Celebrate Falll with Art, Culture, Festivals, and a Nightime Parade

November 2024

Fall is for festivals and fellowship on Hilton Head Island! I don't know if you've seen a community calendar recently, but every week from now through the end of the year is packed with town-supported or sponsored events and festivals.

Grammy-award-winning musician Charlton Singleton of Ranky Tanky fame helped us kick off our annual Hilton Head Island Crescendo Celebration of Arts, Culture and History on October 15 at Shelter Cove Community Park. Crescendo features more than 100 unique local arts and cultural programs.

Through the end of November, residents and visitors to Hilton Head Island can enjoy exciting offerings from Tony-nominated plays and unique museum and gallery exhibitions to hands-on arts experiences, educational offerings, and cultural festivals.

The culmination of this beloved regional event, the Hilton Head Island Lantern Parade, will take place on Saturday, November 23. If you've never seen this parade, it is truly something special. Thousands of residents and visitors gather to watch the hundreds of parade participants each year as they proceed along South Forest Beach to the party at Lowcountry Celebration Park. New this year, spectators will be able to track the parade in real-time so that they can plan event attendance in numerous locations along the route. For more information, logistics, and more, visit culturehhi.org. I look forward to seeing you there!

The Island Recreation Center's annual Oyster Festival will take place November 8-9. A tradition going back more than 30 years, the event celebrates our local seafood industry and fundraises for scholarships so that every family, no matter their background, can access childcare and recreational activities. You'll likely find me on Friday night dividing my time amongst the all-you-can-eat steamed local oysters, Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, seafood chowder, and chili.

And, of course, November is the month of Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays, because it's simply about being grateful for what we have. There are few things as meaningful and heart-warming as sitting with family, friends, neighbors, and others while you share a meal together. That's why I also want to make sure you know about the Community Thanksgiving Dinner hosted at Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Organized by the St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church, this free, family-style dinner event is open to anyone and everyone, and it grows every year thanks to the generosity of amazing volunteers and donors.

As we enjoy the fall weather and change in season, I hope you'll find an event or activity that inspires a deeper connection with our island's signature hospitality, our spirit of giving back to our neighbors and communities, and the unique blend of individuals who live and work here.