and celebrations occur throughout the year, spotlighting the history and culture of Hilton Head.* So whether you crave a summer break or an escape from the winter doldrums, there’s something new to see.

And if you’re an Owner, check out special events that you can use Club Points to attend as well! 

Spring

Hilton Head Wingfest
When to Go: March
Come for the food, stay for the competition. Roughly two dozen restaurants whip up their signature recipes — using 4 tons of chicken wings — for the judges at the Hilton Head Wingfest. Who will walk away with the top prize? And who will earn the most important title of People’s Choice winner? Between meals you can enjoy entertainment as hot as the sauces. Live music, a kids’ zone, a pregame night, and an after-party round out the weekend.

Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival 
When to Go: March
Get a real taste of the island during this weeklong event. Folks 21 and up enjoy beer and wine tastings, wine auctions and contests, culinary education events, Lowcountry cuisine, and celebrity chefs.

RBC Heritage
When to Go: April
Known as the Heritage Classic, South Carolina’s premier PGA Tour event brings together the world’s best golfers — and thousands of spectators — to Hilton Head’s Harbour Town Golf Links. The winner gets to don the champion’s traditional plaid blazer.

Summer

All Saints Episcopal Church Garden Tour
When to Go: May
Founded in 1989, this two-day event is sure to be a hit with plant lovers. Take a self-guided tour through some of the most distinctive gardens on Hilton Head Island and in nearby Bluffton. Master gardeners and plein air artists are on-site to showcase their skills. Walk-through locations range from charming small cottage gardens to large estates. You can also partake in an optional luncheon and shop the artisans market. 

Firecracker 5K
When to Go: July
This family-friendly 5K run and walk is the perfect way to get outside and take in the beautiful island scenery. Held on a scenic route around Hilton Head Island, you’ll spot sand, animals, and more. At the finish line, the postrace bash includes food trucks and a DJ. Get the kids moving too, with races for tots aged from just-started-walking to age 8, in various categories and (short) distances.

 

Fall

Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival
When to Go: September
The Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriter Festival brings the creative energy of Nashville to Hilton Head Island. Rock out at four full days of music from both renowned songwriters and emerging artists.

Crescendo
When to Go: October through November
From jazz music and dance performances to poetry readings and art workshops, Crescendo is a six-week celebration that shines a spotlight on the arts. See a multitude of cultural organizations, artists, performers, and authors who live and work on Hilton Head Island showcase their skills.

Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
When to Go: Late October/Early November
This weekend event is a gearhead’s dream. Browse collector car displays, watch automotive-themed films, get up close to modern supercars and motorcycles, and have more fun on four (or two) wheels. Car buffs can enjoy interacting with vehicles like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, 1960s era Ferraris, and international prototypes.

This event is available as an Exclusive Owner Event through Marriott Vacation Club^®! Check out the Owner events page to learn more.

Winter

Hilton Head Oyster Festival
When to Go: November
This two-day island favorite has crowds noshing on local favorites like steamed oysters, shrimp, pulled pork, and more. Live music and shopping at booths with local artisans round out a weekend of fun.

This event is available as an Exclusive Owner Event using Club Points! Check out the Marriott Vacation Club Owner events page to learn more.

Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
When to Go: November
During this free annual event, a procession of fantastical, glowing “creatures” comes along the coast from South Forest Beach to Coligny Beach Park. No need to be afraid — they are actually just people holding creatively crafted lanterns.

Lights on Dove Street
When to Go: December
Members of the local community spend two weeks putting up thousands of lights for this free monthlong holiday display. Sip hot chocolate and browse some of the local shops while you take in the sights. 

Deck the Hulls
When to Go: December
Boaters from around Hilton Head Island compete in this nighttime Christmas boat parade. The procession begins in Port Royal Sound and advances down Skull Creek, passing waterfront restaurants where you can judge the decorated boats yourself.

Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival
When to Go: February
For nearly two decades, the weeklong Hilton Head Seafood Festival has been celebrating Lowcountry cuisine. You’ll see tasting menus, celebrity chefs, cooking demonstrations, live music, brunches, oyster roasts, and family-friendly activities throughout.

Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration
When to Go: February
Held annually since 1996, this vibrant monthlong festival showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah Geechee people. Learn about their history on Hilton Head Island and about Gullah Geechee traditions that live on today. Celebrate with craft fairs, live musical performances, art exhibitions, and more.

Exclusive Owner Events
When: Throughout the year

Marriott Vacation Club^® Owners and Vistana^® Signature Experience Owners using Club Points can experience Hilton Head Island in a whole new way at an Exclusive Owner Event. You’ll meet fellow Owners on an exciting vacation filled with amazing experiences and unforgettable memories.

Vistana Owners using StarOptions^® don’t have to miss out on great events when they travel. Check out great events in other destinations here. 

Where to Stay:
Championship golf. Gorgeous beaches. It seems that Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, has it all. And Owners can experience it all. Stay close to the action in amazing Marriott Vacation Club^® properties like Marriott’s Barony Beach Club, Marriott’s Grande Ocean, Marriott’s Harbour Club, and Marriott’s Harbour Point. Whether you’re looking to play a challenging 18 holes, lie on the beach, or enjoy delicious Southern food, you’re never far away at Marriott’s Heritage Club, Marriott’s Monarch, Marriott’s Sunset Pointe, and Marriott’s SurfWatch^®.

Kathryn Drury Wagner is an award-winning writer and editor based in Savannah, Georgia. Her work has appeared in Hawaii Business Magazine, Marriott Bonvoy Traveler, The State, and Los Angeles magazine.