Beaufort Water Festival to Mark 70th Year on the Waterfront This July

Beaufort, SC

For ten days this summer, Beaufort’s waterfront will become the center of one of the Lowcountry’s longest-running community traditions. The 70th Annual Beaufort Water Festival will take place July 17 through 26, filling Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and surrounding areas with live music, water events, local art, food, and family activities.

First held in 1956, the festival began with sailboat races, a parade, a ski show, and evening celebrations. It has since expanded into a broader community event supported by hundreds of volunteers, while retaining many of the traditions that have shaped it for generations.

The festival begins with an opening ceremony featuring the Parris Island Marine Band and fireworks over the water. The first weekend includes a raft race, river rally, Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament, and ski show. Across the following week, the park will host nightly entertainment ranging from concerts and dance evenings to the annual talent show and Lowcountry Supper. The Arts & Crafts Market will also line the park’s promenade throughout the festival, bringing together handmade goods and work from regional vendors.

The second weekend extends the celebration into downtown Beaufort. A bed race takes over part of Bay Street on Friday, followed on Saturday by the Grand Parade and an afternoon air show featuring stunt planes above the waterfront. The Commodore’s Ball closes the evening before the festival concludes Sunday with the Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats on the Beaufort River.

In its 70th year, the Beaufort Water Festival continues to reflect a close connection to the water, strong local participation, and traditions shared across generations.