Hilton Head Oyster Festival returns, offering more than just seafood. Here’s the schedule, cost
One of Hilton Head’s beloved traditions returns this weekend.
Since 2001, the Hilton Head Island Oyster Festival, hosted by the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, has served up a family-friendly celebration of the Lowcountry’s seafood culture — complete with fresh local oysters, shrimp, live music and plenty of coastal charm.
This year’s festival offers two days of feasting, music and fun, running Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, at two of the island’s most popular parks.
Here’s what to know about this year’s event:
Friday night: All-you-can-eat
The weekend kicks off Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park, located at 39 Shelter Cove Lane, with an all-you-can-eat seafood spread.
Day one will feature steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, shrimp and grits, and chili. Drinks are sold separately, and the evening includes live music by Rock Candy.
Tickets are $60 for adults and $45 for children 12 and under.
Saturday festival at Lowcountry Celebration Park
On Saturday, the celebration moves to Lowcountry Celebration Park, located at 94 Pope Avenue, near Coligny Circle, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Expect live music, local artisans, kid activities and plenty of food and drink available for purchase.
Admission is $10 at the door, with free entry for children under 11, as well as veterans, active military, police and fire personnel with ID.
Saturday’s music lineup includes:
- 11 a.m. to noon: Soul Remedy
- Noon to 2 p.m.: Groove Town Assault
- 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Soul Remedy
- 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: CornBreD
After the festival, attendees can continue celebrating at The Bank, located at 59 Pope Ave.
Note that this is a cashless event set for rain or shine. Refunds are not available.
Giving back to the community & the environment
All proceeds from the Oyster Festival benefit the Carmines Family Recreation Scholarship Fund at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, which helps children participate in recreational programs they might not be able to afford otherwise.
The Hilton Head Island Recreation Association is a community based nonprofit organization. The group said it raises over $200,000 annually for the scholarship fund, established in memory of David McGee Carmines, a Hilton Head native and active member of the community.
The festival also plays a key role in environmental stewardship by recycling its oyster shells with the Outside Foundation, which reuses them through its Oyster Recycling and Reef Building Initiative. This initiative helps rebuild oyster reefs from old shells — an essential part of the Lowcountry ecosystem.
Last year, 5.2 tons of shells were donated from this event.
Each ton of shells helps create new reefs that support marine life, clean local waters and produce a thriving oyster fishery for future generations.
