Beaufort, SC Events

Your Guide to the Best May Ever - Beaufort, SC Things to Do

Spring is in full swing, and Beaufort is buzzing with events you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a local looking for weekend plans or a visitor hoping to experience the Lowcountry spirit, we’ve got you covered.

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🌴 Welcome to The Beaufort Blog – your go-to guide for what’s happening around town!

Looking for things to do in Beaufort this May? From cultural festivals to dance parties, author talks, and community theater, this month is bursting with events for every age and interest.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, our guide highlights can't-miss happenings throughout Beaufort, Port Royal, and the Sea Islands—all within a short drive of 29902.

🗓️Mark your calendars and make the most of spring in the Lowcountry!

🛤️ Thursday, May 1 – Millett Park Rededication Ceremony – Join the Town of Port Royal and the Historic Port Royal Foundation (HPRF) for a special rededication of Millett Park. Originally established in 1932 and dedicated in 1976, the park will receive a brand new sign during this ceremony. The event begins at 4:00 PM at the Magnolia Tree on Paris Avenue near Town Hall. The Mayor and Town Council will be in attendance. Refreshments will follow, and the raffle drawing will also take place during the celebration. 📍 Millett Park, Paris Avenue near Town Hall, Port Royal.

Thursday, May 1 – Lowcountry Young Professionals May Social - An evening of networking, great conversations, and new connections at Marker 244 in Port Royal. Sponsored by Harrison Courtney and Jarret Owens with Coastal Dock & Resurfacing, this event promises to be a great opportunity to grow your circle and have a blast doing it. Stop by from 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 Marker 244, 336 Robert Smalls Parkway, Port Royal.

🎶 Fridays – Kids Jam at Charles Lind Brown Rec Center - Kids ages 6–14 are invited to dance, play, and sweat it out at Kids Jam—Beaufort’s free, high-energy fitness party happening every Friday. Class runs from 4:45–5:55 PM at 📍 Charles Lind Brown Recreation Center; Sign up here.

🌯Friday–Saturday, May 2–3 – A Taste of Beaufort – Experience the culture, music, and food of the Lowcountry at the annual A Taste of Beaufort festival! Sample some of the region’s best culinary dishes while enjoying live entertainment 📍 Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. A foodie’s dream weekend you won’t want to miss.

🎵 Friday, May 2 - First Friday in Downtown Beaufort - Join the monthly celebration in downtown Beaufort from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. May's celebration includes music, prizes and spring time fun. Explore downtown galleries, shopping, and eateries throughout the evening. Enjoy entertainment and live demonstrations too! The event is FREE and open to the public.

🎸 Saturday, May 3 – Street Music on Paris Avenue – Kick off the spring concert series with the soulful sounds of the Austin Reece Band. Bring your lawn chairs and dancing shoes for this free, family-friendly event starting at 6:00 PM. 📍 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.

🏃‍♀️ Saturday, May 3 – Beaufort Water Festival 5K/10K – Lace up your sneakers and join the 69th Annual Beaufort Water Festival for the third event of the year! Held at📍 Live Oaks Park, Port Royal The 5K/10K race kicks off at 8:00 AM. Enjoy a flat, scenic course lined with moss-draped live oaks and stunning views. Learn more.

🌼 Saturday, May 3 – Lowcountry Montessori Spring Festival – Enjoy a day packed with family fun including games, prizes, bounce houses, food trucks, vendors, arts & crafts, student performances, and a student art show. This free community celebration is open to all. 📍 749 Broad River Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906.

🛍️ Saturday, May 3 – Church Rummage Sale Tidal Creek Fellowship is hosting a Church Rummage Sale from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Find treasures and support the community at 📍290 Brickyard Point Rd S, Beaufort.

🪖 Friday, May 9 – Military Appreciation Day: Salute to Service – Join the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Military Enhancement Committee for a community celebration honoring active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Enjoy free food, local business giveaways, family activities, and a kickball tournament. Event runs from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Laurel Bay. 📍 Laurel Bay, Beaufort.
Learn more: beaufortchamber.org

🏍️ Saturday, May 10 – Beaufort County Bike Show - The fifth year of this event revs up from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM 📍 3116 Trask Parkway, Beaufort. Enjoy a showcase of bikes, vendors, and family fun.

🫖 Saturday, May 10 – Mother's Day Tea - Celebrate Mother's Day early with a High Tea at Magnolia Café from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Indulge in delightful treats. 📍703 Congress St. Beaufort. Reservations required.

