70th Beaufort Water Festival starts Friday. Here’s your guide to everything

The highly anticipated annual Beaufort Water Festival kicks off this Friday.

And this year’s festival marks a historic milestone: It’s the 70th rendition of the festival, and this year’s commodore, Dusty Vickers, calls it a “Platinum Celebration.” It also returns to the Beaufort promenade, which was closed for last year’s festival due to maintenance issues.

This year’s festival spans 10 days from July 17 to 26. It celebrates the lifestyle, history and character of Beaufort and attracts 70,000 people annually. And during the festivities, there will be plenty of family-friendly events and activities to do.

Here’s how to secure your tickets and the itinerary for the 70th Water Festival:

Where do I buy tickets?

There are both free and ticket-only events during the festival. Tickets for specific events can be purchased here, and children under 5 years old can attend events for free. Tickets are delivered via email, and if an event is canceled, there are no refunds.

Friday, July 17

Festivities begin with the festival arts and crafts market at the promenade at Waterfront Park. The market opens at 2 p.m. and closes at 7 p.m., and will be open each day of the festival. The opening ceremony starts at 7 p.m., with a performance by the Parris Island Marine Band and a fireworks display.

Saturday, July 18

Saturday begins with several sports tournaments:

• The raft race, 8:30 a.m. to noon
• Bocce tournament, 8 a.m.
• Badminton tournament, 9 a.m.

Two free events begin afterward:

• Children’s toad fishing tournament, 10 a.m. to noon
• Sponsor’s expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The night caps off with the Concert in the Park at Waterfront Park. It begins at 7 p.m., and country artist Joe Nichols is the headliner. A ticket is required to attend.

Sunday, July 19

The River Rally begins at 9 a.m. Sunday. Shortly after, the free Children’s Day event opens at Waterfront Park, and lasts from 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. Waterfront Park will then host a free ski show.

The Teen Dance starts at 6 p.m. Sunday, and is open to teens aged 13 to 17 only. Entertainment will be provided by Beaufort-based Veteran’s Pride Entertainment.

Monday, July 20

The tribute band Deas-Guyz will perform at Motown Mondays in Waterfront Park. The show starts at 8 p.m. and requires a ticket.

Tuesday, July 21

Reggae artist Ragga Lox is scheduled to perform for Caribbean Night on Tuesday. The show starts at 8 p.m. and requires a ticket. Active military, educators and first responders can attend for free with I.D.

Wednesday, July 22

The festival’s talent show begins at 7 p.m. at Waterfront Park. Tickets are required, but anyone wearing the 2026 festival’s “Sunny Days & Friendship Waves” t-shirt can enter for free.

Thursday, July 23

The famous Lowcountry Supper begins at 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park. “Lowcountry Boil” will be served up from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Comedian Brian Moote and traveling comedy group, The Bored Teachers, will provide entertainment.

Friday, July 24

The bed race starts at 5 p.m. at the corner of Bay and Harrington streets. “ROCKIN’ the RIVER”, featuring tribute band Hot Red Chili Peppers, starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are required, and only those 18 or older may attend.

Saturday, July 25

The festival’s grand parade will shuffle through downtown Beaufort Saturday morning. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and ends at 12 p.m. Afterward, a non-profit expo opens at the Waterfront Park Pavilion at 12 p.m. Then, stunt planes will perform in an air show over Waterfront Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Commodore’s Ball begins at 8 p.m. in Waterfront Park. Beach music band The Catalinas will perform at the event.

Sunday, July 26

The final send-off for the festival is the Blessing of the Fleet, in which a priest blesses a parade of boats with holy water. It begins at 12:30 p.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m.

For more details on the festival’s events, view the full schedule here.