News Summary
Beaufort County is set to host a range of Fourth of July festivities, including parades, races, and fireworks events throughout the region. Activities kick off with the Firecracker 5K Run at Honey Horn Park, followed by a military flyover and a parade in Harbour Town. The day also includes contests and evening fireworks with live entertainment, ensuring a memorable celebration for residents and visitors alike. With events in Bluffton, Port Royal, and Fripp Island, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during this Independence Day.
Beaufort County Celebrates Fourth of July with Parades, Races, and Fireworks Events Across the Region
Beaufort County will host a vibrant array of Fourth of July festivities on July 4, ranging from parades and races to fireworks and live music. Events kick off with the Firecracker 5K Run & Family Fun Walk at Honey Horn Park at 8 a.m., followed by a military flyover at 1 p.m. honoring America’s armed forces. A day full of activities will culminate in spectacular fireworks displays across various locations, ensuring fun for residents and visitors alike.
The Harbour Town Fourth of July Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration starting at 8:30 a.m. Entry into the competition is free, but attendees should note that Sea Pines gate fees apply. Also scheduled is the Frosty Frog Hot Dog Eating Contest at Frosty Frog in Coligny Plaza, which starts at 11 a.m. and offers free admission for spectators.
The evening offers much to enjoy, with the HarbourFest Fireworks & Entertainment event beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Shelter Cove Harbour & Marina. Attendees can look forward to live music and various children’s activities. A concert featuring Gregg Russell will follow, starting at 8 p.m. under Liberty Oak in Harbour Town, still under the Sea Pines gate fee regulations.
Bluffton will also join in the Independence Day celebrations with its own array of events. An Independence Day 5K is set for July 2 at 7 p.m., featuring entertainment before the race. The Bluffton Independence Day Pre-Party on July 3 will run from 5 to 9 p.m., presenting carnival games, food vendors, and fireworks at 9 p.m. over the May River. Free shuttle transportation will be available from M.C. Riley Elementary School to Oyster Factory Park for those attending.
The Port Royal 4th of July Celebration will take place from 5 to 10 p.m., featuring live music, food vendors, and a fireworks display over the Beaufort River. Meanwhile, the Juke Joint Jam at Penn Center on July 4 will celebrate Gullah-Geechee culture from 7 p.m. to midnight, with tickets available exclusively for residents.
Fripp Island is contributing to the day of celebration with its own events, including a Golf Cart Parade and Independence Day 5K on July 4. Attendees are encouraged to embrace the theme with decorations. Fireworks on Fripp Island are scheduled for after dusk, providing a fitting end to the day’s festivities.
To accommodate visitors and improve accessibility, handicapped parking will be available at many locations, with designated parking sites outlined. Attendees should be aware that there will be docks and road closures during the Independence Day events, and updates regarding these changes can be found online.
For those interested in literary events, the Pat Conroy Literary Center is hosting a virtual Open Mic Night on September 11 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., featuring novelist Laura Leigh Morris, who is set to release her book “The Stone Catchers” in 2024.
Beaufort County’s Fourth of July celebrations promise to provide a blend of traditional festivities, entertainment, and community engagement across the region, making it a highlight of the summer season.
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News
- Wikipedia: Fourth of July
- Washington Daily News
- Google Search: Beaufort County Independence Day Events
- Explore Beaufort SC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Independence Day
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
