Rain or shine, 10K shrimp lovers to show at Beaufort Festival
Shrimp and an iconic movie character will be the stars of the show this weekend at the venerable Beaufort Shrimp Festival, the two-day event that draws thousands to Waterfront Park to celebrate the city’s connection to South Carolina’s No. 1 seafood.
As usual, fresh shrimp caught in local waters and prepared by local chefs will be the main dish on the weekend menu of events.
Live music, family activities and an arts and craft fair will be back, too.
The city’s second largest celebration, behind the summertime Water Festival, begins at noon Friday and continues all day Saturday.
A shrimp festival capturing the flavor of the Lowcountry and coinciding with the fall white shrimp season, which typically produces the largest catch in South Carolina, started over 30 years ago. Today, it is a partnership of the city of Beaufort and the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association.
Landings of fall white shrimp by the commercial fleet usually begin in August and peak in September and October, according to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, but usually last through December and sometimes into January.
The city is expecting 8,000 to 10,000 people at the festival depending on the weather, said Ashley Brandon, a spokesperson for the city.
“It’s happening rain or shine,” Brandon said.
It’s a tradition for shrimp boats to dock at the waterfront during the festival but that won’t happen this year because the city is dealing with structural issues with the relieving platform, the structure that supports the promenade.
Visitors can expect different kinds of food this year and a music lineup heavy on local bands, said Brandon, who also noted that Coastal Expeditions will be chartering people to the festival on a boat this year.
Other than those changes, says Brandon, “It’s the same shrimp festival we love.”
A fan-favorite called the Shrimp Showdown is returning as well in which local restaurants will be competing for trophies and bragging rights for the best shrimp dishes. Winners will be announced at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
Here’s 10 things to know if you go:
1. Eat shrimp and party
From noon to 6 p.m. Friday, locally caught shrimp, prepared in different ways by area chefs, will be available for sampling. Visitors can also peruse the wares of local artisans at an arts and craft market. The Threshold Party Band performs at 5:15 p.m., and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m. Local chefs will prepare shrimp dishes.
2. Learn about shrimp
The Coastal Education Fair, which informs attendees about the ecology of coastal waterways and the shrimping and fishing industries, is is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
3. Marines and others make music
There’s more live entertainment Saturday. The Parris Island Marine Popular Music Group Band will perform at noon, followed by The Deckhands at 1 p.m. and Lyn Avenue at 2:30 p.m.
4. Jewelry, art, clothes
The Art & Craft Market reopens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and will feature over 40 artisans offering everything from jewelry and clothing to woodworking and fine art.
5. Run Forrest, run
The Run Forrest Run 5K race begins at 8 a.m. Saturday. It takes its name from the famous line in the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump.” The route takes runners through iconic movie locations from the movie, which was filmed in the city, including across Woods Memorial Bridge. Registration closes Oct. 1. Be advised: Bay Street from Newcastle Street to Carteret Street, over the Woods Memorial Bridge, then down Meridian Road to Youmans Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic between 7:45 and 11 a.m.
6. Forrest will make an appearance
As usual, Paul Dengler, a Gump impersonator who resembles will be on hand. Getting a photo taken with him or an autograph is a festival favorite.
7. $30K at stake in Shrimp Race
At 3 p.m., don’t miss the 17th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, presented by the Sea Island Rotary Club. People purchase shrimp sponsorships for a chance to win a large prize. The winning shrimp are randomly selected from 5,000 floating rubber shrimp released into the Beaufort River.
8. How do I get in?
Admission is free while food and beverage tickets are $1 each
9. Who is preparing the food?
Food lovers will delight in offerings from local favorites including Sea Eagle Market, Mother Smokin’ Good, Belly Full by Tyger, Panna E Cioccolata, Piece of Yard and Abroad, Food Savvy, The Island Fudge Shoppe, Sassy Sweets, Palmetto Kettle Corn, The Loyal Cup, and Tasty Creations by Teen Challenge. Every bite, the organizers say, celebrates fresh, sustainably harvested shrimp from Beaufort’s waters, “making this a true Lowcountry experience.”
10. Certifying local shrimp
Ashlee Houck, president of the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, says information will be on hand for local restaurants during the festival on how they can voluntarily become certified as serving locally caught shrimp. There is no labeling law in South Carolina but the S.C. Shrimpers Association is urging lawmakers to take up a country of origin menu law during the next legislative session. Simultaneously, the group is suing several Charleston restaurants for “shrimp fraud” for allegedly selling imported shrimp but advertising it as locally caught.
This story was originally published September 30, 2025 at 12:30 PM.
