Every year on the 17th of March, the world turns a little greener as people celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a day honoring Ireland’s patron saint and the Irish culture, originating as a solemn religious feast and evolving into parades, music, and revelry worldwide. Whether you are Irish by birth or just for the day, St. Patrick’s Day has a unique way of bringing people together with shamrocks, leprechauns, and a good dose of merriment!
Now, imagine this holiday under the sunny skies of Hilton Head Island.
This year, the island is pulling out all the stops with a mix of traditional Irish charm and coastal flair, promising an experience you should not miss. What’s in store for you? So far, we have three major events confirmed, and we can feel in our green hearts that there is more to come.
30th Annual Hilton Head Island Shamrock 5K Run
Address: Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (843) 757-8520
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the 2025 Shamrock Run on Saturday, March 15, at 8:00 AM! Hosted by Bear Foot Sports, a leader in sports marketing and special event production in the Southeast for over three decades, this run combines fitness, fun, and Irish spirit.
What makes this race extra amazing? Well, it’s not just about speed — it’s about style! Everyone can don their favorite St. Patty’s green tutus or shamrock socks. This beloved tradition also supports a great cause, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Sunset Rotary Club of Hilton Head.
The course will start on Pope Avenue near New York City Pizza at Heritage Plaza and ends at the Coligny Plaza. Run on a flat, fast, scenic route, ready to take your breath away literally and figuratively. And remember to smile for the cameras! There will be awards for the top runners; if you beat the mischievous Leprechaun, a special Shamrock Run gift will await you at the finish line.
Set a personal best, or simply enjoy! Lace your sneakers, bring the whole family, and look forward to a morning full of laughter and sweat.
IrishFest
Address: Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (855) 287-7287
Here’s another way to start St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a bang: the IrishFest on Saturday, March 15, at Lowcountry Celebration Park! Expect electrifying Irish Concerts, where sounds of traditional Irish music, modern Celtic tunes, and everything in between will sweep you away. Dive into the holiday vibe and feel the rhythm of Ireland right in Hilton Head!
While the organizers, Hilton Head Ireland, are still keeping some details under wraps for now, trust us when we say this year’s IrishFest is shaping up to be unforgettable. From lively music to Irish-themed activities, everyone is sure to have a blast. Get ready to tap your feet, relish the local flavors, and maybe even learn a few Irish dance steps. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more exciting announcements as we get closer to the big day.
40th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
Phone: (855) 287-7287
If you have not heard about the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in South Carolina yet, then you are in for a treat. Experience the 40th Annual Hilton Head Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 16th, starting at 2:00 PM on Pope Avenue! The parade guarantees to define “celebration,” featuring colorful floats, marching bands, dancers, bagpipers, and plenty of Irish allure.
Local business legend Tom Reilley and a handful of friends and family kicked off what would become a Hilton Head tradition in 1983. This iconic event transforms streets into a lively sea of green as spectators gather every spring. See local groups, businesses, and community members decked out in their finest green attire, creating crowds of shamrocks and smiles as they march down!
There’s no better way to feel the energy of St. Patrick’s Day than by watching the parade go by. Who knows? This year might also bring Budweiser Clydesdales, military jet flyovers, and other noteworthy attractions you would otherwise see only on TV.
Why Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Hilton Head?
Hilton Head has long been lauded for its vibrant and welcoming community. The island’s consistent efforts in commemorating St. Patrick’s Day should be enough to convince you to visit. The neighborhoods know how to do it in style, and they do it better every year! And the best part? March is typically a low season, which means fewer crowds, better deals, and more space to explore.
The weekend of St. Patrick’s Day might get a bit busier, but the rest of the month? You have unlimited time to soak in the island’s laid-back life! Stroll through the shops, spend hours on the peaceful beaches, or unwind at one of the top-notch restaurants. Hilton Head offers a balance of celebration and relaxation that other destinations cannot.
Say “Slainté!” at Beachside Hilton Head
Hilton Head Island is the place to be for a fun and festive St. Patrick’s Day. Race through the 30th Annual Hilton Head Island Shamrock 5K Run, sing and dance your heart out at the IrishFest concerts, and grab a spot along the route for the 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Here, it’s impossible not to get into the St. Paddy spirit!
Stay close to the action and experience all that Hilton Head has to give by booking your stay with Beachside Hilton Head. Our vacation rentals are the perfect headquarters for your St. Patrick’s Day getaway. With accommodations just steps from the beach and the excitement of the island, you will have everything you need for a trip that is one for the books.
Local tip: Do not wait for March to roll around to start planning. Thousands of other travelers have caught on to the secret of Hilton Head’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and accommodations and events fill up quickly. Stay tuned for more news but never get left behind! Contact Beachside Hilton Head today.
