30th Annual Gullah Celebration

Hilton Head Island’s annual celebration of Gullah heritage returns in February with a month-long series of events honoring the history, traditions and cultural contributions of the Gullah people.

The 30th annual Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration runs from Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, 2026, with activities taking place at venues across the island. The event highlights the vibrant culture of Gullah Geechee descendants who have lived on the Sea Islands for generations. The celebration is recognized by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast, drawing residents, regional visitors and culture enthusiasts.

A wide range of programming during the celebration includes art exhibitions, music and storytelling, culinary experiences and cultural discussions. Among the scheduled offerings:

Art exhibits including a retrospective marking 30 years of festival posters and cultural storytelling, giving visitors insight into the evolution of the Gullah Celebration through visual art and the Arts Ob We People: A Gullah Geechee Art Exhibition featuring artists Amiri Farris, Ren Dillard amongst other Gullah Geechee artists.

Cultural talks and presentations on topics like the Gullah Geechee Corridor and community heritage stewardship.

Music events such as the Gullah Twilight Music series and Voices of Gullah performances featuring traditional sounds and local artists.
Culinary events abound with the We Still Rise: Ol’ Fashioned Gullah Breakfast, Roots & Recipes Reunion, a cook-off celebration of traditional Gullah cuisine at Mitchelville Freedom Park and the Sea, Soul & Sunshine Brunch.

A Gullah Celebration Village at the Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival on Feb. 28, where attendees can explore full-scale recreations of historic Gullah structures and watch demonstrations by artisans and storytellers.

The monthlong observance highlights culinary traditions, art, history and the spoken word, celebrating a heritage rooted in the coastal Lowcountry. The festival combines performances, exhibitions and food events with programming focused on preserving and sharing Gullah culture.

For more information and a full schedule of events visit www.gullahcelebration.org.