Beaufort Gears Up for the 30th Annual Shrimp Festival
As the storm clouds fade away, the charming city of Beaufort is ready to celebrate the 30th anniversary of its beloved Shrimp Festival this weekend! Mark your calendars for Friday and Saturday, October 4 and 5, because there’s a lot to look forward to in the scenic Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This family-friendly festival promises a delightful blend of food, entertainment, and festive activities for everyone.
What to Expect at the Festival
Get ready for an exciting lineup! The festival will kick off on Friday evening, showcasing an array of talented musicians. You can catch the smooth sounds of Alan Price at 5:30 p.m. followed by the popular local group, Deaz Guys, taking the stage at 7:30 p.m. Bring your family and friends, as there will be plenty of camaraderie and good vibes to enjoy!
But that’s just the beginning! On Saturday, the festival will keep the excitement going with the Coastal Education Fair happening from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. Throughout the day, you can experience performances from local bands, including the Brewer Band at 11:10 a.m., Jason Lee Cook at 12:20 p.m., and Gritty FlyRight at 2:30 p.m. And who knows, you may even spot Forrest Gump, or a very convincing lookalike, strolling around with his iconic parasol!
Savor the Flavor
No shrimp festival would be complete without an abundance of delicious food. Local vendors are gearing up to serve a feast fit for a seafood lover! Expect mouth-watering offerings from Sea Eagle Market, Mother Smokin’ Good, and Belly Full by Tyger, among others. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, sweet treats, or irresistible snacks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
And don’t forget about the Arts & Crafts Market! Open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, this marketplace will showcase the creativity of 40 talented artisans offering everything from art and jewelry to woodworking and clothing. This is a great opportunity to find a unique gift or a special memento from the festival!
Fun for the Little Ones
The Kids Corner promises to be a hub of fun with a variety of activities that will keep the little ones entertained. It’s the perfect spot for kids to play and explore while the adults soak up the festival atmosphere. There’s always something exciting happening!
Get Active with the 5K and Charity Shrimp Race
For those feeling adventurous, join the Run Forrest Run 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning starting at 8 a.m.. The race takes you along the same scenic path where the famous movie “Forrest Gump” was filmed—how cool is that? Plus, you’ll get a chance to snap a fun photo with Forrest himself at both the start and finish lines.
As the day winds down, don’t miss the 16th Annual Charity Shrimp Race at 3 p.m.. Hosted by the Sea Island Rotary Club, this unique event offers a grand prize of $30,000! Participating in the shrimp race is a fun way to contribute to local charities while having a chance to win big!
Join the Celebration!
Packing a whole lot of excitement, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival is not just about shrimp—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and coastal living. Bring your family, grab your friends, and head to the waterfront this weekend to create lasting memories at this incredible festival!
