St. Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. This festive occasion brings the people of Hilton Head Island closer to celebrate Irish culture and heritage during St. Patrick’s Day. Are you wondering how the locals of Hilton Head Island celebrate this festive occasion?
For starters, Hilton Head locals celebrate the holiday in many ways. Residents decorate their homes with green shamrocks, while others dress up in traditional Irish attire ready for the festivities. If you’re wondering what you should do on Hilton Head Island for St. Patrick’s Day, check out our post below hosted by Beachside Hilton Head.
Parades and Festivals
The yearly St. Patrick’s Day parade is a favorite event among locals and tourists. Here, you can witness giant floats, while dancers perform on Coligny Beach. The parade typically ends at the Hilton Head Island Beach and Tennis Resort.
Hilton Head Island typically hosts two St. Patrick’s Day parades each year. First is the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes place on the Sunday closest to March 17th. Then there’s the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party, which takes place in the Coligny Plaza shopping center.
Marching Bands and Live Music
Hilton Head starts their parade with lively tunes from marching band members, bagpipers, and drum corps in dazzling uniforms. Local and national musicians are also invited to play in the live shows.
You can expect a variety of genres from traditional Irish music to rock, pop, and country ballads. Many of the local bars host live music events throughout the St. Patrick’s Day season.
Good Food
Many restaurants and bars in Hilton Head spice up their menus on St. Patrick’s Day, featuring classic Irish dishes and drinks. Some places may offer green-colored baked goods or desserts with hints of Irish whiskey.
Restaurants may feature Irish-themed dishes with a modern twist, such as corned beef sliders or Guinness-braised short ribs. They may also offer specials, promotions, or hosting events.
Savannah’s Greening of the Fountain
While there are many common traditions associated with St. Patrick’s Day around the world, the locals on Hilton Head Island have some unique ways to celebrate the holiday too.
The Greening of the Fountain is one tradition that Hilton Head locals have adopted. In this tradition, the water in a prominent fountain or landmark is dyed green to celebrate the holiday.
On Hilton Head Island, the fountain in Coligny Plaza is where they usually conduct the Greening of the Fountain. The event is accompanied by live music and dancing. Restaurants and nearby bars celebrate by making specialty drinks and food. For instance, some serve traditional Irish meals like corned beef and cabbage, while others offer green beer!
Every year, families at Coligny Plaza often gather to watch this Greening of the Fountain and take pictures afterwards.
St. Patrick’s Day Outdoor Games
While St. Patrick’s Day festivities are often centered around indoor activities like pub crawls, Hilton Head Island locals host a few outdoor events that can be enjoyed as part of a St. Patrick’s Day vacation.
Shamrock Run
The event usually occurs in early March, around St. Patrick’s Day, and features a variety of race distances, including a 5K, 8K, 15K, and half marathon. Participants dress in green and run along the scenic paths of Hilton Head Island.
It is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day races in the area.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a popular lawn game that is enjoyed by many people on St. Patrick’s Day. To play cornhole, you’ll need two cornhole boards, eight small bean bags, and at least two players.
The objective of the game is to toss the bags onto the boards and try to get them into the hole while also blocking your opponent from scoring points.
Final Thoughts
From parades to live music and green-themed activities, there are plenty of ways to get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit in Hilton Head. Why not make this year’s St. Patrick’s Day one to remember? Book your trip today and experience the magic of St. Patrick’s Day in Hilton Head!