FESTIVAL PLANNING GUIDE
August 8, 2026
Your great festival experience starts here.
Your Guide to the Fish & Grits Music Festival
Everything you need to know before heading to the park—from parking and shuttles to what to bring, accessibility, food, safety, and more.
QUICK ESSENTIALS
- Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
- Time: 12:00PM – 6:00PM EST
- Location: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
- What to bring: Ticket/wristband, ID, phone charger, comfortable shoes, sunscreen
- What Not To Bring: Glass, outside food and drink, large bags/coolers, chairs over 34”
WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T BRING
- What am I allowed to bring into the festival?
- See Bag Policy above (#4) – Clear Bags Preferred – not required
- ID if you’re drinking
- Chairs under 34”
- Credit Card for food, beverage, and merch
- Blankets
- Point-and-shoot digital cameras (with no detachable lens)
- Empty Camelbaks (2 pocket max – within the sizes of the bag policy 12″ x 6″ x 12″) & water bottles
- Coozies
- Panchos / rain jackets
- Strollers
- Diaper bags & baby formula
- Smiles
- What am I prohibited from bringing into the festival?
- Weapons
- Fire
- Drugs
- Fireworks
- Glass
- Pets (service animals will be permitted)
- Selfie sticks
- Outside Food or Beverages (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
- Tents
- Coolers or picnic baskets
- Chairs over 34”
TICKETS & ENTRY
- Tickets: $30 in advance; $40 at the gate
- Entry rules: Please have a ticket barcode ready at the gate. Arrive early and plan ahead to breeze through entry!
- Re-entry: Re-entry is permitted if you have a visible wristband provided at the festival gates.
- Bags & items policy: Clear bags up to 12″ x 12″ x 6″ are encouraged
- Small clutches are allowed
- No backpacks or oversized bags permitted
- All bags and belongings will be subject to search
GETTING THERE: PARKING & DROP-OFF
- Main Parking Areas
- Address: 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (the actual park and beach parking)
- Address: 70 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (.03 miles from the park)
- Address: 69 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (.03 miles from the park)
- Overflow Parking
- USCB Hilton Head Campus: 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 (.09 miles from the park)
- Bus Parking
- Charter buses and motor coaches should park in the designated bus parking area at the far end of the USCB parking lot.
- Complimentary shuttle services:
- Complimentary shuttle service between the USCB parking lot and the festival will be provided throughout the day by Gullah Trail Tours.
RESTROOMS, WATER, COMFORT
- 10 men’s and women’s restrooms at the main entrance, including two (2) family restrooms.
- 10 restroom trailers (not portable toilets) located behind the main stage on the right side.
- Two (2) ADA-accessible restrooms at the main park entrance.
WEATHER & WHAT TO WEAR
- There is limited shade in the park, so please plan accordingly
- The festival is rain or shine, please dress accordingly
- Bring: Layers, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, poncho
ACCESSIBILITY
- All entrances to the park, the market, etc. are wheelchair-accessible.
- Accessible restrooms: available at the Main Gate entrance
- If you need assistance, look for a staff member wearing a Fish and Grits lanyard that says “STAFF”
FOOD AND DRINK
- Food available:
- Vendor List – Coming Soon!
- Beverages
- Soft drinks, water, beer and wine
- Payment methods:
- Card/cash/mobile
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD OR BEVERAGES ALLOWED
SAFETY & HELP
- Medical:
- First Aid kits are located at the main gate
- If you see something or feel unsafe: Alert Coastal Security or festival staff and/or head to main gate for assistance
- If you need assistance: look for a staff member wearing a Fish and Grits lanyard that says “STAFF”
FINAL CHECKLIST (BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME)
- Ticket barcode ready
- ID (if purchasing alcohol)
- Comfortable walking shoes Phone charged / charger
- Weather-ready items (layers/poncho/sunscreen)
