It’s finally here. The 32nd Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival is happening this weekend, Friday and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd, at downtown Beaufort’s picturesque Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Beaufort’s annual Shrimp Festival celebrates Lowcountry cuisine and incorporates lots of fun activities for all ages. The festivities always includes concerts, arts & crafts, educational activities and two fun days of several local cookers filling Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offering samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring local wild-caught shrimp.
One of Beaufort’s most popular festivals, the excitement kicks off at 5pm Friday and includes live music starting at 5:15 by Anna Barnes and then The Reflex, a Duran Duran tribute band at 7:30pm.
Guests can savor mouth-watering shrimp dishes prepared by local chefs while exploring handcrafted items from talented artisans at the Art & Crafts Market, open Friday from noon to 6 p.m.
Seafood lovers can also follow the Shrimp Showdown, a partnership between the City of Beaufort and the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Local restaurants will put their best shrimp dishes to the test, with judges casting their votes Saturday morning. The winner of Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown will be announced Saturday afternoon.
The event will continue on Saturday with the popular Run Forrest Run 5K race starting at 8am. Runners will cross the Woods Memorial Bridge, featured in the movie Forrest Gump, and can snap photos with a Forrest Gump impersonator at the start and finish line.
The festival continues with the Kids Corner from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring HIS Radio, face painting, and a comedy stunt show.
Live entertainment includes Peach Patrol at 11:15 a.m., the Parris Island Marine Corps Popular Music Group at 12:30 p.m., and Willie Jackson & The Tybee Blues Band at 2:15 p.m.
The Art & Crafts Market reopens Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 40 artisans offering everything from jewelry and clothing to woodworking and fine art.
At 2 p.m., don’t miss the 17th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, presented by the Sea Island Rotary Club, where participants have a chance to compete for a grand prize of $30,000. Shrimp for the race are available for purchase through Sea Island Rotary
Festival-goers can enjoy food from local favorites including Sea Eagle Market, Mother Smokin’ Good, Gloria’s Filipino Food, Belly Full by Tyger, Panna E Cioccolata, Piece of Yard and Abroad, Food Savvy, The Island Fudge Shoppe, Kona Ice, Meg’s Sweet Treats, Palmetto Kettle Corn, King of Pops, and Tasty Creations by Teen Challenge.
At the heart of the festival is Beaufort’s local shrimping heritage, with fresh, locally harvested shrimp taking center stage throughout the weekend and celebrating one of the Lowcountry’s most iconic industries.
With local flavor, arts and crafts, live music, and family fun, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a two-day celebration of the people, traditions, and flavors that make the Lowcountry special.
If you need help with parking in downtown, because it can be a challenge sometimes, visit our Downtown Beaufort Parking Map.
The 32nd Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival ….celebrating our local food and culture with tons of family fun….Beaufort-style.
Don’t miss it.
