Are you planning a trip to the Lowcountry this July? Don’t miss out on the 67th Annual Water Festival in Beaufort, SC! Water Fest, as we affectionately call it, is a week-long celebration steeped in local history and tradition. The festival, which originally centered around elegant balls, sailboat races, and pageants, has grown to include an art market, concerts, childrens’ events, parades, and even bed races!

Below you will find some fun facts, local tips, and a 10 day itinerary to help you plan your trip to this year’s Beaufort Water Festival. 

Know the Facts 

In the early days of the festival, the first weekend featured two days of sailboat races and the Regatta Ball. The following weekend began with the Beauty Pageant on Friday where the Queen of the Carolina Sea Islands was crowned. The parade and ski show, put on by the Beaufort Water Ski Club, and an air show highlighted the second weekend, in addition to the Water Festival Ball. ​A tightly guarded superstition connected to the festival is the exclusive use of the term “inclement weather.” One must never use the word r-a-i-n when referencing Water Festival.

Another time-honored tradition is the choosing of a festival Commodore. This year our commodore is James Nutt. His very first experience volunteering for Water Festival dates back to 2007. He has since spent countless hours working behind the scenes for the festival over the last 17 years, , and he kicked off the celebration with this message: “The crew and myself hope you enjoy the traditions that this wonderful, beautiful, and historic city by the sea has to offer at the 67th Annual Beaufort Water Festival! We are proud of our mission to promote the natural and scenic beauty of Beaufort, and the surrounding areas.” 

This year’s festival will run from July 14 to July 24.  Inclement weather or shine! 

Read up on Local Tips 

Plan ahead. Be sure to check the official Water Fest website before taking a trip downtownsince some details and events may change. Visit www.bftwaterfestival.com for the most up-to-date information.

Grab your tickets ahead of time. It is not required to purchase tickets in advance to gain admission, however, it is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee admission to the Concert in the Park.

Reserve your space for a guaranteed front row seat! Bring lawn chairs and set them up in advance if you desire. The park closes for an hour prior to the gates opening. It is best to set up your chairs before the park closes, or get there when the gates open to set up early.

Participate! Waterfront park plays host to a number of events that have open registration up until the morning or afternoon of the competition. You can compete in cornhole, badminton, bocce, or even children’s toad fishing tournaments. There really is something for everyone!

Water Fest at the Cuthbert House Inn

Whether you are looking to avoid the crowds or you just need a break from the action, you can still enjoy a front row seat to some of the best events. The front porch at the Cuthbert House Inn is a perfect perch to watch the 5k/10k races, the raft races, the bed races, and the parade! (Sometimes you can even hear the live music drifting through the breeze in the evening, though the waterfront park is such a short walk away, we still recommend getting tickets to live concerts.) 

Here’s your itinerary!

The Beaufort Water Festival is a weeklong celebration. It can be a big task to plan, experiencing everything beaufort has to offer while also catching all of the best events. 

We are here to help you make the most of your time spent in our historic town for Water Fest! Below you’ll find our carefully crafted itinerary for your 9 days of Beaufort Water Festival.

Friday, July 14

After you check in to the Cuthbert House Inn, head a few blocks into downtown and grab a late lunch before the opening ceremony at Lowcountry Produce. 

Next, make your way to the Waterfront Park to enjoy the first day of the Festival Arts & Crafts Market from 2 pm – 7 pm. Later, the gates to the Opening Ceremony will open at 6pm. The event, featuring the Parris Island Marine Band complete with fireworks, begins at 7pm. 

Saturday, July 15 

Wake up and enjoy an early breakfast at the Cuthbert House Inn. A sweet or savory breakfast menu is offered daily. Some of our favorites include: Eggs Benedict with Bearnaise Sauce, Orange-Blueberry Pancakes with Grand Marnier Syrup and Pina Colada Pancakes with Fresh Pineapple, Toasted Coconut and Whipped Cream

Now it’s time to enjoy your first full day of the Beaufort Water Festival! The first Saturday is sure to be fabulous. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and sunscreen to check out the events:

Raft Race Sponsored by Lowcountry Window Tinting 

Location: Waterfront Park Seawall; Event Details: 8:30 am – Noon

Festival Arts & Crafts Market

Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park; Event Details: 9:30 am – 7 pm

Bocce Tournament Sponsored by JoCo Construction and the PIZZO Family

Location: Waterfront Park Main Field; Event Details: Play starts at 8 am

Badminton Tournament Sponsored by A.C. Harvey’s Screenprinting

Location: Waterfront Park Stage Field; Event Details: Play starts at 9 am

Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament Sponsored by Plair Enterprises, Inc

