News Release

360/40 Celebration Kicks Off with Community Picnic on Saturday, August 26

August 10, 2023

The Hilton Head Island community is invited to join the Town of Hilton Head Island's 360/40 celebration, kicking off with a fun-filled community picnic on Saturday, August 26 at the Lowcountry Celebration Park!

This occasion honors our Island's rich history and pays homage to the anniversary of the 360th sighting of Hilton Head Island and the 40th anniversary of the Town's incorporation as a municipality.

The community picnic starts this multi-week celebration that will last from August 26 through September 16. The public will be treated to a buffet of picnic fare (free hot dogs, hamburgers, sides, and non-alcoholic beverages), experience live music, engage with local nonprofits, and celebrate the diversity of our Island.

We can't wait to see everyone there. Make sure to mark your calendars and stay in the loop for future events. Check out the 360/40 celebration and future events at hiltonheadisland360-40.org.

Browse through our list of Frequently Asked Questions below to learn more about this upcoming community picnic:

When is the picnic?
Saturday, August 26 from 4 to 8 pm

Where’s the community picnic being held?
Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue.

How do I get there?

• Catch the Breeze Trolley from one of its many stops around the Island.
• Cycle to the event – plenty of bike parking will be available near the event entrance.
• Drive, carpool or rideshare.

Where do I park? 
The Coligny Beach lot and the USCB Hilton Head Island campus. Palmetto Breeze will shuttle continuously from USCB to the event.

What should I bring?

• Your friends and family
• Your appetite
• Picnic blanket
• Chairs

What should I NOT bring?

• No concealable weapons
• No coolers
• No pets

Bags are subject to search prior to entering the event.

Will alcoholic beverages be served?
Beer trucks will offer alcoholic beverages for purchase. Please drink responsibly.

Is this a kid-friendly event?
Yes. A large park section will be designated for kid-friendly entertainment, including face painting, balloon animals, bounce houses, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and more!

Will there be live music?
Yes. Well-known, beloved local musicians will play short sets throughout the event to showcase the Island's diversity.

Will vendors be present?
In addition to the free food options, there will be food trucks selling an array of culinary delights. 25 local, not-for-profit, educational, and community-focused organizations will also have booths. Please stop by them to learn all about the services they provide.

How can I help?
Volunteer opportunities are available for various 360/40 picnic, concert and other celebration events. Sign up at hiltonheadisland360-40.org.

More about the history:
Before the Town of Hilton Head Island became the place we all know and love, it fell under uncharted waters. This was until September 28, 1663, while aboard the Adventurer, that Captain William Hilton spotted the "head" of the Island near the entrance to Port Royal Sound. As he continued to sail, he was enamored with the Island’s unique land qualities and stated, "The lands are laden with large, tall Oaks, Walnut and Bayes, except facing on the Sea, it is most Pines, tall and good." Right from the start, Captain Hilton understood the Island's unique qualities and later, in post-discovery, chose to name the Island after himself. This name quickly stuck and has since become what we know the Island by.