WE STILL RISE: Ol' Fashioned Gullah Breakfast
2026-02-07 09:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
Step back in time and indulge in a truly unforgettable and historically significant experience. Celebrate one of the most historic days of the year with crafted with samplings of authentic Gullah cuisine. Your ticket not only grants you the pleasure of enjoying tastings from Da Shack, coffee and hot chocolate. As the sun rises, immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of Mitchelville Freedom Park, transporting you to a bygone era. Ticket holders will also have the exclusive privilege of being part of the highly anticipated 2026 Freedom Day Celebration, beginning promptly at 11:00 AM. Don’t miss out on this intellectually stimulating, genuinely authentic, and entertaining journey into history for all ages.

Roots & Recipes Reunion: A Gullah Cook-Off Celebration
2026-02-21 14:00 - 17:00 | Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
Pull up a chair at the table where heritage, flavor, and fellowship come together. The Roots, Recipes and Reunion invites you to taste dishes prepared by chefs and home cooks who honor Gullah traditions through essential ingredients—ribs, rice, stew pot, seafood & dessert. Special guests include Chef B.J. Dennis, Art Fennell of Country Style and more.
Your General Admission includes 5 tastings of these soulful creations, each served with a story. Want more. Additional tasting tickets, drinks, and other offerings will be available for purchase onsite. VIP Tickets are also available (limited to 100) which offers an early arrival at 1:00 PM and 10 tasting tickets upon arrival.
Guests will help choose The People’s Plate, a community favorite crowned by your votes. A panel of judges will also award The Heritage Honor, recognizing the dish that best carries forward the spirit of Gullah foodways.
Celebrate heritage. Taste the legacy. Make your vote count.

Asado By The Sea
2026-02-25 18:30 - 20:30 | GA
Asado by the Sea (NEW IN 2025) Featured Chefs: Chef Hernan & Alberto of Del Sur Argentinian Restaurant in Saint Simons Island, Georgia
Join us on at the breathtaking Beach House Hilton Head Island Resort for Asado by the Sea, an exclusive culinary event that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.Immerse yourself in an extraordinary dining experience that fuses Southern seafood flavors with the fiery, rustic traditions of Argentine Asado. This unique gastronomic event will be crafted by acclaimed chefs Hernan Stutzer and Alberto Llano from Del Sur Argentinian Restaurant in Saint Simons Island, GA. Their passion and expertise will bring fresh, local catches to life, creating a feast that celebrates the best of both worlds.
Expertly Crafted Menu: Indulge in a menu designed by top chefs, blending the finest Southern seafood with authentic Argentinian grilling techniques.
Unforgettable Ambiance: Enjoy your meal with endless ocean views and swaying palmettos, set against the stunning backdrop of Hilton Head Island’s only beachfront venue.
Exclusive Beachfront Dining: Savor exquisite dishes and drinks right on the beach, making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Perfect for Food Enthusiasts: Whether you’re a foodie, a socialite, or a beach lover, this event promises to be an unforgettable culinary adventure.

2026 Zero Forks Given
2026-02-26 18:30 - 20:30 | Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront, 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
– Access to Zero Forks Given
– Commemorative 2026 Festival Glass
– Includes ALL food and drinks. This is an all-inclusive ticket.
– Must be 21 and older to attend this event.
– Each ticket Benefits the David M. Carmines Memorial Fund benefiting local charities in our community.

Flute & Caviar Chronicles with Chef Olivier Geyer
2026-02-27 10:00 - 11:00 | GA
Step into the world of refined indulgence with Flute & Caviar Chronicles, an exclusive master class hosted by renowned French Chef Olivier Geyer. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the elegance of champagne with the mystique of caviar, offering you the expertise to select and savor these delicacies like a true connoisseur. Guided by Chef Olivier, whose culinary brilliance has graced Michelin-starred restaurants and royal tables alike, you’ll uncover the secrets of shopping for top-tier grocery store and wine shop champagnes. Learn how to expand your palate, discerning the finest bubbles at any price point. Discover the art of caviar, from indulging in an ultra-luxurious, rare variety to choosing exceptional options available at trusted retailers. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night at home or preparing to dazzle your guests at an unforgettable soirée, this master class equips you with the knowledge and confidence to elevate every occasion. With Chef Olivier’s expert tips and storytelling flair, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the pairing of these culinary treasures. Flute & Caviar Chronicles isn’t just a class—it’s your gateway to a world of elegance, perfect for anyone ready to turn everyday gatherings into extraordinary moments. Uncork the secrets, savor the luxury, and transform how you celebrate. The stage (or table) is yours!

Celebrity Chef Master Class with Kardea Brown
2026-02-27 11:30 - 12:30 | Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront, 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Step inside the heart of the Sea Islands for an unforgettable, one-night-only culinary master class with Chef Kardea Brown—Food Network star, New York Times bestselling author of The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family, and Daytime Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Culinary Host and Instructional Series. In this rare and intimate setting, Chef Kardea invites guests to slow down, gather close, and experience the stories, flavors, and traditions that have shaped her celebrated cuisine. Guests will enjoy a live cooking demonstration featuring one of her signature recipes from The Way Home, offering a firsthand look at the techniques, ingredients, and heritage that define Sea Islands cooking. Each guest will receive a signed copy of The Way Home—a deeply personal collection of more than 100 recipes that celebrate family, history, and the soulful foodways of the Gullah Geechee culture. More than a class, this is a conversation, a shared table, and a moment of connection with one of today’s most beloved culinary voices. With limited seating, this master class is designed to feel personal, warm, and truly special. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, taste, and be inspired—this is an experience not to be missed.

