Hilton Head Island October 2025 Events Guide: Festivals, Music, and Fall Fun
October brings cooler breezes, fewer crowds, and some of the most exciting festivals and events of the year. From seafood celebrations to cultural showcases and family-friendly fall fun, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a look at what’s happening this October on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton.
Fish & Grits Music Festival
Date: October 4, 2025
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park
Celebrate Gullah and Geechee heritage with a day full of live music, spoken word, food vendors, and cultural showcases. Expect plenty of Southern flavors and authentic community spirit.
Hilton Head Island Octoberfest
Date: October 4, 2025
Where: Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina
Raise a glass to fall at Hilton Head’s own Oktoberfest celebration. Guests can enjoy craft beer, live music, stein hoisting contests, and festive food booths right along the harbour.
Jeep Island
Dates: October 10–11, 2025
Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park
Car enthusiasts and families alike will enjoy Jeep Island, featuring a show and shine, chili cook-off, live music, vendors, and plenty of activities for all ages.
Historic Bluffton Arts & Seafood Festival
Dates: October 11–19, 2025
Where: Historic Bluffton
One of the Lowcountry’s most anticipated fall events, this weeklong festival celebrates Bluffton’s history, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy art shows, delicious local seafood, live music, and a lively street festival.
Jazz For All Ages
Dates: October 12–13, 2025
Where: Sonesta Resort Hilton Head
Spend two days enjoying the smooth sounds of jazz from local and regional performers in a family-friendly setting at the Sonesta Resort.
Harbour Town Fall Fest
Date: Mid-October, 2025
Where: Harbour Town, Sea Pines
Celebrate autumn in the heart of Harbour Town with sidewalk sales, live entertainment, children’s activities, and even a classic car show.
Pumpkin Patch Festival & Halloween on the Harbour
Date: Pumpkin Patch Festival – October 17, 2025 | Halloween on the Harbour – October 26, 2025
Where: Shelter Cove Community Park and Harbour Town
Kick off the season with a festive pumpkin patch, complete with games, bounce houses, and activities for kids. Later in the month, Harbour Town comes alive with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and Halloween festivities for the whole family.
Italian Heritage Festival
Date: October 18, 2025
Where: Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn
This family-friendly event features authentic Italian food, grape stomping, live music, and even a pizza-eating contest. A true celebration of Italian culture in the Lowcountry.
Vibes & Tides
Dates: October 18–20, 2025
Where: Daufuskie Island
A unique fall event featuring beach parties, wine tastings, cultural tours, and live entertainment, all set on the beautiful and historic Daufuskie Island.
Rock ‘n Ribs
Date: October 25, 2025
Where: Hilton Head Island
An all-day festival of barbecue, live music, and community fun, Rock ‘n Ribs is a delicious way to celebrate fall while supporting local nonprofits.
Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance & Motoring Festival
Dates: October 30 – November 2, 2025
Where: Hilton Head Island
This signature Lowcountry event showcases world-class automobiles, aviation displays, and motoring experiences. A must-see for car enthusiasts and families alike.
Weekly & Recurring Events
Hilton Head Community Market: Every Saturday, Shelter Cove Community Park, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Hilton Head Farmers Market: Every Tuesday, Coastal Discovery Museum, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Music & Taste on the Harbour: Select Thursdays in October, Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Why October is the Perfect Time to Visit Hilton Head
The Lowcountry shines in October. The days are warm, the evenings are cool, and the island offers endless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Festivals highlight local culture, flavors, and traditions, making it the perfect month to explore Hilton Head Island and Bluffton with friends and family.
Living the Hilton Head Lifestyle
Fall is one of the best times to experience what it’s like to live on Hilton Head Island. Whether you’re biking along miles of shaded trails, boating on the Intracoastal Waterway, or strolling Harbour Town after a festival, you’ll see why so many people choose to call Hilton Head home. The blend of year-round outdoor living, community events, and stunning natural scenery makes this area one of the most desirable places to live in the Lowcountry.
Hilton Head Island Real Estate
If you find yourself dreaming of making Hilton Head a more permanent part of your life, now is the time to explore the local real estate market. From oceanfront villas and golf course homes to properties in private communities like Sea Pines, Palmetto Dunes, and Long Cove, there are homes for sale in Hilton Head Island that fit a variety of lifestyles. Current demand remains strong, and many buyers are looking for vacation properties or full-time residences in neighborhoods across the island.
Find Your Home on Hilton Head
As award-winning Hilton Head Island Realtors, our team specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the Hilton Head Island real estate market with expertise and care. If you’re searching for Hilton Head homes for sale, condos, or investment properties, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out today to discover the neighborhoods, properties, and lifestyle that make Hilton Head Island one of the most sought-after destinations in South Carolina.