Original Gullah Festival of SC returns to celebrate Lowcountry heritage. What to know
Past and present come together Memorial Day weekend for the Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina returns to Beaufort.
The 40th edition celebrates the heritage, resilience and cultural traditions of Gullah people.
The three-day festival, held May 23–25 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, will feature a lineup of performances, workshops, tours and educational sessions.
Admission to the festival is free.
From traditional Gullah food, a vibrant arts and crafts market, live storytelling, vendors and music, the Gullah Festival is designed as a welcoming space for families, friends and cultural enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy the Gullah history of the Lowcountry.
Here is a rundown of the schedule, vendors and everything visitors should know ahead of the event:
Original Gullah Festival schedule
Friday, May 23
Lest We Forget: Times to Remember Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church, 901 Craven St.
Admission: Free
Workshops: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Tickets: $40 per person
Gullah She’ke’re’ Musical Instrument Making
Gullah Geechee Quilt Making
West African Doll-Making
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
Drumming: Connecting Heart, Soul, Rhythms
All White Attire party from 9 p.m. to midnight
Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion
Tickets: $55 online or $60 at the gate
Saturday, May 23
Live music and performances will be held throughout the day.
Lest We Forget: Times to Remember Exhibit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Tabernacle Baptist Church, 901 Craven St.
Admission: Free
Workshops: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Tickets: $40 per person
Gullah She’ke’re’ Musical Instrument Making
Gullah Geechee Quilt Making
West African Doll-Making
Sweetgrass Basket Weaving
Drumming: Connecting Heart, Soul, Rhythms
Decoration Day Musical at 3 p.m.
Location: Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St.
Tickets: $55 online or $60 at the door
An early preview is also available on Thursday, May 22. Click here for more information.
Sunday, May 26.
Live music and performances will be held from 2-6 p.m.
Hour of Power Worship Service from 9-10 a.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
Rededication of Commemorative Marker Honoring Ancestors at 11 a.m.
Location: Foot of 11th Street, Port Royal
Unity Circle at 6 p.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
The Promise Land Band Closing Concert from 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park
For more information on the festival schedule, click here.
Who are the vendors?
Over 25 vendors will be available to visit throughout the festival. From traditional Gullah cuisine to historical fashion, there’s something for everyone.
A few vendors you can expect to see include:
To view all participating vendors in this year’s festival, click here.
How much are tickets, parking?
General festival admission is free and open to the public. The event is held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, located at 1010 Bay Street in Beaufort.
Tickets for workshops, the All White Party and the Decoration Day Musical can be purchased online or at the gate.
Gullah Tours will also be available throughout the festival, tickets are available on site.
According to the festival website, this outdoor event will go on rain or shine, and no refunds will be given due to inclement weather.
Ticket information and additional purchase information can be found at www.originalgullahfestival.org.
Public and paid parking options are available throughout downtown Beaufort, with about 500 spots throughout the city.
For a map of available public parking locations at www.parkbeaufort.com.
What’s the story behind Original Gullah Festival?
Founded in 1986 to commemorate what was once known as Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, the Original Gullah Festival honors African American ancestors and traditions passed down from the Gullah people.
The Gullah Festival is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization designed to focus on education, family, and preserving the history of Gullah culture so visitors can share it with others.
According to the festival’s website, the event now draws more than 35,000 attendees from across the globe and has grown into a nationally recognized cultural celebration.
For more information, you can visit the festival’s website or Facebook page.
