June 23, 2025

Beaufort Hosts Cultural and Culinary Celebrations

News Summary

Beaufort, SC, is gearing up for a range of cultural and culinary events that highlight its rich heritage and local cuisine. The Original Gullah Festival, a tribute to the Gullah/Geechee culture, will draw large crowds over Memorial Day weekend. Following this, the Beaufort Wine and Food Spring Festival and the Taste of Beaufort event will showcase local culinary delights. With an emphasis on community engagement, these festivals promise to be enjoyable events for residents and visitors alike.

Beaufort, SC: Upcoming Events Highlight Cultural and Culinary Traditions

The city of Beaufort is set to host a series of exciting events in the coming weeks, with festivities celebrating both cultural heritage and local cuisine. The Original Gullah Festival will take place Memorial Day weekend, May 23rd through May 25th, drawing an anticipated crowd of over 40,000 attendees. Meanwhile, the Beaufort Wine and Food Spring Festival kicks off on April 27th, followed by the Taste of Beaufort event on May 2nd and 3rd.

Gullah Festival Celebrates Heritage

The Gullah Festival has been a staple of Beaufort for 39 years, honoring the contributions and legacies of the Gullah/Geechee people, who are descendants of enslaved Africans in the Lowcountry. This vibrant festival will fill downtown Beaufort with arts and crafts, exhibits, and presentations reflecting the Gullah culture. Attendees can enjoy workshops, traditional Gullah cuisine, music, and dancing, making it an educational and entertaining experience.

Key performances will include the renowned Dr. Marlena Smalls and the Hallelujah Singers, along with Aunt Pearlie Sue & The Gullah Kinfolk, and various skilled Gullah storytellers. This year’s festival recreates the historical event known as Decoration Day, now recognized as Memorial Day, further emphasizing its cultural significance.

Beaufort Wine and Food Festival

Kicking off on April 27th, the Beaufort Wine and Food Spring Festival aims to showcase the culinary prowess of local vendors. The festival will run through Sunday, featuring various events such as wine dinners, lunch hors d’oeuvres, and the grand Vin de Mer event. Since its establishment in 2005, this festival has raised over a million dollars for local non-profit organizations, confirming its commitment to supporting the community.

Taste of Beaufort: A Culinary Extravaganza

Just a week after the Gullah Festival, the Taste of Beaufort will be held at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on May 2nd and 3rd. This event is free to attend, with food and beverages available for purchase through a ticketing system. Local restaurants will showcase the region’s famous Lowcountry cuisine, featuring seasonal seafood such as fresh grilled shrimp.

Musical entertainment will amplify the festive atmosphere, with performances by Campfire Tyler, High 5 Band, Hotter Than July, Weekly Special, Broke Locals, and The Brewer Band. In addition to the culinary offerings, families can enjoy a designated kids’ corner and a Craft Market, promoting community engagement and family fun.

Community Engagement and Additional Events

In support of community involvement, volunteers are encouraged to participate in a May River cleanup event organized by the Town of Bluffton on May 3rd, running from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. All necessary supplies and lunch for the participants will be provided by the event partners and the Town of Bluffton.

On the entertainment front, the upcoming Bluffton Movie Nights in the Park will feature a screening of “Moana 2” on May 2nd, with activities for children starting at 5 p.m. and the film screening at 6 p.m. Additionally, Caring Hearts of SC will host their third annual Car, Truck, Jeep, and Bike Show on May 3rd at Ridgeland Secondary Academy, with a registration fee of $25 for entries.

These events in Beaufort offer a unique opportunity for locals and visitors alike to celebrate heritage, savor culinary delights, and engage in community activities. With a full calendar of festivities, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant coastal city, making it a highlight of the spring season.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Beaufort County Gears Up for a Summer of Events
Beaufort County’s Summer Events and Festivals
Summer Events and Festivals in Beaufort County
Music Festival of the Lowcountry Returns to Beaufort
Bluffton and Jasper County Prepare for Juneteenth Celebrations
Exploring the Hidden Gems of South Carolina’s Small Towns
Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations in Beaufort
Community Events Set for Beaufort This June
South Carolina Towns Showcase Southern Hospitality and Scenic Beauty
Discover South Carolina’s Coastal Treasures

Additional Resources

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.

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.

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