Beaufort SC, August 25, 2025
News Summary
The Historic Beaufort Foundation is gearing up for the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens, an event that allows the public to explore Beaufort’s rich architectural history. Scheduled for October, the festival will showcase private homes and properties typically closed to visitors. The event also includes talks about sustainable living, home tours, and a special Lowcountry brunch that highlights recent archaeological findings, making it a celebration of both history and community engagement.
Beaufort Prepares for 51st Annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
The Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens is scheduled for October 17-19, 2023, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the architectural richness of Beaufort, South Carolina. This event showcases private homes that represent three centuries of historic architecture, many of which are typically closed to the public.
This year, the festival introduces a special Friday evening talk titled “Contemporary Southern Vernacular” led by architect and author Jane Frederick. The focus will be on sustainable home designs, promoting eco-friendly living practices. The talk is set to take place from 5:30 PM to 7 PM at the Flora and John Trask Sr. House, which dates back to ca. 1913, located within Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District. Tickets are available for $75 for members and $100 for non-members.
On Saturday, a comprehensive home tour of Bluff homes is slated from 10 AM to 4 PM, featuring a variety of architectural styles that reflect Beaufort’s history from the early 19th century through the mid-20th century. Tickets for this home tour are priced at $75 for members and $85 for non-members.
For those interested in real-time restoration insights, a sneak-peek hardhat tour of a recently-acquired property at 1001 Greene Street will be conducted on Saturday from 4 PM to 6 PM. Tickets for this exclusive tour are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.
The festival will conclude with a Lowcountry Brunch and Tour on Sunday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM at the Robert Means-Gage House, which dates back to between 1805 and 1820. This brunch will feature discussions about recent archaeological findings from the property, including artifacts discovered during earlier excavations. Tickets for brunch are limited and include interactions with the property owners, discussing the historical discoveries.
Background Information about Beaufort and the Festival
Beaufort, the second oldest town in South Carolina, was founded in 1711 and is situated on Port Royal Island. The Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens has become a cherished tradition, now in its 51st year, and serves not only as a means of showcasing Beaufort’s architectural heritage but also as a key fundraiser for the Historic Beaufort Foundation, which is focused on historic preservation efforts.
The diverse offerings of this year’s festival—from architectural tours to informative sessions—reflect the community’s dedication to preserving their rich heritage while addressing modern sustainability in architecture. The Historic Beaufort Foundation encourages everyone to attend this celebration of history, design, and community spirit.
Ticket Pricing Summary
| Event | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
|---|---|---|
| Friday Evening Talk | $75 | $100 |
| Home Tour on Saturday | $75 | $85 |
| Hardhat Tour on Saturday | $35 | $45 |
| Lowcountry Brunch and Tour | Limited Pricing | Limited Pricing |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens?
It is an annual event organized by the Historic Beaufort Foundation that showcases private homes and properties of historic significance in Beaufort, South Carolina.
When will the festival take place?
The festival is scheduled for October 17-19, 2023.
How can I purchase tickets for the events?
Tickets can be purchased through the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s website.
Are there different ticket prices for members and non-members?
Yes, there are different pricing tiers for members and non-members for each event.
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Additional Resources
- Explore Beaufort SC: Annual Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Your Island News: Lowcountry Pride Hosts Annual Festival This Weekend
- Google Search: Beaufort Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens
- Eat Stay Play Beaufort: 13 Lowcountry Festivals You Must Attend This Fall
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
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.
