The 12th annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival is planning for a bigger festival, with some great new events, including some exciting happenings for the main event, which takes place on Saturday, February 23, 2019. Events are selling out quickly, guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance.
The Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival has grown into a weeklong celebration for the coastal region – and now offers much more than just seafood. The festival provides a variety of events, from gourmand and cultural experiences, to the family friendly main event and more. It offers an exciting mix of where culinary and island heritage meets Lowcountry. Several events include local and celebrity guest chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, local seafood, artisans, musicians and more – all on Hilton Head Island, February 18-24, 2019.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
*event schedule and talent subject to change, the complete schedule is also available online
Monday, February 18 – Friday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Lowcountry Seafood Experience on the Water | Hudson’s Seafood on the Docks SOLD OUT!
Let the Lowcountry’s most notable watermen, Christopher and Matthew Shoemaker, lead you on a tour on the water while learning the ins and outs of shrimping, oystering, clamming, and crabbing. At the end of the day, enjoy your catch at Hudson’s.
NEW EVENT: Wednesday, February 20, 4 – 6 p.m., At Table Seaside, The Beach House Resort
Join some of the culinary world’s most respected experts, for an afternoon full of dynamic discussion about the biggest trends in food and drink – and get to meet the tastemakers, while tasting and drinking oceanside.
In a panel discussion, panelists like David Shields, Barton Seaver, Brian Hoffman, Amanda Mcnulty of PBS’s Making It Grow , James Beard Foundation, award-winning chefs/authors and more will take the stage to discuss topics like sustainable change, heritage ingredients, pushing the culinary envelope, at home trends, restaurant revelations and more. Guests will enjoy beverages, including Hilton Head’s own Josh Peeples’ Napa Valley winery, Elyse and culinary tastings from Clayton Rollinson of Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar, Andrew Carmines of Shell Ring Oyster and Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks and BJ Dennis, Gullah Geechee Culinary Artist.
Tickets: $39 per person
Thursday, February 21, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m., Pitmaster 101, Waddell Mariculture Center SOLD OUT!
Learn the technique of smoking from Atlanta’s BBQ king, Bryan Furman, B’s Cracklin’ BBQ, while he prepares for the upcoming Pickin’ & Oyster Roast.
Thursday, February 22, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., James Beard Foundation Celebrity Chef Tour, Hosted by the Omni Hilton Head Oceanfront Resort at the Shore House.
SOLD OUT! The James Beard Foundation house on tour with celebrity guest chefs, Barton Seaver, Anthony Lamas and Victor Albisu. Hayden Haddox and Selena Delaney are the Omni host chefs with reception chefs including: Clayton Rollison, The Lucky Rooster Kitchen + Bar; Andrew Carmines, Hudson’s & Shell Ring Oyster Company; Brandon Carter, FARM Bluffton; Sean Carroll, Alexander’s and Jon Buck of Husk Greenville.
Friday, February 22, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Celebrity Chef Demonstrations, South Carolina Yacht Club SOLD OUT!
Friday, February 22, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Pig Pickin’ + Oyster Roast, Waddell Mariculture Center SOLD OUT!
The quintessential Lowcountry dinner. Indulge in fresh oysters, whole hogs and chickens, and juicy BBQ prepared by the best of the best of the culinary world. Keep your whistle wet with brews, wine, and signature cocktails and dance the night away to live music.
Saturday, February 23, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., 12th Annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, Honey Horn Plantation
The headlining event with over 35+ food booths, drink tastings, artisans, activities, and booths perfect for the entire and family. Take part in a silent auction and swing by arts and crafts booths in between your meals. Participating restaurants include: Island Fudge Shoppe, FARM Bluffton, Captain Woody’s Bar & Grill, Local Pie, Fish, SERG Restaurant Group, The Sea Pines Resort, The Porch Kitchen + Bar, Red Fish, Old Oyster Factory, SEAWEED, Hilton Head Ice Cream, Aunt Cilada’s, Fishcamp On Broad Creek, Melly Mel’s, Crazy Crab, Carolina Crap Company, Hudson’s Seafood On the Docks, Hardscoop Distillery, Southern Barrel Brewing Co., B’s Cracklin BBQ and more.
Live music from noon to 4:00pm at the Music Stage featuring Deas Guyz.
The Taste of the South Cooking Demo Stage features chef and beverage demonstrations/tastings at 12:00 pm, 1:30pm and 3:00 pm.
VIP Lounge:Make the day even more memorable with tickets to the VIP Lounge. The lounge offers guests gourmet bites, a full bar and a comfy respite to plan your next tasting adventure! Tickets: $89 per person – VIP Lounge
NEW THIS YEAR at Saturday Seafood Festival:
The Fair: Exciting carnival midway rides – a first ever fair for Hilton Head Island, including rides for the entire family: Ferris Wheel, Rock O’ Plane, 100’ Giant Slide, 5 Tickets per ride ($5)
Bear Island Beer Garden:Bear Island Beer Garden. Known for South Carolina’s best craft and cider brands. Purchase ten tastings for $15, which includes a souvenir beer glass and ten 3oz. craft beer tastings. Must be 21 and older to enjoy.
NEW EVENT: Saturday, February 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., Official After Party, The Beach House Resort & The Porch Southern Kitchen + Bar
A great way to unwind on the beach after a day of fun at the festival. Tickets include gourmet tasting bite stations and small plates, live music and a signature cocktail and choice of two beers or wines.
Tickets: $69
Sunday, February 24, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Seafood, Champagne + Gullah Brunch, Hudson’s Seafood SOLD OUT!
Wrap up the weekend the southern way with a filling, waterfront Sunday brunch. Choose from all your brunch favorites along with new, innovative dishes, pop over to the bottomless Bloody Mary bar, and enjoy live music while reminiscing over an incredible week celebrating all things seafood, spirits, and southern.
The 12th annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, hosted by the David M. Carmines Memorial Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization, helps raise funds for non-profit organizations including the Coastal Discovery Museum, Port Royal Sound Foundation, Gullah Heritage Museum, Island Recreation Scholarship Fund, and the Medical University of South Carolina. Over $200,000 was donated to participating non-profits in 2018 with over 5 million dollars in new economic impact to the local area during the month of February each year.
Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival, www.HiltonHeadSeafoodFestival.com