It's going to be MAY
Here's what is happening this weekend in Beaufort and the Sea Islands plus your May 2026 event guide.
April didn't bring its legendary showers to Beaufort and the Sea Islands this year. While the forecast for this week predicts things might get wet, that won't stop this weekend's events from unfurling.
USCB Graduation
Happening Friday, May 1 at 5:30 PM, I'm excited to grab my cap and gown for graduation. I'm walking again, but this time, as a professor!
Wrapping up my first school year as an adjunct professor teaching communication at the University of South Carolina Beaufort (Go, Sand Sharks!), I'm so excited to celebrate the students earning their degrees, and sending well wishes to all of the area graduates! Update: Ceremony will be held indoors due to the weather.
A Taste of Beaufort
Also this weekend - A Taste of Beaufort. This two-day food festival, highlighting local restaurants, kicks off with a very special First Friday event on Bay Street. There's been a misconception that the waterfront or Downtown in general has been closed, but as reported in The Island News there's a lot happening including new fencing to block off the area in need of renovations and new guidelines if you want to sip and stroll around the newly dubbed social district.
Crossing Ribaut
Over in my hometown of Port Royal, there was big news as the Spanish Moss Trail expansion project activated its lights, so you can now safely traverse the trail all the way to the Sands (beach). Drivers, please use caution coming off of the Parris Island bridge, as you head into Port Royal.
Sisterhood Through Service
It's been two years since I bid farewell to #LosAngelesLife and returned to my hometown. I'd forgotten how difficult it is to make friends as an adult. That's why I joined the Junior Service League of Beaufort. I've made friends from a variety of different backgrounds, geographic locations, and in various stages of life. We all come together to make this community a better place for all women and children. Does this sound like something you are interested in? Click here to learn more about the application process. Questions? Email membership.jslb@gmail.com for more info.
Lastly, before we get into our May event guide, I want to spotlight some upcoming events that are very near and dear to my heart.
🩰 Scenes From Paquita Showcase 2026
Attend the spring performance by Derrick Ballet Conservatory on May 16 & 17 at Beaufort High School, featuring a showcase of classical ballet including selections from Swan Lake. Tickets are available here and at the door while seats last.
🌸 Sprouts in Bloom
Looking for something fun to do with the kids? A kid-friendly event is happening in Port Royal that you won’t want to miss! Face painting, water activities, and meet your local police & fire department. Bring the whole family! Friday, May 15 4PM - 7PM at Sea Island Sprouts in Port Royal.
🇺🇸 Gullah Traveling Theater’s Tribute to Freedom
Attend Decoration Day, the award-winning musical by Gullah Kinfolk Traveling Theater, on May 21 & 23 at the USCB Center for the Arts, exploring the origins of Memorial Day, through the story of formerly enslaved people in Charleston in 1865.
🤎 Juneteenth at Penn Center
A meaningful and community-centered Juneteenth Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Free food, music, and more. Interested in a free vendor spot? Email CSingleton@penncenter.com
Things to Do May 2026 in Beaufort and the Sea Islands
Arts & Culture
Color Me Happy — Ladies Night Tie-Dye Edition
Thursday, May 14 at 6 PM | Sunshine and Sass Clothing Boutique 211 Scott St, Suite A, Beaufort
Beaufort Children's Theatre: Seussical Jr.
Fri, May 15 – Sat, May 16 at 7 PM | USCB Center for the Arts 801 Carteret St, Beaufort
Crushed Glass Sun Catcher Workshop
Monday, May 11 at 10:30 AM | Event by Create with Camilla at Marshview Mercantile 2631 Boundary St, Beaufort
Music & Entertainment
Adult Hip Hop Cardio Dance Class
Every Tuesday at 7 PM | United Dance Plex 2 Robin Dr., Beaufort
Karaoke Night — Every Saturday
Every Saturday at 7 PM | GG's Bar and Grill 1003 Paris Avenue, Port Royal
Mimosas & Melodies
Every Sunday at 1 PM | Windhorse Gallery 809 Paris Ave, Port Royal
LowCountry Mojo LIVE at GG's in Port Royal
May 1 at 6 PM | GG's Restaurant & Bar, Port Royal
Mitchell Gibbons Live
Friday, May 8 at 7 PM | The Fillin' Station 57 Sea Island Pkwy, Beaufort
Drivin -N- Cryin at Shellring Ale Works
Sunday, May 24 at 5:15 PM | Shellring Ale Works, Beaufort
Jammin @ The Shed
Thursday, May 28 at 5 PM | Windhorse Gallery 809 Paris Ave, Port Royal
Food & Drink
Son's Cuban Sandwich Night
April 30 at 5:30 PM | Amvets Post 70, Port Royal
Bagels & Bingo First Friday Nights
May 1 at 5 PM | 221 Scott St, Beaufort
Aperitif Happy Hour
Monday, May 4 at 4 PM | 809 Paris Ave, Port Royal
Markets & Shopping
Beaufort in Bloom — First Friday
May 1 at 5 PM | Downtown Beaufort
Port Royal 2nd Saturday Shop & Stroll + Pet Adoption
Saturday, May 9 at 10 AM | Paris Ave, Port Royal
Plant Truckload Sale — Fresh from the Farm
Fri–Sat, May 8–9, 9 AM–5 PM | 1 Marina Blvd, Beaufort
Community & Outdoors
Lowcountry Coffee & Connections
Thursday, April 30 at 9 AM | Urban Brew + Co
70th Annual Beaufort Water Festival 5K/10K
Saturday, May 2 at 8 AM | 901 14th St, Port Royal
Beaufort Academy's Pig Out
Saturday, May 2 at 5:30 PM | Kate Gleason Park
Pier Fishing Clinic at Hunting Island State Park
Saturday, May 9 at 9 AM | Hunting Island State Park South Pier
FREE Master Naturalist Tour
Saturday, May 9 at 10 AM | 1700 Paris Ave, Port Royal
Coastal Connections May Visitor's Day
Tuesday, May 12 at 8:30 AM | 871 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort
FREE Wills & Health Care Power of Attorney Clinic
Saturday, May 16 10AM to 2PM| Frissell Community House, Penn Center
Have an event to add? Send me a message: info@beaufortjournalism.org
Community Spotlight
Ifetayo White shares exciting news about two members of the Lowcountry Creators Club, Maya Maat and Naomi Beulah-Fields, pictured here alongside Farante Stewart.
With support from a Beaufort County Community Grant, Ifetayo White and Mama Sasa Boyd helped certify three postpartum doulas, and provided stipends for six new mothers to receive postpartum care.
A strong example of women in the community showing up, supporting one another, and creating real impact.
There's a new podcast in town!
For the past year, I've been wandering around Beaufort, South Carolina, sitting down with some of the most fascinating people in the Lowcountry: A local pastor who made history as the first Black firefighter for the City of Beaufort, A Gullah artist who didn't pick up a brush until well into his 50s, and local entrepreneurs and storytellers with ties to the Sea Islands.
This week's guest is entrepreneur Caroline Pennington, host of The Feminine Founder podcast, which has grown into one of the top 3% most listened-to shows in the country. We talk podcasting, personal branding, and what it really takes to build a business online from right here in the Lowcountry.
This episode is also a milestone, it's the first ever recorded in the brand new community podcast studio at the Beaufort Digital Corridor, a five-years-in-the-making space designed to give Beaufort residents, entrepreneurs, students, and creators access to professional storytelling tools.
Search Lowcountry Explorer on Spotify, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube. If you have a Lowcountry story worth telling, visit guest.lowcountryexplorer.com to be a future guest.
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