Beaufort’s 10-day Water Festival begins Friday. Here’s what’s planned opening weekend
Beaufort’s annual Water Festival, which bills itself as one of the South’s biggest outdoor summer events, kicks off Friday and will continue for 10 days at Waterfront Park.
The annual festival, in its 67th year, attracts thousands to downtown Beaufort for music, food, arts and crafts, concerts and competition.
A performance by the Parris Island Marine Band and fireworks will follow the opening ceremony at Waterfront Park at 7 p.m. Friday. Gates open at 6.
Free Shuttle service is available from Beaufort Government Center.
Here’s what’s happening the rest of the opening weekend:
▪ Randy Houser, a country singer known for his strong vocals and songwriting, will be the headlining act at Saturday’s concert in the park. Also appearing will be Gabrielle Mooney and opening act Andrew Beam. The show is at 7 p.m. and tickets are available online only at bftwaterfestival.com.
▪ The teen dance for kids 13-17 is Sunday.
▪ The always popular Motown Monday featuring Deas Guyz is at 7 p.m. Monday.
The arts and crafts market is open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily at Waterfront Park. Check bftwaterfestival for the complete schedule of events.
The Lowcountry Supper, the traditional meal of shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes, variously called Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew or Lowcountry boil, is at 6 p.m. Thursday.
As always, the festival concludes with the blessing of the fleet and parade of boats from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23.
The city’s premier festival, which was first held in 1956, relies 100% on volunteers. More than 400 volunteers will be working through its 10-day run.
