The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Gullah people and their history on Hilton Head Island. Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration programming includes a variety of events designed to attract residents, regional, national, and international travelers.

Schedule of Events:

January 31 - March 4, 2023:

Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibit and Sale:

The Arts Ob We People: Winter Exhibition and Sale is a display of original work by emerging and leading artists that represents the life of Gullah people on Hilton Head Island and the surroundng Community. Artists will be onsite at various times throughout the exhibit, check for exact schedules at gullahcelebration.com. Private tours are available by appointment only.

Times: 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m (Sunday - Saturday)

Location: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

February 3, 2023:

6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Gullah Cultural Series: Gullah Me, Gullah You

In partnership with the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the Hlton Head Symphony Orchestra presents its second Gullah Cultural Series performance at its intimate pertormance space. SoundWaves at Coligny. The program features a talk show format highlighting various aspects of local Gullah culture and music by the Lavon Stevens Band. Optional dinner is provided by Wendell Osborne of Savvy Food, LLC. For more information or to get tickets go to hhso.org.

Location: SoundWaves, 7 Lagoon Circle, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Cost: $29 - $69

February 4, 2023:

11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m: Freedom Day Celebration

Exploring black resistance in the plight for freedom and honoring the life and legacy of Robert Smalls. Special guests include Michael Boulware Moore. Great Great Grandson of Robert Smalls. Gullah artist Quentin Smalls and the Claffin University Concert Choir.

Location: Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, 40 Harriet Tubman Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29226.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

February 4 and 18, 2023:

6:00 p.m: Freedom Day: Film Series

One night, two epic documentariest Freedom Day: Exploring the Families of Historic Mitchelville and Harriot Tubman: From Railroad to a Spy directed by Luana Graves Sellars. These films take a deep dive into the makings of Mitchelville. America's first freedmen's town, and the life of one of America's most famous freedom fighters. The films will run back-to-back. For more Information or to get tickets to go to Eventbrite.com.

Location: Seahawk Cultural Center, 70 Wilborn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Cost: $20

February 7, 2023:

7:00 p.m: Family and Friends Day

Join Historic First African Baptist Church for their annual Family and Friends program. The evening will focus on Traditional and Contemporary Gullah songs followed by a reception wtth samples of authentic Gullah food.

Location: Historic First African Baptist Church, 70 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29226.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

February 8, 2023:

6:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Gullah Celebration's Patrons and Friends Party

The Hilton Head Island Gullah Celebration's Patrons and Friends Party is an opportunity for supporters to spend an evening with the 2023 Featured Artist - Lisa Rivers and many other exhibiting artists. There will be complimentary food and beverages. The public is welcome to attend.

Location: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

February 11, 2023:

12:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m: A Taste of Gullah

The one-of-kind event is an afternoon filled with authentic Gullah dishes for purchase such as Okra Gumbo. Conch Stew fried shrimp dusted in traditional Gullah seasonings and classic barbecue favorites like char-grilled chicken and ribs. While you eat, you can enjoy the entertainment of several local artists including traditional musicians and storytellers.

Location: Art League Gallery, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

February 18, 2023:

11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Gullah Market and Block Party: An Arts, Crafts and Food Expo

An all-access experience to Gullah culture! The annual Gullah Market offers cultural demonstrations, authentic Gullah and African crafts and food for sale, as well as traditional storytelling, music entertainment and more. This is an event to be shared with family and friends or for you to make new friends! Events will proceed rain or shine. Visit gullahcelebration.com for a detailed Schedule.

Location: Historic Honey Horn, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926.

Cost: $10 Adults, $5 Youth and Free for Children 5 and Under

February 25, 2023:

12:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m: Celebration of African American Authors

An afternoon experience that shines the light on African American authors and the important narratives revealed in their latest publications. Our featured presentation will be by award winning artist, author, educator, and former NFL player Aaron Maybin. A complimentary lunch will be provided.

Location: Rotary Community Center, 11 Recreation Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910.

Cost: Free. Donations are Welcome

Dates: February 1 - 28, 2023

Click here for more information.