💃 Saturday, May 10 – Revolution Ballroom Dance Party – Dance the night away at Revolution Ballroom’s monthly social! Kick things off with a beginner salsa lesson from 7:00–7:30 PM, followed by social dancing until 10:00 PM. Expect a fun playlist featuring Ballroom, Latin, Swing, Salsa, Bachata, and Argentine Tango. Light refreshments provided. $20 admission. Open to ages 18+, singles and couples welcome. 📍 Revolution Ballroom, 2121 Boundary St, Suite 207, Beaufort, SC.
Sign up: revolutionballroom.com/may-party

🎬 Thursday–Friday, May 15–16 – Sankofa Nights: Two Great Nights | One Amazing Cause – This two-day experience includes a documentary screening on Thursday followed by a special dinner on Friday featuring Eternal Polk, award-winning director of Gaining Ground: The Fight for Black Land. 📍 Details & registration: eventbrite.com

🎭 Friday–Sunday, May 16–18 – Beaufort Children's Theatre: Alice in Wonderland Jr. – Travel down the rabbit hole with young Alice in this whimsical stage production. Performances take place May 16 & 17 at 7:00 PM and May 18 at 3:00 PM. 📍 USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret St., Beaufort.
Tickets: $24 adults, $20 seniors/military, $16 students.

🤰🏾Saturday, May 17 – Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Symposium – This free community lunch and wellness symposium at the historic Penn Center explores the impact of maternal and infant mental health in the Lowcountry. Enjoy mini healing sessions, wellness workshops, and a nutritious lunch. Event runs from 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. 📍 Frissell Hall, Penn Center, St. Helena Island.

👛 Saturday, May 17 – Designer Bag Bingo & Brunch – Join Madison’s Miracles for a fabulous morning of fun at Frankie Bones Bluffton. Your $65 ticket includes brunch, 8 exciting rounds of bingo (3 boards per round), and chances to win gorgeous Michael Kors purses. Proceeds benefit families navigating grief and healing. Event runs from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. 📍 Frankie Bones Restaurant, 26 Discovery Dr, Bluffton, SC.
Learn more: facebook.com/Madisonsmiraclesinc

🎭 Thursday, May 22 – Decoration Day Play – Step back in time with this entertaining, informative, and historical re-enactment of the City of Beaufort, highlighting the rich culture of the Sea Islands. The performance begins at 7:00 PM at the USCB Center for the Arts. Tickets are $55 online, $60 at the door, and $20 for children 12 and under. 📍 USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort.
Learn more: originalgullahfestival.org

🤎 Friday–Sunday, May 23–25 – The Original Gullah Festival – Celebrate the rich Gullah heritage with a weekend of music, dance, storytelling, and traditional cuisine. Highlights include cultural workshops, live performances, and community celebrations. Events run daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. 📍 Downtown Beaufort.
Learn more: originalgullahfestival.org

⛪️ Lest We Forget Walk-Through Experience – Immerse yourself in the history, customs, and culture of the Gullah people during this free, walk-through experience at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Open to all and part of the Original Gullah Festival festivities.

📍 Tabernacle Baptist Church, 911 Craven Street, Beaufort.

🌍 Friday, May 23 – African Doll Making Workshop – Learn the techniques behind African-inspired doll making in this hands-on workshop at the Gullah Village Kiddie Village, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A wonderful cultural craft experience for festival attendees of all ages.

📍 Gullah Village – Kiddie Village, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.

🧶 Friday, May 23 – African American Quilt Making Workshop – Explore the traditions of African American quilt-making in this interactive workshop at Gullah Village Workshop Area B. Participants will learn basic skills and take home their creations! Workshop runs from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. 📍 Gullah Village – Workshop Area B, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.
Learn more: originalgullahfestival.org

📚 Friday, May 24 – Silent Book Club Beaufort Meetup – Join host Ashley Meijerink and fellow book lovers for this popular monthly meet-up. Bring any book you like and enjoy two hours of silent reading and literary connection in a cozy community setting. Meetup runs from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. 📍 Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort.
Learn more: silentbook.club

🏊🏽‍♀️ Saturday, May 31 – 19th Annual Beaufort River Swim & 5K Run – Participate in this exciting event offering multiple race options: 3.2-mile swim, 1-mile swim, 3.2-mile swim with 5K run, 1-mile swim with 5K run, and relay options. The event starts at 7:30 AM at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. All proceeds benefit the Wardle Family YMCA's Learn to Swim program. 📍 Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort.
Learn more: trisignup.com

📕 Saturday, May 31 – An Evening with Annelore Harrell – The nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center will host an afternoon with Annelore Harrell, author of Et Cetera Y’all, Volume 1. This free event includes a book talk, signing, and conversation with a Southern storyteller whose work has touched generations. Seating is limited—please call 843-379-7025 to reserve. 📍 Pat Conroy Literary Center, 601 Bladen Street, Beaufort.
Learn more: patconroyliterarycenter.org