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Crowd enjoying Italian food stalls, live band, grape-stomping and kids' zone at a coastal festival

Hilton Head Island Hosts 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, October 16, 2025

The 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn celebrates Italian culture with family-friendly activities, traditional cuisine, live music and contests. Attendees can sample cheeses, breads, pasta, meatballs, sausages, calzones, gelato, biscotti and zeppoles from local vendors. Live entertainment by the Hilton Head Big Band creates a festive atmosphere while grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests return alongside new activities for all ages. A silent auction features gift certificates and local experiences, and an inflatable kids’ zone keeps children entertained. Tickets are $8 per person, children under 10 are free, parking is complimentary and pets are not permitted.

 

Hilton Head Island Hosts 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – The 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn. This vibrant event celebrates Italian culture with a variety of activities suitable for all ages.

Event Highlights

  • Traditional Italian Cuisine: Attendees can enjoy a selection of Italian foods, including cheeses, breads, pasta, meatballs, sausages, calzones, gelato, biscotti, and zeppoles. Many of these offerings are sponsored by local restaurants.
  • Live Entertainment: The festival features live music by the Hilton Head Big Band, providing a lively atmosphere throughout the day.
  • Contests and Activities: Popular events such as the grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests will return, along with new activities for both children and adults.
  • Silent Auction: A silent auction will offer a range of items, including gift certificates to local golf courses, restaurants, boat cruises, spa visits, gift baskets, and various crafts and artworks.
  • Kids’ Zone: An inflatable kids’ zone will be available, ensuring entertainment for younger attendees.

Event Details

Date and Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Location: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

Admission: Tickets are priced at $8 per person; children under 10 enter free. Parking is complimentary. Pets are not permitted at the festival.

Background

The Italian Heritage Festival is organized by the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Island, a community dedicated to celebrating Italian culture and supporting local charities and scholarships. The festival has been a highlight of the island’s cultural calendar for 15 years, drawing both locals and visitors to experience the rich traditions of Italy.

FAQ

What is the 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival?

The 15th Annual Italian Heritage Festival is a celebration of Italian culture featuring traditional foods, live entertainment, contests, and activities for all ages.

When and where is the festival taking place?

The festival will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

What activities are planned for the festival?

Activities include traditional Italian cuisine, live music by the Hilton Head Big Band, grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests, a silent auction, and a kids’ zone with inflatable attractions.

How much does it cost to attend the festival?

Tickets are $8 per person; children under 10 enter free. Parking is free, and pets are not permitted at the festival.

Who organizes the Italian Heritage Festival?

The festival is organized by the Italian-American Club of Hilton Head Island, a community dedicated to celebrating Italian culture and supporting local charities and scholarships.

Event Features

Feature Description
Traditional Italian Cuisine Cheeses, breads, pasta, meatballs, sausages, calzones, gelato, biscotti, and zeppoles, many sponsored by local restaurants.
Live Entertainment Music by the Hilton Head Big Band.
Contests and Activities Grape-stomping and pizza-eating contests, along with new activities for all ages.
Silent Auction Gift certificates to local golf courses, restaurants, boat cruises, spa visits, gift baskets, and various crafts and artworks.
Kids’ Zone Inflatable attractions for children.

 

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