Hilton Head, October 2, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head is celebrating fall with a variety of culinary events this October. Festivals like Oktoberfest, Fish & Grits Music Festival, and an Italian Heritage Festival offer diverse food and cultural experiences. Residents and visitors can enjoy local flavors, live music, and fun competitions throughout the month, making it an exciting time to explore the island’s culinary scene.
Hilton Head is set to celebrate the arrival of fall with a variety of culinary events throughout October. With multiple festivals on the horizon, residents and visitors can look forward to an exciting lineup that showcases local food, culture, and music.
September marked the start of the fall festival season in Hilton Head, highlighted by the Island Jam Songwriter Festival and Firemost Pizza enjoyed during the Locash concert night. Oktoberfest celebrations kicked off at Locals Only Tap Room, with anticipation building for traditional schnitzel and beer steins in the weeks to come.
October is packed with numerous festivals offering delicious food options and unique experiences. Key upcoming events include:
October 4
- Hilton Head Oktoberfest: Scheduled at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina from 12-4 PM, this event will feature various competitions such as a stein heist and live music by the band White Liquor.
- Fish & Grits Music Festival: Taking place at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 12-6 PM, this festival celebrates Gullah food, culture, and music.
October 11
- Jeep Island & Kiwanis Chili Cook Off: Happening at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 12-3 PM, this event marks the 40th anniversary of the chili cook-off. Attendees can sample chili from local organizations, with Jesse Blanco serving as a judge and entertainment by RetroRoxx.
October 18
- Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival: Celebrating its 15th year at Honey Horn, this festival will offer local Italian dining options and entertainment. Activities include a kids zone, grape stomping contest, pizza eating contest, and live music by the Hilton Head Big Band.
October 25
- Mac N Cheese Festival: Debuting at Lincoln and South Brewery from 5-8 PM, vendors will showcase their best mac n cheese.
- Rock N Ribs: This fundraiser at Coligny Plaza will take place from 5:30-7:30 PM, featuring local BBQ pitmasters and live music. Proceeds will benefit Coligny Cares and Second Helpings.
With such a variety of culinary events lined up for the month, there is something for everyone to enjoy this fall in Hilton Head. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate and savor the tastes and experiences offered throughout the season.
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FAQ
What events are taking place in Hilton Head this October?
October is filled with numerous festivals offering delicious food options. Key upcoming festivals include:
- October 4: Hilton Head Oktoberfest and Fish & Grits Music Festival
- October 11: Jeep Island & Kiwanis Chili Cook Off
- October 18: Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival
- October 25: Mac N Cheese Festival and Rock N Ribs
What is the Hilton Head Oktoberfest?
The Hilton Head Oktoberfest is scheduled at Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina from 12-4 PM on October 4, featuring competitions including a stein heist and live music by White Liquor.
What is the Fish & Grits Music Festival?
The Fish & Grits Music Festival takes place at Lowcountry Celebration Park from 12-6 PM on October 4, celebrating Gullah food, culture, and music.
Key Features of October Festivals in Hilton Head
| Festival Name | Date | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Oktoberfest | October 4 | Shelter Cove Harbour and Marina | Stein heist, Live music by White Liquor |
| Fish & Grits Music Festival | October 4 | Lowcountry Celebration Park | Gullah food, culture, and music |
| Jeep Island & Kiwanis Chili Cook Off | October 11 | Lowcountry Celebration Park | Chili sampling, Jesse Blanco as judge |
| Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival | October 18 | Honey Horn | Kids zone, Grape stomping contest, Live music by Hilton Head Big Band |
| Mac N Cheese Festival | October 25 | Lincoln and South Brewery | Vendors showcasing best mac n cheese |
| Rock N Ribs | October 25 | Coligny Plaza | Local BBQ pitmasters, Live music |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Beaufort Recognized as Most Charming Small City in SC
Hilton Head Island Hosts 3rd Annual Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival
Launch of Experience Gullah Website and App on Hilton Head Island
Unseasonably Warm Weather Hits Columbia, SC
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches Food Truck in Charleston
Wetzel’s Pretzels Launches First Food Truck in South Carolina
Beaufort County Community Events This September
Beaufort County Hosts Vibrant September Celebrations
Hilton Head Island’s Fall Festivals Celebrate Food and Music
Exploring South Carolina’s Vibrant College Towns
Additional Resources
- Eat It and Like It: Fall Festival Food and Fun on Hilton Head Island – Part 2
- Island Packet: Local News Article
- Eat It and Like It: Hilton Head Island Fall Festivals – Part One
- Google Search: Hilton Head Island fall festivals
- Savannah Now: Fun Things to Do in Fall Festivals
- Wikipedia: Food Festival
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
