Here’s the country music star who’s headlining the Beaufort Water Festival this year
Another country music star is coming to Beaufort this summer.
Rodney Atkins will headline the Beaufort Water Festival’s premier event, organizers announced Friday. Atkins will perform the concert in Henry C. Chambers Park on July 18, keeping with the festival’s preference for country artists.
“Over the years Water Festival has brought in talent from all over the country, and we believe he will be another great addition to our lineup,” the festival said in a statement.
Concert tickets are $30 and can be bought on the festival’s website. Nashville singer and songwriter Lainey Wilson and artist Scott Stevens will also perform.
Atkins, 50, delivered four singles that topped the country charts with his second album in 2006, including title track “If You’re Going Through Hell” and “Watching You.” The album went platinum, and Atkins was named the New Male Artist of the Year by the Country Music Association.
Country music has been the preferred choice for festival organizers. Tyler Farr, Granger Smith and rocker-turned-country artist Aaron Lewis have performed in Beaufort in recent years.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s festival, including tickets, parking information and a full schedule.
Tickets
Tickets for the nightly events are sold at the gate but also are available online at www.bftwaterfestival.com. Ticket pickup is at will-call outside the main gate starting an hour before the event. Organizers encourage people to buy tickets in advance for the Concert in the Park to guarantee entry.
Children 5 and younger will be admitted free.
Opening ceremonies and Hometown Tuesday are free, as are many of the events in the park during the day.
Getting there
Most events are held downtown at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park off Bay Street.
Parking is available at metered spots throughout downtown, including lots at the marina, Beaufort County Library and 500 Carteret St. Meter hours are from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. Free parking is also available along the bluff on Bay Street.
A free shuttle from the Beaufort County Government complex on Ribaut Road is available for several events, including opening ceremonies and the headlining Concert in the Park.
The day dock on the east end of Waterfront Park near Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge offers boaters a free place to tie up.
2020 Beaufort Water Festival schedule
*Events in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park unless otherwise noted.
July 17
2-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
7 p.m.: Opening ceremony. Fireworks and performance by Parris Island Marine Band. Admission is free. Gates open at 6 p.m. Free shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center.
July 18
8:30 a.m.- noon: Raft Race
10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
8 a.m.: Bocce tournament
9 a.m.: Badminton tournament
10 a.m.-noon: Children’s toad fishing tournament and sponsor’s expo. Tournament free and open to children 12 and under. Bring own fishing equipment. Bait is provided.
Noon- 4 p.m.: Free shrimp boat tours
8 p.m.: Concert in the park, featuring Rodney Atkins, Lainey Wilson and Scott Stevens. Tickets are $30; gates open at 7 p.m. No strollers, coolers or outside food and drink. Children 5 and under admitted free, and a free shuttle is available from Beaufort County Government Center.
July 19
10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.: River rally
11 a.m.- 3 p.m.: Children’s day. Games, activities, shows, bounce houses and prizes. Free admission.
Noon: Ski show
Noon-4 p.m.: Shrimp boat tours
6-9 p.m.: Teen dance. Ages 13-17, ID required. Tickets are $10.
July 20
Noon-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
8 p.m.: Motown Monday. Admission is $15, gates open at 7 p.m. Free shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center. Children 5 and under admitted free.
July 21
Noon-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
8 p.m.: Hometown Tuesday. Entertainment to be announced. Free admission. Gates open at 7 p.m.
July 22
Noon-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
7 p.m.: Talent show. Admission is $10 or free with an official 2019 64th Annual Water Festival T-shirt. Gates open at 6 p.m. Children 5 and under admitted free.
July 23
Noon-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
6 p.m.: Lowcountry Supper. Cost is $15. Food served from 6-7:30 p.m. Entertainment TBA. Children 5 and under admitted free.
July 24
10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
5 p.m.: Bed race. $25 entry per team. 4:30 p.m. check-in. Same-day registration based on space.
8 p.m.: River Dance. $15 admission. Gates open at 7 p.m. Must be 18 or older. Free shuttle from Beaufort County Government Center.
July 25
10 a.m.-7 p.m.: Arts and crafts market
10 a.m.-noon: Water Festival Grand Parade. Downtown Beaufort.
Noon-4 p.m.: Nonprofit Expo.
1-4 p.m.: Air show. Free admission. Stunt planes, U.S. Coast Guard demo.
8 p.m.: Commodore’s Ball. Cost is $10, gates open at 7 p.m. Children 5 and under are free.
July 26
10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Arts and crafts market.
Noon- 2 p.m.: Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats
