The 68th Annual Beaufort Water Festival

This July 12-21, 2024, it’s “A Summer to Remember” at the Beaufort Water Festival!

Every mid-summer, Beaufort transforms into a vibrant stage for the grand Beaufort Water Festival – one of the South’s premier outdoor events. Originating in July 1956, this beloved festival has flourished over time while maintaining its roots as a community-driven nonprofit endeavor. Each year, the Festival constantly updates its events to match attendees’ interests. 2024 is no exception. And, with the dedication of over 400 volunteers, top-notch entertainment is made affordable through the support of loyal sponsors.

The Water Festival is a 10-day extravaganza filled with activities for all ages. From children to teens and adults, everyone can find something to enjoy. In addition to nightly entertainment, the festival offers a daily Arts & Crafts Market running from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., tournaments, tours, and much more.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday, July 12:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at Waterfront Park
  Event Details: 2–7 p.m.
• OPENING CEREMONY
  Entertainment: Parris Island Marine Band w/fireworks
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: FREE EVENT​ | Gates open at 6 p.m., Ceremony at 7 p.m.

Saturday, July 13:

• Raft Race
  Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
  Event Details: 8:30 a.m.-Noon
• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: 9:30 a.m. – 7 p.m.
• Bocce Tournament
  Sponsored by: JoCo Construction and the Pizzo Family
  Location: Waterfront Park Main Field
  Event Details: Play starts at 8 a.m.
• Badminton Tournament
  Location: Waterfront Park Stage Field
  Event Details: Play starts at 9 a.m.
• Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament
  Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 a.m. – 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 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Shrimp Boat Display
  Sponsored by: Sea Eagle Market
  Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 p.m.
• CONCERT IN THE PARK
  Headline Performer: Parmalee
  ​Also Performing: HunterGirl
  ​Opening Act: Katie Lynn
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $35 | Gates open at 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 14

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• River Rally
  Location: Local Waters
  Event Details: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Children’s Day
  Featuring Games, Activities, Shows, Bounce Houses, and Prizes
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Shrimp Boat Display
  Location: Waterfront Park Seawall
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 p.m.
• Ski Show
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1 p.m.
• TEEN DANCE
  Entertainment: Veteran’s Pride Entertainment Services
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $10 | 6–9 p.m.
  Ages 13 – 17 only, ID Required

Monday, July 15:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: Noon – 7 p.m.
• MOTOWN MONDAY
  Entertainment: Deas-Guyz
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.

Tuesday, July 16:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: Noon 7 p.m.
• ISLAND TIME TUESDAY
  Headline Entertainment: Yvad Davy
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $5 | Gates open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.
• FIRST RESPONDER & MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT – free admission with active duty ID

Wednesday, July 17:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: Noon–7 p.m.
• TALENT SHOW
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $10 or FREE with Official 2024 68th Annual Water Festival T-Shirt | Gates open at 6 p.m., Show at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 18:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: Noon–7 p.m.
• LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER
  Headline Entertainment: Stuck in Time Band
  Opening Act: Chris Jones
  Featuring: The Whistlers
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 6 p.m. | Supper served 6 –7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 19:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: Noon–7 p.m.
• Bed Race
  Location: Corner of Bay & Harrington
  Event Details: $25 entry per team | 4:30 p.m. check-in | 5 p.m. start time
• ROCKIN’ the RIVER
  Entertainment: Queen Flash
  Opening Act: ​Alan Price & The Modern Day
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $20 | Gates open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m. | Must be 18 or Older with Valid ID to attend

Saturday, July 20:

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: 9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.
• Water Festival Grand Parade
  Location: Downtown Beaufort
  Grand Marshal: Derrick “D” Washington
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 a.m. – Noon
• Non-Profit Expo
  Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 p.m.
• ​Air Show
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1–4 p.m.
• COMMODORE’S BALL
  Entertainment: Shag Doctorz
  Location: Waterfront Park
  Event Details: $10 | Gates open at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m.

Sunday, July 21

• Festival Arts & Crafts Market
  Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park
  Event Details: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
• Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats
  Location: Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall
  Event Details: 12:30–2 p.m.

For more information on the Beaufort Water Festival, click HERE.