Fish and Grits Music Festival 2026

We Be Gullah Geechee

Before shrimp and grits became a culinary favorite, it was a staple in Gullah Geechee kitchens! Before the world knew about blues, rock, and jazz, their rhythmic and melodic structures were heard in the fields and praise houses throughout the congressionally legislated Gullah Geechee Heritage Corridor.

The Gullah Geechee culture is a unique African American culture spanning from Wilmington, North Carolina to Jacksonville, Florida. Due to the nature of their enslavement on isolated coastal plantations and sea islands, the Gullah people were able to retain many of their indigenous West African traditions. These traditions are reflected in their foodways, music, arts and crafts, spiritual traditions, and their Gullah creole language.

De (The) Mission & Vision

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 continue the awareness of the Gullah Geechee culture, highlight its evolution, and its connection to the African diaspora through entertainment, visual and performing arts and community engagement.

De (The) Food & Market

Most of our vendors will showcase the vibrant Gullah Geechee culture through art, food, clothing and more.

De (The) Show

Step into the heart of the Lowcountry at the Fish and Grits Music Festival (FGMF) -- a vibrant celebration of Gullah Geechee culture with a flavorful twist! This FGMF brings together soulful sounds with performances ranging from R&B and jazz to funk, folk, and spoken word. Paired with authentic cuisine and handcrafted treasures, FGMF is a joyful mashup of culture, creativity, and community you won't want to miss!