🦐 Beaufort Shrimp Festival 2025: A Celebration of Lowcountry Flavor
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating wild-caught local shrimp with food tastings, cooking competitions, live music, and more.
Every October, the smell of garlic butter and Old Bay fills the salty air as locals and visitors alike flock to the heart of downtown for one of Beaufort’s most beloved traditions: the Beaufort Shrimp Festival.
Now in its 30th year, this two-day event is more than just a culinary celebration, it’s turned into a vibrant gathering that brings together the community and to support the local seafood industry.
Schedule of Events
Friday, October 2
Friday, October 2
12pm – 6pm – Art & Craft Market Open
Tickets go on sale 3pm – 9:45pm*
*Ticket sales end 15 minutes prior to end of the event
Live Music
5:15pm – Threshold Party Band
7:15pm – Billy and the Jets
Saturday, October 3
11am – 6pm – Art & Craft Market Open
Tickets go on sale 11am – 3:45pm*
*Ticket sales end 15 minutes prior to end of the event
Live Entertainment
11am-4pm – Kids Zone with 91.9 HIS Radio & Rogue Magician
12pm – Parris Island PMG Marine Corp Band
1pm – The Deckhands Band 2:30pm – Lyn Avenue
3pm – Rotary Shrimp Race
Event Information
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a free, family-friendly event celebrating wild-caught local shrimp with food tastings, cooking competitions, live music, and more.
Hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Beaufort, the festival features dozens of local chefs, artists, musicians, and volunteers. Thousands of locals and tourists attend each year.
Friday, October 3 & Saturday, October 4, 2025
- Friday Evening: Kickoff with food booths, live music, and the opening of the vendor market
- Saturday All Day: Culinary competitions, kids’ activities, 5K run, and more
🍤 Festival Highlights
🎽 Run Forrest Run 5K
Start your Saturday with the Run Forrest Run 5K, a Forrest Gump-themed race through historic downtown Beaufort and over the scenic Woods Memorial Bridge. Costumes encouraged!
Shrimp Tasting & Chef Competitions
Sample signature shrimp dishes from top local restaurants as they compete for bragging rights in categories like “Best Shrimp Dish,” “Best Booth,” and “People’s Choice.”
Charity Shrimp Race
Cheer on hundreds of numbered rubber shrimp as they race down the Beaufort River in the Sea Island Rotary Charity Shrimp Race. Buy a shrimp for a chance to win prizes — all proceeds go to local charities.
Live Music & Waterfront Vibes
Enjoy a packed lineup of live performances while sipping local craft brews and lounging under the oaks at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.
Artisan Vendors & Kids Activities
Shop handcrafted goods, coastal art, and festival merch. There’s also a designated kids’ zone with games, crafts, and shrimp-themed fun.
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