Summer might be winding down, but the action on Hilton Head Island is just getting started. If you’re planning a Hilton Head vacation or need a reason to extend your stay, these late summer festivals pack the coast with flavor, music, and unforgettable memories.
Shelter Cove HarbourFest
All Summer Long, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Locals and visitors love HarbourFest. It’s 36 years strong, with nightly entertainment and showstopping Tuesday fireworks, May through Labor Day. Enjoy two performances nightly by Shannon Tanner, family activities, face painting, carnival games, artisanal eats, and shopping. Last year, the festival welcomed over 100,000 attendees, making it the largest recurring summer event on Hilton Head Island!
- Fireworks every Tuesday, June through August
- Cappy the Clown keeps the kids smiling
- Free admission for all ages
LOCASH Golf Bash
September 18, 2025
Atlantic Dunes Golf Course
Country duo LOCASH throws a music-meets-golf tournament you won’t want to miss. Tee off with your favorite artists, enjoy a Pairings Party, and grab an epic swag bag, all while benefitting the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Last year’s Bash raised over $15,000 for charity and brought together golfers from across the Southeast for a Hilton Head experience with extra star power.
Hilton Head Island Jam Songwriters Festival
September 18-21, 2025
Multiple Locations
Get a front-row seat for country’s hottest songwriters. The Island Jam Songwriters Festival brings Nashville talent to Hilton Head’s best venues. Enjoy intimate concerts, storytelling, and surprise pop-ups. Free community concerts, artist meet-and-greets, and a show by LOCASH are just a taste of this music marathon. The Hilton Head Island Jam attracted crowds of 5,000 in 2024, with record app downloads and a growing festival fan base each year.
Hilton Head Island Shrimp Festival
September 20, 2025 – 1-4pm
Harbour Town Lawn
Get your shrimp fix at the Hilton Head Shrimp Festival. Sample brews from 15 breweries, and groove to live Nashville hitmakers, all in one savory, high-energy afternoon. Family-friendly, with a Kid Zone packed with bounce houses and arts, special appearances by Forrest Gump, and keepsake tasting glasses for 21+ guests. General admission tickets run $79 for adults, $59 for non-drinking adults, and kids under 8 are free. VIP perks include early access and exclusive demos. Proceeds help the Boys & Girls Club of Hilton Head Island—last year, the event drew more than 2,000 guests and raised over $20,000 for local causes.
Hilton Head Rhythm & Brews Festival
September 27, 2025 – 2-5pm
Shelter Cove Community Park
What can you expect to find at the Rhythm & Brews Festival? Unbeatable craft beer, wine, and spirits tasting with headlining live music on the big stage. Admission ($49) includes unlimited tastings and a keepsake glass, plus access to local food trucks and vendors. As a proud partner of Ales for ALS™, this festival donates a portion of ticket sales directly to ALS research. Last year, they raised over $10,000 for the cause! All guests must be 21+, so plan for an adults-only outing.
- VIP tickets ($69) grant early entry, bigger tasting glasses, and exclusive pours.
- Over 100 beverages to choose from
Don’t let summer slip away. Make your trip legendary by catching Hilton Head’s best festivals before fall settles in. Grab your tickets, gather friends, and keep the fun going!