Top 5 Festivals in Beaufort
Beaufort is a beautiful historic town with many activities and sights to see. It makes for an ideal and convenient day trip out of Savannah or Hilton Head Island. If you’re not a local to Beaufort, you may be missing out on the perfect opportunities to visit. Beaufort’s annual festivals showcase some of the area’s best foods, art, drinks, and culture. With no shortage of things to do, it’s important to start planning your next trip to Beaufort.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
The Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival takes place every October. It takes place right off Panini on the Waterfront’s River Deck on the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Each year, the festival only continues to grow bigger and bigger. It offers the best unique shrimp dishes from the region’s restaurants and chefs. One of the best things is that this festival has free admission! You can experience fresh-caught shrimp from the area.
In October, there is an Annual Charity Shrimp Race. Not only can you eat shrimp, but you can watch 5,000 rubber shrimp wearing inner tubes race from a local shrimp trawler and into the Beaufort River. The shrimp float along in tidal current to the finish line. There is also an arts and crafts market, drink specials, free music, and plenty of shrimp!
Beaufort Water Festival
The Beaufort Water Festival takes place every July. This beloved community tradition has activities and events that keep you coming back day after day. The Beaufort Water Festival has grown each year in importance and entertainment value. However, it is still put on as a community, non-profit project. The festival is held in downtown Beaufort, South Carolina in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
There are events from land to sea at the festival! Some of the events include an arts and crafts market, a raft race, bocce and badminton tournaments, children’s fishing tournaments, shrimp boat tours, a concert in the park, a river rally, a ski show, a grand parade, and so much more! This festival has activities and events for the whole family! It all ends with the Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats!
A Taste of Beaufort Festival
If you haven’t gotten enough food to eat from our other two festivals on the list, A Taste of Beaufort Festival happens each May. This is a foodie’s delight in downtown at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park with the annual two-day Taste of Beaufort festival. This fun-filled weekend features great food, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, a Saturday morning 5K run/walk, and more! You can compete in the race and treat yourself afterward with unique and delicious foods.
Over a dozen local and well-known Beaufort restaurants set up booths with samples of special dishes and favorites straight from their menus. This festival is the perfect outing to bring your friends and family to! The admission is also free to the public so what a great way to spend a sunny weekend in downtown Beaufort!
Gullah Festival of Beaufort
In May, visitors can experience the wonderful Gullah Festival of Beaufort. Also on the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront, this festival is a great way to learn more about the important Gullah culture. You’ll be able to listen to storytelling, dancing, and the sounds of jazz, blues, reggae, and African drums. There is a vendor market with local artists and their arts and crafts. There is also a food court filled with local cuisine and traditional Gullah foods. This is a family-oriented event that encourages gatherings and groups. So bring your family and friends out to celebrate! This festival teaches and preserves the history of the Gullah people and their culture. By preserving the past, we are also shaping the future. The Gullah Festival of Beaufort recognizes the history, customs, cultures, language, and accomplishments of the African Americans of the Lowcountry. This celebration of Lowcountry culture and heritage is highlighted with fantastic events presentations and regional food.
Easter Festivals
Beaufort takes Easter very seriously. In April at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, you can look forward to an Easter family celebration which is completely free to the public and welcoming to anyone. It is family-oriented and encourages both adults and little ones. There are toddler bounce houses, an inflatable obstacle course, popcorn and candy, Easter basket giveaways, face painting, craft stations, and more!
There is also the Great Helicopter Egg Drop in April. Each year thousands of plastic Easter eggs drop from a helicopter. You can pre-register your children to participate in one of five age-specific egg hunts with over 15,000 eggs! This event will take place on the Beaufort Academy Football Field. There will be other events as well that are made to be fun for the whole family!
Beaufort’s Best Panini’s
There are so many amazing festivals happening each year in Beaufort, but did you know the best place to visit in between these festivals is Panini’s on the Waterfront? Slip away from the crowds and enjoy one of Beaufort’s most treasured restaurants. Located in a renovated Beaufort bank, this historic building has been the town’s local favorite for 18 years! Panini’s rests on Bay Street with great views overlooking Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Not only can you experience breathtaking views, but Panini’s offers Beaufort’s best brick oven pizza. The secret is in the way the brick oven cooks the pizza - that's the traditional Italian way. Panini’s pizza is nothing less than mouthwatering, especially on a busy day of enjoying the festivals.
You can also visit Panini’s as a moment to step out of the sun, and enjoy an ice cold beverage. Panini’s even allow your pups to dine with you! Come stop by for lunch or dinner, and bring the whole family! During the festivals feel free to join us inside, at the bar, or relaxing on our convenient River Deck. We’ll see you soon!