Plan Your July 4th, Today! 🎇 July Events in Beaufort County

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The news of the city shutting down a portion of our beloved Waterfront Park felt like a double kick in the stomach with the 4th and Water Festival ahead - however, safety first and here are some other things going on around town.

📅 Tuesday, July 1 – St. Helena Church and Churchyard Tour

Explore one of Beaufort County’s most storied church sites with expert insights from Drs. Larry Rowland and Stephen Wise. 🕥 10:30 AM | 📍 St Helena’s Anglican Church 505 Church Street Beaufort. More info.

📅 Tuesday, July 1 – Beaufort Arsenal Tour

Step inside the iconic Beaufort Arsenal and learn about its Revolutionary War-era significance. 🕐 1:00 PM | 📍713 Craven St. Downtown Beaufort  👥 Presented by Beaufort County SC250. Details.

📅 Wednesday, July 2 – Old Sheldon Church Ruins Tour

Visit the hauntingly beautiful ruins of Old Sheldon Church with presenter Tom Mikell. 🕙 10:00 AM | 📍 Old Sheldon Church Road, Yemassee

🌳 Wednesday, July 2 – Liberty Tree Sapling Dedication

A living symbol of freedom takes root. Join the City of Beaufort for the ceremonial planting of a Liberty Tree sapling honoring the area’s Revolutionary War legacy. 🕦 11:30 AM | 📍 Beaufort Arsenal, 713 Craven Street

🚚 Wednesday, July 2 – Food Truck Wednesday at Penn Center

Take a midweek break and enjoy lunch under the mossy oaks on the historic Penn Center campus. Gullah Express will be serving Lowcountry favorites.
🕚 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | 📍 Penn Center Campus

The Penn Center museum is also open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Guided tours at 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM—get tickets at the Welcome Center. Prefer to explore on your own? Self-guided visits are welcome anytime during open hours.

🎭 Wednesday, July 2 – Special Preview: Da’ Gullah American Revolutionary Experience

Preview a powerful theatrical performance highlighting the Gullah perspective during the American Revolution. This free preview takes place before the official run.
🕓 4:00 PM | 📍 USCB Center for the Arts
🎟 Full show begins July 19 at May River Auditorium

🛟 Wednesday, July 2 - Lifesaving Ring Dedication

Join the Town of Port Royal and first responders as they unveil new life rings at local waterways in memory of Aden Perry, a teen who lost his life saving another. The event honors his legacy and promotes water safety.

Time: 5:30 PM | Location: Sands Beach boat ramp, Port Royal

🧨 Friday, July 4 - Firecracker Run 5K

For the early birds and avid pavement pounders- kick off Independence Day with a patriotic 5K through downtown Beaufort. The race starts at 8:00 AM on Bay Street and crosses the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge. Strollers and leashed pets welcome. Sign up here for $35. Hosted by Help of Beaufort.

🌊 Friday, July 4th at Lands End

Join on Friday, July 4th starting at 3:00pm at Lands End Woodland for fun with friends and family. You're invited to bring your favorite foods, grills, fishing rods and good cheer. Tide will be high at 4:40pm. 📍 100 Lands End Woodland Beach Rd., St. Helena Island.

🛍️ July 4- First Friday - Downtown Beaufort

🎨 First Friday in Downtown Beaufort

Kick off the month with First Friday, a monthly celebration in Historic Downtown Beaufort where shops, galleries, and eateries stay open late for locals and visitors alike. Before heading to see fireworks at the sands- check  live music, themed activities, and family-friendly fun on Bay, West, and Scott Streets. 🕔 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM on the first Friday of each month 💸 Free and open to the public.

🎆 Friday, July 4 – Independence Day Celebration in Port Royal

Kick off Independence Day with live music, local food vendors, and a fireworks spectacular!
🕔 Festivities begin at 5:00 PM | 📍 The Sands, Port Royal
🍽 Enjoy dishes from Beach Bums BBQ, Fly Pies, Maynard’s, Blue Sky Italian Ice & Tropical Treasures
🎇 Fireworks launch after sunset

🚫 No coolers, pets (service dogs only), or firearms
♿ Handicap and golf cart parking only at The Sands
🚤 Boat ramp closes July 3 at midnight
🚶 Pedestrians will exit first after the fireworks

🎶 Friday, July 4 – Juke Joint Jam at Penn Center

A soulful Fourth of July celebration rooted in Gullah/Geechee culture. Enjoy live performances, food trucks, vendors, and community vibes under the oaks at Penn Center.
🕖 7:00 PM – Midnight | 📍 Penn Center Frissell Community House, 16 Penn Center Circle West, St. Helena Island
🎟 Open to adults 25 and over—ticketing starts at $28.52 on Eventbrite (eventbrite.com)

🔍 Saturday, July 5 - The Slowcountry Cup

Beaufort Art Glass Gallery hosts the Lowcountry’s first-ever borosilicate cup show. Expect stunning craftsmanship, color, and surprises from glass artists across the country.

Time: 3–7 PM | Location: Beaufort Art Glass, Lady’s Island

🦅 Saturday, July 5 Beaufort High Alumni All Class Kick-Back

Calling all Beaufort High alumni! Come reconnect, reminisce, and groove to the sounds of your decade at the BHS Alumni Kickback. Expect good food, good vibes, and great fellowship under the stars.

🕔 Saturday, July 5 | 5:00 PM until📍 Seaside Bar and Grill, St. Helena Island

🎟 $30 reservation includes: Fish or shrimp with fries, a drink and an Alumni t-shirt. All classes are welcome!

Reserve your spot with Executive Chef Monty White at Seaside via Zelle or Cash App: 843-575-1402

📅 Sunday, July 7 – Zion Chapel of Ease Cemetery Tour

Explore this historic cemetery on St. Helena Island with guide Richard Thomas.
🕙 10:00 AM | 📍 St. Helena Island

Sunday, July 6 - Flossie’s AirBnB Gullah Experience

Celebrate Gullah culture at Flossie’s in Dale with an afternoon of storytelling, traditional food tastings, music, and children’s activities. This free event runs from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 571 Keans Neck Road. For more info, email 155consultinggl@gmail.com.

📅 Tuesday, July 9 – Fort Frederick Tour

Join Amanda Hughes for a walking tour of this colonial-era fort.
🕚 11:00 AM | 📍 Port Royal

🌟 More July Highlights