Every mid-summer, Beaufort transforms into a massive stage for an unforgettable outdoor event – the Beaufort Water Festival.
This non-profit project, run by the community, has been a massive success since its inception in July 1956. As the years have gone by, the festival has only increased in its entertainment value and importance.
Below is a schedule of events for the 2023 Beaufort Water Festival:
Friday, July 14:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at Waterfront Park
- Event Details: 2 pm – 7 pm
OPENING CEREMONY
- Entertainment: Parris Island Marine Band w/fireworks
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | Gates open at 6 pm, Ceremony at 7 pm | FREE Shuttle Service from the Beaufort County Government Center | No pets allowed
Saturday, July 15:
Raft Race
- Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
- Event Details: 8:30 am-Noon
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: 9:30 am – 7 pm
Bocce Tournament
- Location: Waterfront Park Main Field
- Event Details: Play starts at 8 am
Badminton Tournament
- Location: Waterfront Park Stage Field
- Event Details: Play starts at 9 am
Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament
- Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 am – Noon | Ages 12 and under only | Bring your own rod, reel, and tackle | Bait provided
Sponsor’s Expo
- Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 am – 2 pm
Shrimp Boat Tours
- Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 pm
CONCERT IN THE PARK
- Headline Performer: Randy Houser
- Also Performing: Gabrielle Mooney
- Opening Act: Andrew Beam
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $35 | Gates open at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm | No strollers, coolers, outside food or beverages or professional photography | No Refunds | FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed
Sunday, July 16:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: 9:30 am – 5 pm
River Rally
- Location: Local Waters
- Event Details: 9 am – 1 pm
Children’s Day
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 11 am – 3 pm | Featuring Games, Activities, Shows, Bounce Houses, and Prizes
Shrimp Boat Tours
- Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 pm
Ski Show
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1 PM
TEEN DANCE
- Entertainment: Veteran’s Pride Entertainment Services
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $10 | 6 pm – 9 pm | Gates open 6 pm – 9 pm, No entry after 8 pm (NO RE-ENTRY ALLOWED) | Ages 13 – 17 only, ID Required | Clutch Purses Only (6” x 9” size) | Please Wear Appropriate Clothing | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | No pets allowed
Monday, July 17:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: Noon – 7 pm
MOTOWN MONDAY
- Entertainment: Deas-Guyz
- Location: Waterfront Park
Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | FREE Shuttle Service from the Beaufort County Government Center | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed
Tuesday, July 18:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: Noon – 7 pm
ISLAND TIME TUESDAY
- Headline Entertainment: Sons of Sailors
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $5 | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | No pets allowed
FIRST RESPONDER & MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT – free admission with active duty ID
Wednesday, July 19:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: Noon – 7 pm
TALENT SHOW
- Hosted by: The Preceptor Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $10 or FREE with Official 2023 67th Annual Water Festival T-Shirt | Gates open at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed
Thursday, July 20:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: Noon – 7 pm
LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER
- Headline Entertainment: Freebird
- Opening Act: Chris Jones
- Featuring: The Whistlers
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 6 pm | Supper served 6 pm – 7:30 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed
Friday, July 21:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: Noon – 7 pm
Bed Race
- Location: Corner of Bay & Harrington
- Event Details: $25 entry per team | 4:30 pm check-in | 5 pm start time | Same day registration based on space availability
ROCKIN’ the RIVER
- Entertainment: Led Zeppelin 2
- Opening Act: Killin’ Quade
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $20 | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | Must be 18 or Older with Valid ID to attend | No refunds, outside food or beverages, coolers or strollers | FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center
Saturday, July 22:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: 9:30 am – 7 pm
Water Festival Grand Parade
- Organized by: The Beaufort Lions Club
- Location: Downtown Beaufort
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 am – Noon
Non-Profit Expo
- Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 pm
Air Show
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1 pm – 4 pm | Stunt Planes | Parachutists
COMMODORE’S BALL
- Entertainment: ACE Party Band
- Location: Waterfront Park
- Event Details: $10 | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed
Sunday, July 23:
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
- Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
- Event Details: 9:30 am – 3 pm
Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats
- Location: Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall
- Event Details: Noon – 2 pm | FREE registration | Boats must register to be eligible for prizes | All applications must be at the judge’s table prior to Noon