Celebrity Chef Master Class with Barton Seaver
2026-02-27 13:00 - 14:00 | Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront, 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Join us for an exclusive master class with Barton Seaver, award-winning chef and one of the world’s leading voices in sustainable seafood and ocean health. From his groundbreaking work at Washington, DC’s acclaimed restaurant Hook to his global roles with National Geographic, Harvard, and the New England Aquarium, Barton has dedicated his career to showing how delicious food and responsible choices can transform our planet. In this hands-on culinary experience, Barton shares his passion for seafood that nourishes both people and the environment—highlighting the innovation, producers, and practices shaping a better food future.
Your Ticket Includes
– A complimentary copy of Barton Seaver’s book “The Blue Book”
– A tasting sample of the featured dish
– Signature Herradura Tequila cocktails
– A live cooking demonstration + Q&A
Discover how seafood can be sustainable, flavorful, and a force for positive change—all in one unforgettable class.

Celebrity Chef Master Class with Marcus Samuelsson
2026-02-27 14:30 - 15:30 | Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront, 23 Ocean Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29928, United States
Join Chef Marcus Samuelsson for an intimate master class inspired by The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food, a powerful exploration of the people, histories, and dishes that have shaped American cuisine.In this session, Marcus brings the themes of The Rise to life through his own signature dishes, weaving together personal stories of identity, migration, and resilience with the broader contributions of Black cooks whose influence has long underscored the American table. From his Ethiopian roots and Swedish upbringing to building globally celebrated restaurants, Marcus reflects on how culture, community, and creativity inform the food we cook and the stories we tell.Through thoughtful conversation and storytelling, guests will gain insight into how signature dishes are developed, how Black culinary traditions continue to shape American foodways, and how chefs can honor the past while pushing cuisine forward.This master class is both a celebration and a conversation, inviting chefs, cooks, and food lovers alike to connect with the soul of American food through history, flavor, and lived experience.
Your Ticket Includes
– Live cooking demonstration by Marcus Samuelsson
– A complimentary copy of The Rise (included with every ticket)
– A sample tasting of the featured dish
– Signature cocktails crafted by Herradura Tequila
– Insights, inspiration, and Q&A with one of the world’s most celebrated chefs
Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast, a home cook, or someone who simply loves great food and great stories, this master class offers an intimate experience with a global culinary icon. Tickets are limited, immerse yourself in flavor, culture, and culinary excellence with Marcus Samuelsson.

Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast
2026-02-27 18:30 - 21:00 | Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
Get ready for the ultimate Lowcountry feast. This year’s Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast returns to the historic Coastal Discovery Museum for a family-style evening overflowing with Southern flavor, live-fire cooking, and genuine Bluffton hospitality.
Our region’s top chefs—joined by celebrity guest chefs and pitmasters—will serve up an unforgettable spread of whole hog barbecue, roasted oysters, local shrimp, whole chickens, chopped BBQ, and all the classic Southern sides you dream about all year long. Pair every bite with a full selection of brews, wines, and signature cocktails poured throughout the night.
And setting the rhythm for the evening: live music by Bottles & Cans, bringing their soulful, bluesy Lowcountry vibe to keep the crowd dancing under the oaks.
It’s a one-night-only celebration of community, fire, flavor, and festival tradition—an indulgent feast you’ll be grateful to savor.
WHAT YOUR TICKET INCLUDES:
– Access to Pig Pickin’ & Oyster Roast
– Commemorative Festival Wine Glass
– Includes ALL food and drinks. This is an all-inclusive ticket.
– Must be 21 and older to attend this event.
– Each ticket Benefits the David M. Carmines Memorial Fund benefiting local charities in our community.

Saturday Seafood Festival
2026-02-28 13:00 - 17:00 | Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC, 29926, United States
This year, the festival’s signature Saturday celebration moves to the historic Coastal Discovery Museum, a breathtaking setting where live oaks, open lawns, and deep Lowcountry heritage set the stage for an unforgettable afternoon. From 1:00–5:00 PM, wander the grounds at your own pace and indulge as you go—sampling dishes from food trucks, top local restaurants, regional favorites, and artisan vendors. All food and beverage offerings are à la carte, so you can explore freely and craft your perfect tasting experience.
In honor of the 30th Anniversary of the Gullah Celebration, guests this year can also step into a remarkable new Gullah Geechee Village Experience—complete with full-scale replicas of a schoolhouse, church, and shrimp boat; Gullah artisans and retailers; and appearances by Celebrity Guest Chefs B.J. Dennis and Kardea Brown bringing heritage foodways to life.
The day also includes:

Live Music by The Yacht Club

Celebrity Chef Stage featuring Marcus Samuelsson, Barton Seave, Kardea Brown & B.J. Dennis

Full Bars throughout the festival grounds

A Savannah | Hilton Head International Airport Tasting Tent experience (separate ticket required)

A lively Kids Zone for family fun

Gate entry is just $20, and all ticket sales, beverage sales, and Tasting Tent proceeds benefit the David M. Carmines Memorial Fund, supporting local charities across our community. Rain or shine, we will dine! Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival encourages all guests to consume responsibly. Please note: The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is a cashless event—making it quicker and easier for you to enjoy more seafood, more sips, and more fun! We’ll gladly accept all major credit/debit cards and mobile payments at the festival.
