Beaufort, October 5, 2025
News Summary
Beaufort successfully hosted its annual Shrimp Festival, attracting thousands of visitors to celebrate the local shrimping industry. The 31st anniversary event featured a variety of shrimp dishes, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities while honoring the region’s cultural heritage. Local chefs and restaurants showcased their unique culinary offerings, and community engagement was highlighted through events like the Run Forrest Run 5K and the Charity Shrimp Race.
Beaufort celebrated its annual Shrimp Festival over the weekend, successfully attracting thousands of visitors. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the festival, which honors the local shrimping industry and provides fresh shrimp to attendees, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage and fostering community connections amidst the pleasant fall weather.
The festival pays homage to the film “Forrest Gump,” a movie that was partially filmed in the Beaufort area. A popular Forrest Gump impersonator made an appearance to advocate for the shrimp industry, promoting the benefits of eating local shrimp to festival-goers. The event hosted a variety of local shrimp restaurants and food trucks offering an array of shrimp dishes, including fried shrimp, gumbo, and shrimp sandwiches, highlighting the culinary diversity of Lowcountry cuisine.
Craig Reaves, owner of the Sea Eagle Market food truck, mentioned the importance of shrimping both as a family tradition and a pivotal part of community heritage. The festival, organized by the city of Beaufort with assistance from the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association, showcased the local shrimping legacy through food, activities, and community engagement.
Ashlee Houck, the association’s president and CEO, emphasized the festival’s significance in showcasing the region’s shrimping heritage to locals and visitors alike. Attendees participated in the festivities wearing shrimp-themed T-shirts and necklaces adorned with plastic shrimp, adding a spirited cheer to the celebrations. The event also included live entertainment featuring local bands, arts, crafts, and a Kids Corner filled with engaging activities for young attendees.
The weekend festivities featured the highly anticipated Run Forrest Run 5K race on Saturday morning, promoting health and community spirit. Additionally, the annual Charity Shrimp Race was a highlight, inviting participants to witness rubber shrimp racing down the Beaufort River for a chance to win prizes.
This year, city officials expect attendance to range from approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people, contingent on weather conditions. The festival’s lineup included educational activities related to the coastal ecosystem, further enhancing the community spirit and knowledge of the local area.
Admission to the Shrimp Festival was free, with food and beverage tickets available at one dollar each, making it accessible for all. The event successfully brought locals and visitors together, reaffirming its reputation as an annual celebration of Lowcountry cuisine and culture.
FAQ
What is the Shrimp Festival?
The Shrimp Festival is an annual event in Beaufort that celebrates the local shrimping industry and provides fresh shrimp to attendees.
When is the Shrimp Festival held?
The Shrimp Festival is held annually, with this year marking its 31st anniversary.
What activities were featured at the festival?
The festival featured local shrimp dishes, live music, arts and crafts, a Kids Corner, a 5K race, and the annual Charity Shrimp Race.
How many people are expected to attend?
City officials expect attendance to range from approximately 8,000 to 10,000 people, depending on weather conditions.
Was there a cost to enter the festival?
Admission to the Shrimp Festival was free, with food and beverage tickets available for purchase at one dollar each.
Key Features of the Shrimp Festival
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaufort |
| Anniversary | 31st Year |
| Expected Attendance | 8,000 to 10,000 |
| Admission Cost | Free; Food tickets $1 each |
| Main Activities | Food, live music, 5K race, shrimp race |
| Community Engagement | Support for local shrimping heritage |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Explore the Lowcountry with New Book by Seldons
Exploring South Carolina’s Towns with European Charm
Beaufort to Host Annual Shrimp Festival
OktoPRfest: Oktoberfest Celebration in Port Royal
St. Helena Island Community Stands Against Development Proposal
Local Shrimpers Face Challenges Amidst Decline in Industry
Bluffton Gears Up for Fall Events and Community Activities
Beaufort County Celebrates Community Spirit and Art
Exploring the Historic Charm of South Carolina’s Small Towns
Beaufort County Welcomes an Array of September Events
Additional Resources
- WJCL: Beaufort Shrimp Festival 2025
- Wikipedia: Shrimp
- Explore Beaufort: Beaufort Shrimp Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Festival
- Island Packet: Beaufort News
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.
