Hilton Head Island, September 28, 2025
News Summary
Hilton Head Island is preparing for the 3rd Annual Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival on October 4th at Lowcountry Celebration Park. Founded by jazz singer Latrese Bush, the festival aims to celebrate Gullah Geechee culture by showcasing traditional food and music from the African diaspora. Attendees can enjoy local delicacies such as red rice and low country boils while experiencing the rich musical heritage that honors the community’s history.
Hilton Head Island Prepares for 3rd Annual Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival
Hilton Head Island is set to host the 3rd Annual Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival on Saturday, October 4th, from 12 PM to 6 PM at Lowcountry Celebration Park. The festival, founded by jazz singer Latrese Bush, aims to bring awareness to the Gullah Geechee culture and celebrate the musical talent and local cuisine related to the African diaspora.
The event will highlight both music and food, emphasizing traditional dishes that hold historical significance for the Gullah Geechee community, from which Latrese Bush’s ancestors hail. Visitors can look forward to experiencing local delicacies like red rice, akin to West African jollof rice, as well as low country boils, considered a staple of soul food in the region. These dishes continue the legacy of gatherings where families in the Gullah Geechee community enjoy eating and coming together.
Festival Highlights
- Date: October 4th
- Time: 12 PM to 6 PM
- Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island
- Focus: Gullah Geechee culture and African diaspora music and food
Latrese Bush underscores the significance of food and music as vital connections to the lives of enslaved Africans who were brought to America from the “Gold Coast” or Ghana. She notes that contemporary music represents a continuation of African beats, a heritage that is an essential part of the festival’s celebration.
Background Information
The Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival comes from the passion of Latrese Bush, who grew up in the Gullah Geechee community in Bluffton, South Carolina. The festival’s mission is to preserve and promote the rich traditions of the Gullah Geechee, a community known for its unique cultural practices, language, and food.
The festival serves as a platform for musical talent while aiming to educate attendees about Gullah Geechee culture, which has deep roots in the history of African Americans along the southeastern coast of the United States. The festival experience is about more than just enjoyment; it is a chance to engage with an important narrative of resilience and cultural identity.
For more information about the festival, attendees are encouraged to visit FGMFEST.com.
FAQ
What is the date of the festival?
The festival will take place on Saturday, October 4th.
What time does the festival start and end?
The event will be held from 12 PM to 6 PM.
Where is the festival located?
The festival will be held at Lowcountry Celebration Park on Hilton Head Island.
What is the purpose of the festival?
The festival aims to bring awareness to the Gullah Geechee culture and showcases musical talent and local cuisine related to the African diaspora.
Who is the founder of the festival?
Latrese Bush is the jazz singer and founder of the Lowcountry Fish & Grits Music Festival.
What kind of food can attendees expect at the festival?
Attendees can enjoy traditional dishes such as red rice and low country boils, which are significant to the Gullah Geechee community.
Key Features of the Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | October 4th |
| Time | 12 PM to 6 PM |
| Location | Lowcountry Celebration Park, Hilton Head Island |
| Founder | Latrese Bush |
| Cultural Focus | Gullah Geechee culture and African diaspora music and food |
| Featured Foods | Red rice and low country boils |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Launch of Experience Gullah Website and App on Hilton Head Island
Upcoming Events in Bluffton for Community Engagement
LOCASH to Host Second Annual Golf Bash in Hilton Head
Beaufort County Community Events This September
LOCASH Golf Bash Set to Support Local Charities
Beaufort County Hosts Vibrant September Celebrations
Hilton Head Island’s Fall Festivals Celebrate Food and Music
Hilton Head Island Offers Romantic Dining Spots for Date Night
Exploring South Carolina’s Vibrant College Towns
Hilton Head Island Prepares for Busy Summer Dining Scene
Additional Resources
- The Local Take with Kiplyn Primus
- WTOC: Explore Gullah Geechee Heritage
- Garden & Gun: Lowcountry Fish & Grits
- AllRecipes: Best Lowcountry Southern Recipes
- Wikipedia: Gullah
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.
