Beaufort, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort will celebrate its 31st Annual Shrimp Festival at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, featuring live music, a kids zone, a 5K run, and the Rotary Shrimp Race. Local chefs will compete in Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown, and food vendors will offer delicious Lowcountry cuisine. Shuttle services will be available to ease parking challenges, making the festival accessible to all.
Beaufort is set to host the 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival on October 3 and 4, at the renowned Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. This beloved festival celebrates Lowcountry cuisine and offers a wide array of activities that cater to attendees of all ages.
Festivities will kick off on Friday, October 3, at 5 p.m. with an arts and crafts market that will remain open until 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music performances starting with the Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m., followed by Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m. The Friday events are scheduled to last until 10 p.m., offering ample time for attendees to explore.
The excitement continues on Saturday, October 4, with the Run Forrest Run 5K beginning at 8 a.m., marking the first race in the Beaufort Triple Crown. The arts and crafts market, as well as the kids zone, will open at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Lead by the Parris Island Marine Corps Band, live music will commence at noon, followed by performances from The Deckhands at 1 p.m. and Lyn Avenue at 2:30 p.m.
The highlight of Saturday’s events is the Rotary Shrimp Race scheduled for 3 p.m., where thousands of rubber shrimp will float down the Beaufort River. Attendees can also savor food offerings from local vendors such as Bellyfull By Tyger, Mother Smokin’ Good, Sea Eagle Market, and Sassy Sweets.
The festival will feature the prestigious Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown, where local chefs will compete for awards. The winners of the shrimp cooking competition will be disclosed on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. The overall winner will receive the Silver Cup and bragging rights for a year.
Additionally, a Coastal Education Fair will take place on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., further emphasizing the festival’s emphasis on seafood, local culture, and community engagement through culinary showcases.
For the convenience of attendees, shuttle services will be available with designated pickup and drop-off points located at: 500 Carteret St., the intersection of North Street and Bladen Street, and the Beaufort County Administrative Building parking lot. To mitigate parking challenges, visitors are advised to consult the Downtown Beaufort Parking Map.
With an exciting roster of family activities, live entertainment, educational offerings, and art displays, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival promises a memorable experience for all. For additional details, the public is encouraged to visit the official Beaufort Shrimp Festival website.
Key Features of the Beaufort Shrimp Festival
| Date | Time | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| October 3 | 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. | Arts and crafts market, live music (Threshold Party Band, Billy and the Jets) |
| October 4 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Run Forrest Run 5K, arts and crafts market, kids zone, shrimp race, Coastal Education Fair, live music |
FAQ
What are the dates of the Beaufort Shrimp Festival?
The 31st Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival takes place on October 3 and 4.
Where is the festival located?
The festival takes place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort.
What events are scheduled for Friday, October 3?
Events begin on Friday, October 3 at 5 p.m. with an arts and crafts market running until 5 p.m., followed by live music featuring Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m. and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m.
What activities can attendees expect on Saturday, October 4?
The Run Forrest Run 5K begins at 8 a.m., followed by the opening of the arts and crafts market and kids zone at 11 a.m. Live music starts at noon, and the Rotary Shrimp Race takes place at 3 p.m.
Who are the food vendors at the festival?
Food offerings from local vendors include Bellyfull By Tyger, Mother Smokin’ Good, Sea Eagle Market, and Sassy Sweets.
Is there a competition during the festival?
The festival includes the “Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown” with local chefs competing for awards, and the winners will be announced on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Will there be transportation available?
Shuttles will be available with pickup and drop-off points at three locations: 500 Cartert St., the intersection of North Street and Bladen Street, and the Beaufort County Administrative Building parking lot.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort Shrimp Festival Returns for 31st Year
- Island Packet: Beaufort Shrimp Festival News
- Explore Beaufort SC: All You Need to Know About this Weekend’s Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- World Atlas: Unique Festivals in South Carolina
- Wikipedia: Shrimp
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.
