Turtle Trot - May 27th through August 12th
Get ready to hit the sand at the 2026 Turtle Trot 5K on Hilton Head Island! Held on select Wednesdays from May through August, this scenic 5K run/walk begins on the beach in front of the Dunes House and takes participants along Hilton Head’s beautiful hard-packed shoreline. Perfect for runners and walkers of all ages, the event offers a fun and active way to start your morning while enjoying breathtaking ocean views. Registration is $30 in advance, $35 on race day, and children under 12 can participate for just $15.
Hilton Head Art Festival - May 22nd
Spend Memorial Day weekend exploring the vibrant Hilton Head Island Art Festival at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina from May 22–24, 2026, from 10 AM to 6 PM daily. This free waterfront festival features talented artists showcasing pottery, glass, woodwork, jewelry, photography, paintings, and more along the scenic marina promenade. Visitors can also enjoy local live entertainment, waterfront dining, and unique shopping experiences, making it the perfect family-friendly event to kick off the summer season on Hilton Head Island.
Summer Camp - Learn to Sail June 1st thru July 31st
Give your kids an unforgettable summer on the water with the Learn to Sail Summer Camp at South Carolina Yacht Club on Hilton Head Island. Open to all experience levels, this hands-on summer program offers young sailors the opportunity to build confidence, learn seamanship skills, and enjoy life on the water in a fun and supportive environment. Programs include Guppies for ages 6–7, introductory Learn to Sail classes for ages 8–13, and 420 Adventure Sailing for middle and high school students ages 12–17. Scholarships and junior memberships are available, making this a fantastic summer opportunity for local families and visiting youth alike.
HarbourFest Fireworks- June 9th thru August 18th
Experience summer nights in full celebration mode at HarbourFest at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina on Hilton Head Island. This beloved weekly tradition brings families and visitors together for an evening filled with live music, entertainment, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and unforgettable waterfront fireworks displays. Guests can enjoy performances from fan favorites like Cappy the Clown, singer-songwriter Shannon Tanner, and lively island-inspired bands before the night sky lights up every Tuesday throughout the summer. The 2026 fireworks schedule includes Tuesdays from June 9 through August 18, plus a special Fourth of July fireworks celebration on Saturday, July 4. HarbourFest entertainment and fireworks are weather permitting, and for safety reasons, drones are prohibited during the shows
Farmers & Makers Market- May 19th thru November 24th
Spend your Tuesday mornings exploring the vibrant Farmers & Makers Market at The Shops at Sea Pines Center on Hilton Head Island. Held weekly from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this popular community market features fresh seasonal produce, including blueberries, heirloom tomatoes, sweet corn, peaches, and more, alongside handcrafted goods from talented local artisans. Visitors can browse everything from ceramics and paintings to leather and fiber arts while enjoying live music in the heart of Sea Pines. It’s the perfect spot to shop local, discover island events, and experience the creative spirit of the Lowcountry.
A Feathered Focus | Wildlife Photography by Morgan Thompson June 23rd-July 24th
Discover the beauty of the Lowcountry through the lens of local photographer Morgan Thompson at A Feathered Focus, a special wildlife photography exhibition at Art League of Hilton Head Gallery. On display from June 23 through July 24, the exhibit showcases stunning images of coastal birds and wildlife, capturing intimate moments of feeding, nesting, and natural behavior unique to the region. Guests can also attend a free opening reception on June 24 and a special artist demonstration on July 10, which includes a gallery walk and field session at Fish Haul Beach Park. Thompson’s award-winning work offers visitors a closer connection to the natural beauty and wildlife that make the Lowcountry so special.
