Who doesn’t love autumn on Hilton Head? From sunny beaches, world-class golf, and outdoor adventures in nature to al fresco oceanfront dining, one-of-a-kind shopping, and coastal homes for the holidays, Hilton Head Island offers a smorgasbord of fun this fall season.
Whether you’re seeking private access to miles of uncrowded beaches, heated pools, spacious gourmet kitchens to host family feasts – or a combination of it all – you’ll find your coastal home for the holidays and peace of mind with Sunset Rentals.
Our on-island team has been welcoming families to spend all seasons in our luxury homes on Hilton Head Island for more than 25 years. The autumn season kick-off festivals have begun and no matter how you like to celebrate the holidays, there are fun fall festivities for the whole family on Hilton Head Island!

HILTON HEAD ISLAND AUTUMN EVENTS

The Fish and Grits Music Festival
Date: Oct 7, 2023 12:00 PM -6:00 PM
Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival brings awareness to the unique Gullah Geechee culture and its connection to the African diaspora by showcasing great musical talent and local cuisine.
VISIT WEBSITE
Jeep Island 2023
Date: Oct 6, 2023 & Oct 7, 2023
Meet and Greet: October 6th, 4:00-7:30pm
Autonation, Hardeville
Learn More
Main Event: October 7th, 11am-3:30pm
Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island
Learn More
After Party: October 7th, 5:30-8pm
Skull Creek Boathouse
Learn More
Jeep Raffle
You do not need to be present to win
Automatic, 94,000mi, max 850 tickets sold
1 for $50, 2 for $85


The 13th Annual Italian Heritage Festival
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2023 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: The Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn.
Price: Tickets cost $6/person, free for children under 10. Purchase tickets HERE!
Parking is free.
No pets please!
This festival is a robust celebration of Italian culture with food, drinks, and live entertainment. The crowd-pleasing grape stomping contest will return as will the beloved pizza eating contest. But don’t worry, they will have some new events too, so don’t miss it! The Festival will offer a full slate of activities for locals, visitors, and kids.
A number of booths will be dedicated to traditional Italian foods, such as cheeses, breads, pasta, fish, meatballs, sausage and calzones, and delicious sweets, including Italian ice, gelato, biscotti and zeppolis – many sponsored by local restaurants. There will be a silent auction featuring an extensive selection of gift certificates to golf foursomes at our world-famous courses, area restaurants, boat cruises, spa visits, and of course, gift baskets, and a wide range of crafts, gifts, and art works on which to bid.
The 2023 Crescendo Celebration
Date: Oct 10, 2023 12:00 AM -Nov 18, 2023 12:00 AM
Various Locations, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The 2023 Crescendo Celebration features a plethora of unique arts and cultural programs, concerts, theatrical productions, museum and gallery exhibits, lectures, poetry readings, dance performances, historical tours, hands-on arts experiences, and educational offerings which are estimated to attract more than 10,000 people from all over the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe.
Kicking off October 10th the program will amaze and excite attendees until the curtains close on November 18th, 2023. Several marquee events are planned including performances, parties and the Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival.


Hilton Head Island Concours d’ Elegance & Motoring Festival
Date: Nov 3, 2023 12:00 AM -Nov 5, 2023 12:00 AM
Various Locations, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Maps & Directions
The Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival, honoring rich tradition with southern flair, will curate a rare collection of automotive delights set against a distinctive Lowcountry backdrop that can only be found here. A Fine Pairing.
Designed with purpose and driven by passion since 2002. Since its inception, the Hilton Head Island Concours has continued to elevate every aspect of this unique Lowcountry lifestyle event into an art form.
VISIT WEBSITE
Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade
Date: November 18, 2023 5:30PM -8:30PM
Parade Route: Alder Lane Beach Access to Coligny Beach Park
Parade Steps Off @ Sunset (5:45 PM-ish)
Created by and featuring artist Chantelle Rytter, the Lantern Parade is a free event and an opportunity for the surrounding community and visitors to celebrate the history, ecology and people of Hilton Head Island.
The only requirement to participate is having a lantern!
Lineup for the parade begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Alder Lane Beach Access. The parade will step off at 5:45 PM, right after sunset, and travel north along South Forest Beach up to Coligny Beach Park. Spectators can watch along the beach anywhere between Alder Lane and Coligny Beach Park.


Live Music at Hurricane Bar
Date: November 18, 2023 6:00PM – 10:00PM
Admission: FREE!
Catch live music Wednesdays through Saturdays all during the fall at the Hurricane Bar attached to Black Marlin.
*Schedules are usually posted on their Facebook events page.
OYSTER FESTIVAL
All You Can Eat Event
November 10th: 5-8pm
Shelter Cove Community Park
All you can eat steamed local oysters, lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder & chili. Drinks sold separately. Live music and good community fun!
Admission | $55, 12 and under $45, price increase by +$10 October 2
Festival Day
November 11th: 11am-5pm
Lowcountry Celebration Park
Admission $10, Children under 11 are free or view our discounted ticket packages
Includes admission to the event to enjoy live music and browse local artisan pop-up shops. Food, beverages, and kid’s activities are sold separately.
Bucket of Oysters: TBD
1lb Basket of steamed Shrimp: TBD
1/5lb Basket of steamed Shrimp: TBD
