Hilton Head Oyster Festival
Two days of steamed local oysters: an all-you-can-eat night on Friday and a family festival on Saturday.
- Next dates: Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
- Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.: all-you-can-eat night at Shelter Cove Community Park
- Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: festival day at Lowcountry Celebration Park
- Tickets: $60 for Friday night (limited VIP tables for groups of 10); $10 at the gate on Saturday, free for children under 11, veterans, active military, police and firefighters with ID
- Hosted by: Island Recreation Association
- Good to know: Rain or shine, cashless (cards only), no pets
The Hilton Head Oyster Festival, which islanders also call the HHI Oyster Festival, is the island's big November oyster roast, run by the Island Recreation Association. It spreads over two days in two parks: a Friday night feast at Shelter Cove Community Park and an all-day festival at Lowcountry Celebration Park on Saturday.
It is a separate event from the late-February Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival and from the spring wine and food festival; all three are on this site if you are planning around them.
What happens at the Oyster Festival
Friday is the sit-down feast and Saturday is the open festival, so you can do one or both.
All-you-can-eat oysters
5 to 8 p.m. at Shelter Cove Community Park
Steamed local oysters, a Lowcountry boil, pulled pork, shrimp and grits and chili, with live music. Drinks are available to buy. Tickets are $60, and a limited number of VIP tables seat groups of 10.
The festival day
11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lowcountry Celebration Park
Local oysters and other seafood, food and drink vendors, live entertainment, artisan booths and activities for kids. Admission is $10 at the gate.
Official afterparty
Saturday evening, The Bank
The festival's official afterparty follows Saturday's event at The Bank, a short walk from the park.
Shells recycled, proceeds to a scholarship fund
Every oyster shell is recycled; the most recent total was 5.2 tons. Proceeds go to the Carmines Family Recreation Scholarship Fund.
Where the festival is held, and parking
Friday and Saturday are at different places, so check the day on your ticket. Friday is at Shelter Cove Community Park, behind Shelter Cove Towne Centre off William Hilton Parkway. Saturday is at Lowcountry Celebration Park on Pope Avenue, at the Coligny end of the island.
The festival does not publish a parking or shuttle plan. Park-and-walk details, if there are any, come with the ticket confirmation, so look there before you leave. Parking at Shelter Cove Community Park is free.
Friday night's all-you-can-eat oysters, on the Broad Creek side of Shelter Cove. Parking is free.
Tips for the Oyster Festival
Buy early for Friday
Tickets can sell out, so the festival recommends buying ahead. Saturday tickets are also sold at the gate.
It runs rain or shine
Plan for the weather and bring a layer, since it is November.
Bring a card, not cash
The festival is cashless and takes credit cards only.
Kids free on Saturday, pets stay home
Children under 11 get in free on Saturday, as do veterans, active military, police and firefighters with ID. The festival asks for no pets.
More Hilton Head food festivals
Wine tastings, a beer day and a scholarship auction, spread over late March and early April.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Hilton Head Oyster Festival?
The next festival is Friday, Nov. 6, and Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026. Friday's all-you-can-eat night runs 5 to 8 p.m. and Saturday's festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where is the Oyster Festival held?
Friday night is at Shelter Cove Community Park and Saturday is at Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue. The two days are in different places.
How much are tickets to the Oyster Festival?
Friday's all-you-can-eat night is $60, with limited VIP tables for groups of 10. Saturday admission is $10 at the gate, and children under 11, veterans, active military, police and firefighters with ID get in free.
Is the Oyster Festival the same as the Hilton Head Seafood Festival?
No. The Oyster Festival is in November, run by the Island Recreation Association. The Seafood Festival is a week of dinners, classes and tastings in late February, run by a separate foundation. Both support causes in the Carmines family's name.
Can I bring my dog to the Oyster Festival?
No. The festival asks guests not to bring pets.
Does the Oyster Festival run if it rains?
Yes, it is held rain or shine, and it is cashless: credit cards only.
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