Festivals are
among the things done best in the Beaufort region where a
celebration is almost always underway. Locals and visitors
regularly take to the streets, parks and waterways to enjoy life
with the special varieties of cuisine, entertainment, arts and
activities which define the friendly communities and their
customs.
LINK TO
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
FEBRUARY
Beaufort International Film Festival is held each year in
February and recognizes aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre
to include independent film, music, animation, short and long
features, documentaries, and screenwriting. This
full weekend of events includes screenings of films, a VIP party
and closing Awards Ceremony.
MARCH
Spring Tour of Homes held each year in late March
is a seasonal highlight featuring beautiful private homes open for
visitors. Art Walks during the weekend are
presented by the Guild of Beaufort Galleries in conjunction with
this event. Check our calendar for specific
dates.
APRIL
Soft Shell Crab Festival is an annual event in April
in the Town of Port Royal where old fashioned fun is the style in
the streets of the Old Village with shopping and dining
choices.
MAY
A Taste Of Beaufort is a two day festival held
the first weekend of May each year. Food, wine,
art and music create a day-long event in the historic downtown.
Free admission and tickets for individual purchases add to the easy
celebration enjoyed by the whole city by the bay.
The Original Gullah Festival is celebrated in Beaufort
during Memorial Day weekend each year. It brings large crowds to
enjoy cultural entertainment. The celebration of
the African American heritage with folkways and foods brings
visiting church and family groups from many states.
JULY
Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 in
the Town of Port Royal with a dual fireworks display presented by
Parris Island and the Town of Port Royal. More
information can be found on our calendar of
events.
Water Festival brings 10 days of
celebration to Beaufort in July with a variety of concerts, water
skiing, talent contests, air shows, boat races and parades.
Tournaments include golf, tennis, boating and bed races. Water
lovers also enjoy decorated boats and the traditional Blessing of
the Fleet. The popular festival celebrated its 54th year in
2009.
OCTOBER
Shrimp Festival is the first weekend in
October each year and includes a run and walk plus a huge exciting
celebration of the shrimping industry. Enjoy local recipes and
tastings. Shop in the craft market by the bay and browse the unique
shops and galleries in the downtown historic district. Free
entertainment, contests and plenty of shrimp make this annual event
unforgettable.
Fall Tour of Homes is held in late October each
year and features many of the historic homes in Beaufort’s National
Historic District. Art Walks during the weekend
are presented by the Guild of Beaufort Galleries in conjunction
with this event. Check our calendar for dates and ticket
information.
