News Summary
Memorial Day weekend in Beaufort, South Carolina, will feature a series of activities honoring service members and providing entertainment for families. Events include the 40th Original Gullah Festival showcasing Gullah culture, the Hilton Head Art Festival, and a concert by the Hilton Head Choral Society. The Memorial Day parade and ceremony will pay tribute to veterans, alongside cultural performances and a flower-throwing ceremony. Safety measures will be in place with courtesy boat inspections to promote boat safety, making it an enriching and commemorative weekend for all.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Memorial Day weekend festivities are slated to honor service members and provide entertainment with various events spread throughout Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort. The highlighted activities include parades, music concerts, and cultural festivals from May 23 through May 27, 2023.
The 40th Original Gullah Festival will take place at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort from May 23 to May 25. This celebration showcases Gullah culture through performances, workshops, tours, traditional cuisine, and live music, with free admission for all attendees. The festival emphasizes the rich heritage of the Gullah community in the Lowcountry region.
Additionally, Hilton Head Island is hosting a variety of family-friendly events to celebrate the holiday. The Hilton Head Art Festival will be held at Shelter Cove on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Sunday hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival features local artists and their works, providing an artistic experience for visitors.
On Sunday evening, the “America Sings!” concert by the Hilton Head Choral Society and Category V Brass promises an inspiring patriotic performance. The concert is set for 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, with ticket prices at $30 for adults and $15 for children.
The Memorial Day parade in Beaufort, organized by the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, will commence at 10 a.m. on May 26. The parade lineup begins at 9 a.m. and starts at the Beaufort National Cemetery, proceeding down Boundary Street, turning onto Carteret Street, and ending at the intersection of Boundary and Bladen Streets. Rev. Sam T. Spain Sr. is serving as the Vice Commander of the parade, with Rev. Venice Young recognized as the Grand Marshal.
In the case of inclement weather, the parade will be canceled. Following the parade, a solemn Memorial Day Ceremony will be held at noon at Beaufort National Cemetery, where attendees are advised to enter via the side entrance off Rogers Street. The keynote speaker for this commemorative event will be Gen. Lloyd “Fig” Newton, a retired four-star U.S. Air Force general.
As part of the commemorative activities, the Gullah Traveling Theater is set to perform “Decoration Day” on May 22 and May 24 at the USCB Center for the Arts. This production honors Gullah traditions, further enriching the cultural festivities during the weekend.
A flower-throwing ceremony will take place during the Sunday service on May 25 at Central Baptist Church, providing a poignant moment to honor those who died at sea.
The “Flags In” event will occur on May 23 at 6 p.m., where U.S. flags will be placed on graves at Beaufort National Cemetery to remember those who served. The follow-up event, “Flags Out,” is scheduled for May 27 at 9 a.m. to remove the flags after the holiday.
For those interested in boating and safety, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources will conduct free courtesy boat inspections at Broad River Landing on May 25 and at Lemon Island Boat Ramp on May 26, both from 9 to 11 a.m. These inspections will provide educational tips on boat safety, with no penalties for non-compliance observed during the inspections.
With a range of events, Memorial Day weekend in Beaufort promises to blend honoring military service with opportunities for family enjoyment and cultural enrichment in the community.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Community Events Set for Beaufort This June
Memorial Day Weekend Events in Hilton Head and Surrounding Areas
Beaufort Celebrates 40th Original Gullah Festival
Beaufort to Honor Fallen Service Members This Memorial Day
Additional Resources
- Explore Beaufort: Memorial Day Parade Ceremony in Photos
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- WSAV: Beaufort Memorial Day Parade Gallery
- Google Search: Beaufort South Carolina Memorial Day events
- Your Island News: Honoring Those Who Gave All
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Memorial Day
- Island Packet: Local News on Memorial Day
- Google News: Beaufort Memorial Day Parade
- MSN: Traffic Advisory for Memorial Day Parade
