Beaufort Water Festival 2025 Schedule: What to Know Before You Go

Since 1956, the Beaufort Water Festival has transformed each July into a celebration of Southern summer magic. What began as a small-town event with fifty-cent pageant tickets and dollar dance balls has grown into one of the region’s premier outdoor festivals. Today, it draws thousands to the waterfront for concerts, boat races, arts, and all-around Lowcountry fun.

Backed by a nonprofit and powered by more than 400 volunteers whether you're a longtime local or it's your first time catching the breeze off the Beaufort River, this day-by-day guide will help you make the most of every moment.

There will be shuttles, some events were moved due to safety concerns at the park, but the show WILL go on!

Here’s what’s happening at the 2025 Beaufort Water Festival.

Friday, July 11

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Promenade at Waterfront Park

Opening Ceremony | Gates open at 6:00 PM, Ceremony at 7:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Entertainment by Parris Island Marine Band followed by fireworks. Free shuttle from Beaufort Government Center. No coolers, outside food or drinks, pets, or professional photography. Clear bags only.

Saturday, July 12

Raft Race | 8:30 AM – Noon - To be held at The Sands in Port Royal

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM 📍Waterfront Park

Bocce Tournament | 8:00 AM Start

Badminton Tournament | 9:00 AM Start

Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament | 10:00 AM – Noon  Ages 12 and under. Bring your own rod and reel. Bait provided

Sponsor’s Expo | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM at Waterfront Park Pavilion

Concert in the Park | Gates open at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Featuring Chris Janson, Alli Walker, and Chris Jones Band. Free shuttle from Beaufort Government Center. No coolers, outside food or drinks, pets, or strollers. Clear bags only

Sunday, July 13

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM  📍Waterfront Park

River Rally | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Local Waters

Children’s Day | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Games, activities, shows, bounce houses, and prizes

Ski Show | 1:00 PM at Waterfront Park

Teen Dance | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM at Waterfront Park. No entry after 8:00 PM. Ages 13–17. ID required. Clear bags only.

Monday, July 14

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | Noon – 7:00 PM  📍Waterfront Park

Motown Monday | Gates open at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Featuring Deas-Guyz. Free shuttle available.

Tuesday, July 15

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | Noon – 7:00 PM

Caribbean Night | Gates open at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM at Waterfront Park | Featuring Ragga Lox.  Free admission with Military, Educator, or First Responder ID.

Wednesday, July 16

Festival Arts & Crafts Market Noon – 7:00 PM  📍Waterfront Park

Talent Show | Gates open at 6:00 PM, Show at 7:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Free with official 2025 festival T-shirt.

Thursday, July 17

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | Noon – 7:00 PM

Lowcountry Supper | Gates open at 6:00 PM, Supper served from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at Waterfront Park. Live music by Departure (Journey Tribute), Campfire Tyler, and The Whistlers.

Friday, July 18

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | Noon – 7:00 PM

Meet and Greet with Air Show Pilots | 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM at Beaufort Executive Airport

Bed Race | 5:00 PM start at the corner of Bay and Harrington. $25 per team. Check-in at 4:30 PM. Same-day registration if space available.

Rockin’ the River | Gates open at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Featuring CRÜEligans (Mötley Crüe Tribute) and Alan Price & The Modern Day. Ages 18 and up only. Valid ID required.

Saturday, July 19

Festival Arts & Crafts Market |  9:30 AM – 7:00 PM

Grand Parade | 10:00 AM – Noon through Downtown Beaufort. Grand Marshal: Pat Harvey-Palmer

Non-Profit Expo | Noon – 4:00 PM at Waterfront Park Pavilion

Air Show | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Waterfront Park - Stunt planes over the Beaufort River

Commodore’s Ball | Gates open at 7:00 PM, Show at 8:00 PM at Waterfront Park. Featuring The Swingin’ Medallions.

Sunday, July 20

Festival Arts & Crafts Market | 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM  📍Waterfront Park

Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats | 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM along the Beaufort River (Waterfront Park Seawall) Free to enter. Must register by Noon to be eligible for prizes

Festival ends at 3:00 PM. See you in 2026!