10/06/2026 - 12:00pm
Before shrimp and grits became a typical Southern meal, it was a classic meal for the Gullah Geechee people. And way before the world caught on to blues, rock, or jazz, those rhythms were already playing in the fields and praise houses along the Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor.
Gullah Geechee culture stands out as a unique part of African American heritage. Spanning the coastline from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Jacksonville, Florida, Gullah Geechee communities kept their West African traditions alive because of the seclusion on sea islands and remote plantations where their ancestors were enslaved. That heritage lives on in their food, music, handwoven baskets, spiritual traditions, and the everyday Creole language that still fills their homes.
The Fish and Grits Music Festival (FGMF) is a family-friendly, one-day event on picturesque Hilton Head Island, SC. FGMF’s mission is to keep the Gullah Geechee story alive, showcase how it continues to evolve, and celebrate its deep connection to the African diaspora through entertainment, visual and performing arts, and community engagement. Festival vendors will showcase the culture through art, food, clothing, and more.
Fish and Grits Music Festival Details
- When: October 6, 2026
- Time: 12 pm - 6 pm
- Where: Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island
- Buy tickets