Local Events

Concours d’Elegance car show makes return to Hilton Head. What to know before you go

Droves of classic vehicles will be on display this weekend on Hilton Head in the return of the Concours d’Elegance and Motoring Festival, canceled last year because of COVID-19.

The event started with the Savannah Speed Classic a week ago on Hutchinson Island, but the main festivities on Hilton Head are still to come this weekend with a smattering of associated events.

Colorful sports cars, lovingly preserved vintage automobiles and even a few motorcycles will line the golf course at Port Royal Golf Club all day on Saturday and Sunday.

The vehicles and their proud owners will compete for prizes, including the coveted Best of Show and the People’s Choice awards.

As of Thursday morning, the National Weather Service’s forecast for Hilton Head listed a 40% chance of rain Friday night and Saturday, but sunny skies on Sunday.

More information about all the events and tickets is available at www.hhiconcours.com.

A 1931 Chrysler Imperial Roadster participated in the 2015 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance car show on Hilton Head Island.
A 1931 Chrysler Imperial Roadster participated in the 2015 Hilton Head Island Motoring Festival & Concours d’Elegance car show on Hilton Head Island. Bob Sofaly File photo

The schedule

Grand Motoring Film Festival

  • What it is: Automotive short films and a showing of “The Secret Race Across America,” car displays spotlighting cars of the 1980s
  • When: Thursday, Nov. 4; doors open at 5 p.m. for a red-carpet reception and exhibits; program begins at 6:45 p.m.
  • Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head
  • Admission: $55
  • Online: www.grandmotoring.com/hilton-head-film-festival

Bimmers in Bluffton

  • What it is: Car show with 150-plus BMWs, food trucks and music by Chris Dodson; hosted by BMW Car Club of America
  • When: 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 5
  • Where: Tanger Outlets along U.S. 278 in Bluffton
  • Admission: Free and open to the public
Vehicles in the Coastal Empire Region Porche Club of America are lined up Saturday at the 2019 Concours d’Elegance on Hilton Head Island.
Vehicles in the Coastal Empire Region Porche Club of America are lined up Saturday at the 2019 Concours d’Elegance on Hilton Head Island. Lisa Wilson lwilson@islandpacket.com


Car Club Showcase

  • What it is: Car clubs from throughout the country show nearly 200 vehicles and compete for top honors.
  • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6
  • Where: Port Royal Golf Club on Hilton Head
  • Admission: $60; two-day passes are available for $110
  • Note: Tickets for the Car Club Showcase also include admission to the Aero Expo at the Hilton Head Airport. Shuttles will be available between the two venues.

Concours D’Elegance

  • What it is: Nearly 75 judges from across North America will whittle down the field of over 200 cars and motorcycles to one winner from each class and one Best of Show.
  • When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7
  • Where: Port Royal Golf Club on Hilton Head
  • Admission: $70; two-day passes are available for $110

Parking

Attendees Saturday and Sunday may park free at the Hilton Head Island Public School Complex at 70 Wilborn Road. Shuttles will run from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Wheelchair-accessible shuttles are available. Bicycle parking is available at Port Royal Golf Club.

Kathie Foltz of Myrtle Beach, center, chats with attendees next to the 1962 Wolseley 1500 she owns with her husband Richard at Saturday’s Car Club Showcase, part of the Concours d’Elegance on Hilton Head Island.
Kathie Foltz of Myrtle Beach, center, chats with attendees next to the 1962 Wolseley 1500 she owns with her husband Richard at Saturday’s Car Club Showcase, part of the Concours d’Elegance on Hilton Head Island. Lisa Wilson lwilson@islandpacket.com

What to bring

Do bring your own lawn chairs and blankets.

Do not bring backpacks, large purses or camera bags.

Dogs are not allowed on the property.

Masks

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, masks will be required on all shuttles. Masks are recommended on-site at all times but are extremely encouraged in congested areas.

Lisa Wilson
The Island Packet
Lisa Wilson is senior reporter for The Island Packet and The Beaufort Gazette covering restaurant and retail business openings and closings along with occasional breaking news. The newsroom veteran has worked for papers in Louisiana and Mississippi and is happy to call the Lowcountry home.
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER