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Festivals!
Beaufort’s year-round good weather, semi-tropical coastal landscape and Southerners’ love for a party combine to create an almost non-stop schedule of outdoor festivals that reinforces the sense of small-town friendliness.
From tours of historic homes and plantation properties dating back 200 years to an international film festival that recently featured appearances by actors Blythe Danner, Michael O’Keefe and author Pat Conroy, there’s something for every taste. Many of the events tie back to the area’s history and culture. In 2011, Beaufort will celebrate its 300th birthday, though its origins date back to the mid-1500s.
Not to be forgotten is our love of food, highlighted by the springtime Soft Shell Crab Festival and the fall Shrimp Festival! Of course, the other events always feature great food, much of it fresh-caught from area waters.
The granddaddy of local festivals is the Beaufort Water Festival, which this year celebrates its 55th birthday. This mid-July blowout covers two weekends with daily events including concerts, fishing and croquet tournaments, bed and raft races and plenty of dancing under the stars and palmetto trees. For details, visit www.bftwaterfestival.com.
Throughout 2011, Beaufort will be celebrating her 300th birthday. The Tricentennial officially is Jan. 17, 2011, but festivals and other events will showcase the special honor throughout the year. A variety of unique events are being planned throughout the community for the Tricentennial.
Here’s a taste of what Beaufort, Port Royal and surrounding areas have to offer each year:
FEBRUARY
Beaufort International Film Festival is held each year in February and recognizes aspiring filmmakers of almost every genre to include independent film, music, animation, short and long features, documentaries, and screenwriting. This full weekend of events includes screenings of films, a VIP party and closing Awards Ceremony.
MARCH
Spring Tour of Homesheld each year in late March is a seasonal highlight featuring beautiful private homes open for visitors. Art Walks during the weekend are presented by the Guild of Beaufort Galleries in conjunction with this event.
APRIL
Soft Shell Crab Festivalis an annual event in April in the Town of Port Royal where old fashioned fun is the style in the streets of the Old Village with shopping and dining choices.
MAY
A Taste of Beaufortis a two day festival held the first weekend of May each year. Food, wine, art and music create a day-long event in the historic downtown. Free admission and tickets for individual purchases add to the easy celebration enjoyed by the whole city by the bay.
The Gullah Festivalis celebrated in Beaufort during Memorial Day weekend each year. It brings large crowds to enjoy cultural entertainment. The celebration of the African American heritage with folkways and foods brings visiting church and family groups from many states.
JULY
Independence Dayis celebrated on July 4 in the Town of Port Royal with a dual fireworks display presented by Parris Island and the Town of Port Royal.
Water Festivalbrings 10 days of celebration to Beaufort in July with a variety of concerts, water skiing, talent contests, air shows, boat races and parades. Water lovers also enjoy decorated boats and the traditional Blessing of the Fleet, and the Beaufort River sandbar is a popular party spot. The popular festival celebrates its 55th year in 2010.
OCTOBER
Shrimp Festivalis the first weekend in October each year and includes a run and walk plus a huge exciting celebration of the shrimping industry. Enjoy local recipes and tastings. Shop in the craft market by the bay and browse the unique shops and galleries in the downtown historic district. Free entertainment, contests and plenty of shrimp make this annual event unforgettable.
The Fall Tour of Homesis held in late October each year and features many of the historic homes in Beaufort’s National Historic District. Art Walks during the weekend are presented by the Guild of Beaufort Galleries in conjunction with this event.
NOVEMBER
Historic Penn Center’s Heritage Days on St. Helena Island is an exceptional opportunity to delve into the African-American history of the Lowcountry. Penn Center was the South’s first school for freed slaves and hosted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for several retreats during the Civil Rights era.
DECEMBER
Though technically not a festival, downtown Beaufort celebrates the holiday season in style. The first weekend of December traditionally features a Friday “Night on the Town” where downtown’s Bay Street is closed to traffic. Merrymakers browse the stores, enjoy caroling by local school choirs and catch up with neighbors, friends and newcomers. Also that weekend is the Christmas Parade. |
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