Throughout the year in South Carolina visitors and locals alike enjoy a variety of food festivals. But there's something about the first couple of seafood festivals each year that strike a special chord. In late February, Hilton Head Island's 12th Annual Seafood Festival takes over Honey Horn Plantation to dole out a full day of food, fellowship, and fun for the whole family. And while this festival isn't the first seafood fest of the season, it's still at the forefront and it takes place in an exciting and lovely venue.

The 12th Annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival takes place Saturday, Feb. 25, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Historically speaking, there have been years in the past when this festival takes place on a sunny day in February where even shorts are an option! But whether you're in shorts or wearing a light jacket and long pants simply won't matter. The event features live music in a picturesque outdoor venue, as well as more food than you can possibly sample in one day!

From huge piles of freshly cooked shrimp...

... to seafood prepared to perfection...

... and plenty of libations to wash it all down, the food will be delicious and the drinks will be aplenty.

Tickets are under $10 and parking is free. Want to get into the VIP area seen here? That'll cost you a bit more ($79 in advance), but it comes with an open bar!

Expect a full day of fun, including demonstrations and featured speakers, live music, and food and drink galore!

The festival is actually a week-long celebration on Hilton Head with events that lead UP to the Saturday seafood feast. The night before the big day, you can attend the annual Pig Pickin' and Oyster Roast.

It's not your ordinary event!

But it is a casual affair with a whole hog roast and oysters in mass quantities.

One of the best parts of this event are the bonfires!

Earlier in the week, specialty tours are available... learn how to cast a shrimp net, dig for clams, harvest oysters and more on a two-hour water excursion on Monday.

The 12th Annual Hilton Head Island Seafood Festival takes place on Saturday, February 25, 2019 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at historic Honey Horn Plantation. The address is 70 Honey Horn Plantation Rd., Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Tickets are free for children under the age of 10. All others: $8 if purchased in advance prior to New Year's Eve, $9 if purchased in advance prior to midnight on January 31, 2018, $10 if purchased in advance prior to Thursday, Feb. 23, 2018. Parking is free! VIP tickets are $79 and include access to the VIP lounge from 11:00am - 5:00pm, hors d’ oeuvres courtesy of Publix, and complementary beverages at the private bar including beer, wine and spirits. Learn more and purchase advance tickets on the official website!