Gullah Heritage Days kicks off today on St. Helena Island SC. Here’s what to know
The sound of drums and the smell of fried fish will fill the air this weekend as the 41st Annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration returns to the heart of the Gullah Geechee Nation.
For more than four decades, this homegrown festival has drawn families, scholars and visitors from across the Southeast to honor the history, resilience and living culture of the Gullah Geechee people.
This year’s three-day event — running Thursday, Nov. 6 through Saturday, Nov. 8 — promises a full slate of performances, food and cultural activities across the historic Penn Center campus on St. Helena Island.
Organizers have noted it as being “one of the longest-running festivals in the Southeast.” It offers everything from genealogy workshops to oyster roasts, and every corner of the Penn Center will celebrate the heritage and creativity that shaped this Lowcountry community.
Here’s what to know about this year’s event:
Location
All events will take place at the Penn Center National Landmark Historic District. When using a GPS, enter the address: 16 Penn Center Circle, St. Helena Island, SC 29920.
Festival breakdown
Thursday, Nov. 6: Family & Youth Day
The festival opens Thursday morning at 10 a.m. with Family & Youth Day, featuring interactive educational activities, craft-making, genealogy workshops and a drumline competition. Students and families can explore the Penn Center National Historic Landmark District and take part in free cultural and learning experiences throughout the day.
Friday, Nov. 7: Cultural Reconnection Day
Friday’s lineup focuses on reconnecting with heritage and history. The campus opens at 10 a.m. and visitors can take museum tours, enjoy spoken-word performances starting at noon and shop at the heritage market.
At 6 p.m., the spotlight shines on “Hitsville at Heritage,” a Motown revue concert paired with a fish fry and oyster roast — one of the weekend’s most anticipated events.
Saturday, Nov. 8: Community Celebration Day
Saturday begins early with the Heritage Days Parade, starting at 9 a.m. from Highway 21 at Halifax Road and ending at the Penn Center. The day continues with live entertainment, cultural demonstrations and a market with local vendors and artisans.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to arrive early — the campus opens at 7 a.m., and main roads (Sea Island Parkway/Highway 21 and Dr. Martin Luther King Drive) will close by 8 a.m. according to organizers.
Tickets
This event is free, but no-cost general admission tickets are needed. These ticket admit one person to the 41st Annual Heritage Days Celebration “Youth & Family Day,” “Motown Fish Fry & Oyster Roast” and Saturday Main Stage events.
Tickets can be found here.
Walking the Penn Center campus and enjoying Center Stage entertainment is free.
Some events do require tickets, and there are still spots available for the Gullah Geechee Lineage & Legacy Symposium on Friday, starting at $28.52.
Parking, payment & pets
Parking will be free on Thursday. All vehicles will be able to park within the Penn Center area, except for buses:
Here’s what to know about parking on Friday and Saturday:
- Cars and golf carts: $5 per day
- Vans (12 passengers and up): $10 per day
- Coach buses: Must park at the St. Helena Branch Library after passenger drop-off at the Penn Center Welcome Center.
Handicap parking is also available.
On Saturday, because of the parade, parking will be located at Wesley E. Felix Park, 179 Ball Park Road, starting at 7:15 a.m. A shuttle will operate between Wesley E. Felix Park and the Penn Center from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday.
Cash is encouraged for food and market vendors, but some may accept mobile payment services like Cash App.
No pets are allowed on the Penn Center campus.
For more information about the Heritage Days Celebration, visit their website or their FAQ page. Folks can also follow the event Facebook page for the latest updates.
This story was originally published November 6, 2025 at 9:49 AM.
