Do you love handmade spaghetti, bold espresso, and yelling “I’m walkin’ here!” every time you cross the street? If you answered “yes” to any of these, you need to attend the Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival this year! All jokes aside, Italian culture is alive and well here in the Lowcountry. Whether you’re Italian yourself or just love this rich, colorful culture, we recommend this fun and festive event. Read on to learn everything you need to know about it, then access our complimentary Vacation Guide to the area for more local insight!
Your Local Guide to the Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival
Admission Information
For over 10 years, the Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival has brought a little taste of Italy to the Coastal Discovery Museum in Honey Horn Plantation. The 2019 iteration of the event will take place on Saturday, October 26 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain or shine). Admission to the event costs $6.00 per person. You can purchase tickets in advance online or at the door the day of the festival. Keep in mind that no pets are allowed at this event.
What to Expect
Every year, the festival grows in size—this means that every year brings more to see and do than the last! Expect a robust celebration of all things “Italy,” including food, music, and fun traditions. Highlights of the festival include a grape-stomping contest and, of course, a pizza-eating contest! In addition to partaking in these fun events, attendees get to sample handcrafted Italian food from vendor tents and learn about Italian heritage in the Lowcountry. You’ll definitely want a “pizza” the action!
More Fun Festivals to Attend
The Italian Heritage Festival isn’t the only fun way to spend a fall getaway in the Lowcountry. Here are some more of our other favorite autumn happenings in the area:
- Bluffton Arts and Seafood Festival
- Bluffton Oktoberfest
- Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- Hilton Head Bridge Run
- Bacon Fest of Savannah
- Savannah Craft Brew Fest
- Savannah Oktoberfest.
Come Back to Comfort and Luxury at Old Town Bluffton Inn
After getting a taste of the Mediterranean at the Hilton Head Italian Heritage Festival, you’ll likely be pretty tired. Come back across the bridge to a beautifully appointed, comfortable room at Old Town Bluffton Inn! Our brand new boutique hotel is only a 20-minute drive away from Hilton Head. After all, you’ll want to escape the festival crowds and enjoy some much-needed rest at the end of the day. You’ll love getting a good night’s sleep in your gorgeous room and grabbing a freshly made pastry from our complimentary breakfast bar the next morning! There are even plenty of cozy shopping spots, cafes, and art galleries within walking distance of the inn. Whether you prefer beachin’ on Hilton Head Island or poking around The Promenade, Old Town Bluffton Inn is an unforgettable place to stay.