News Summary
The Beaufort Water Festival will commence soon with ten days of festivities themed ‘Blue Skies & Starry Nights.’ The festival includes an array of events such as a raft race, bocce tournament, and a concert featuring Chris Janson. Despite the closure of part of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park due to safety concerns, the community remains committed to ensuring a vibrant celebration of local culture and heritage. Attendees are encouraged to participate in the various activities and enjoy the free events while exploring the arts and crafts market.
Beaufort, South Carolina – The 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival is set to commence on Friday, July 11, 2025, delivering ten days of festivities despite ongoing challenges due to the closure of part of Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The festival’s opening ceremony will feature a spectacular fireworks display and is sponsored by Devil Dog Headquarters.
This year’s theme, “Blue Skies & Starry Nights,” is inspired by the renowned painting of Vincent Van Gogh. Festivities will officially kick off with the opening ceremony on Friday evening, followed by fireworks lighting up the night sky. The arts and crafts market will open at 2 PM on Friday, running until 7 PM, providing attendees with a chance to explore a variety of unique items.
Despite the excitement, a portion of Waterfront Park has been closed indefinitely due to safety concerns. The promenade has been deemed structurally unsafe after enduring years of harsh marine conditions. This situation has necessitated the relocation of the beloved raft race and the children’s toad fishing tournament. The raft race will now take place at Sands Beach in Port Royal, ensuring that participants can still partake in this cherished tradition.
Many events during the water festival are free, while some may require admission payments. Notable activities scheduled for Saturday, July 12, include the Raft Race, Bocce Tournament, Badminton Tournament, and a Concert in the Park featuring country artist Chris Janson. Doors for the concert will open at 6 PM, with musical performances set to begin at 7 PM.
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy various activities such as Motown Mondays, a Bed Race, and the prominent Commodore’s Ball. While most musical acts will continue regardless of light rain, severe weather may cause delays. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets online ahead of time, as there will be no ticket sales at the gate. Digital tickets will be emailed following purchase, and parents can take advantage of free admission for children under 5 years old, although kids will not be permitted at the Teen Dance and River Dance events.
To accommodate festival-goers, lawn chairs can be set up on the grass area during events, but strollers will not be allowed at the Concert in the Park for safety reasons. For the convenience of attendees driving to evening events, parking is available at the Beaufort Government Center on Boundary Street, with a complimentary shuttle service providing transportation to Waterfront Park.
Preparation for the Beaufort Water Festival typically spans most of the year, demonstrating the community’s commitment to making this event a success. The festival aims to create a fun-filled atmosphere celebrating the local culture, heritage, and vibrant community spirit. As the event attracts scores of visitors annually, it has become a significant highlight in Beaufort’s social calendar.
With its wide array of activities and a picturesque setting, the Beaufort Water Festival promises to be a memorable experience filled with excitement, community engagement, and artistic celebration, all held under the theme of “Blue Skies & Starry Nights.”
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Beaufort’s Waterfront Park Closed Indefinitely Due to Structural Risks
Temporary Closure of Waterfront Park in Beaufort
Additional Resources
- WTOC: 69th Beaufort Water Festival Begins Soon
- Island Packet: Beaufort Water Festival Coverage
- Explore Beaufort: Chris Janson to Headline Water Festival
- Post and Courier: Beaufort Water Festival 2025 Kickoff
- WSAV: Beaufort Waterfront Shutdown Before Festival
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: Beaufort Water Festival
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beaufort, South Carolina
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.