Location: Waterfront Park Seawall; Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 am – Noon | Ages 12 and under only | Bring your own rod, reel and tackle | Bait provided

Sponsor’s Expo

Location: Waterfront Park Pavilion; Event Details: FREE EVENT | 10 am – 2 pm

Shrimp Boat Tours Sponsored by Sea Eagle Market

Location: Waterfront Park Seawall; Event Details: FREE EVENT | Noon – 4 pm

Take a break and enjoy lunch at Paninis while you look out over the festival grounds and make plans for the week ahead. 

At 5pm join us for happy hour at the Cuthbert House Inn. We offer sunset beverages and hors d’oeuvres for our guests each evening. A great way to unwind before you head back downtown for the CONCERT IN THE PARK: 

Enjoy a night of incredible country music with headliner Randy Houser! This event also features favorites like Gabrielle Mooney and Andrew Beam. 

Event Details: $30 | Gates open at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm | No strollers, coolers, outside food or beverages or professional photography | No Refunds | FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed

Sunday, July 16 

Today is another great day to spend at the Waterfront Park! Let us pack you a picnic to take with you downtown after breakfast at the Cuthbert House Inn. 

The Sunday events include the following:

Festival Arts & Crafts Market

Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park; Event Details: 9:30 am – 5 pm

River Rally Sponsored by: COMING SOON

Location: Local Waters from 9 am – 1 pm

Children’s Day

A FREE EVENT at the Waterfront Park from 11 am – 3 pm featuring Games, Activities, Shows, Bounce Houses and Prizes

Shrimp Boat Tours Sponsored by Sea Eagle Market

Location: Waterfront Park Seawall from Noon – 4 pm

Ski Show

Speed skiing, acrobatic skiing, tricks, jumps and lots more! This FREE event is held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park at 1PM

After a long day outside. Come back to the inn and change for a nice dinner at Saltus River Grill. 

If you’re visiting with teens, they will want to check out the TEEN DANCE, sponsored by John 3:16, at the Waterfront Park.

Event Details: $10 | 6 pm – 9 pm | Gates open 6 pm – 9 pm, No entry after 8 pm (NO RE-ENTRY ALLOWED) | Ages 13 – 17 only, ID Required | Clutch Purses Only (6” x 9” size) | Please Wear Appropriate Clothing | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | No pets allowed

Monday, July 17 

Rest your feet and explore the historic district with Emma’s Golf Cart Tours

The Historic Beaufort Golf Cart Tour lasts approximately an hour. During this time you will take a ride through The Point and other various locations in Downtown Beaufort. Each tour is a unique experience for individuals and families! 

Relax away from the crowd and enjoy a concert from the back deck of Plums:

MOTOWN MONDAY Sponsored by South State Bank

This event features local favorites Deas-Guyz, a talented group delivering an entertaining mix of Old Motown, Rhythm and Blues, Pop, Rock, Reggae and Dance beats

Event Details: $15 | Gates open 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | FREE Shuttle Service from the Beaufort County Government Center | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed

Tuesday, July 18 

Downtown shopping, be sure to stop at The Tabby Shore Gift Boutique, Bay Street Outfitters, Bathe, and Chapman’s Grocers, which has a nice selection of wines, beers, cheeses and other products.

Enjoy a great cup of coffee and a quick lunch at Carolina Cider Company and enjoy a waterfront view.

Catch an early Dinner at Breakwater before the evening show, ISLAND TIME TUESDAY. Enjoy island-style music performed by Sons of Sailors, a  Jimmy Buffett cover band

 

Event Details: $5 | Gates open 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | No pets allowed |  Sponsored by Lockheed Martin

FIRST RESPONDER & MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT – free admission with active duty ID

Wednesday, July 19 

Slow down under our sweeping oaks and Spanish moss on a carriage ride with Sea Island Carriage Company

While you’re exploring off the beaten path, check out Herban Market for lunch and head back to the Festival Arts & Crafts Market to pick up anything you were eyeing earlier in the week

Enjoy dinner at Old Bull Tavern– be sure to call ahead for reservations.

Make sure to stop back at the Waterfront Park to see the local talent. The evening event is the fan-favorite TALENT SHOW Sponsored by CPM Federal Credit Union and hosted by The Preceptor Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.

Event Details: $10 or FREE with Official 2022 66th Annual Water Festival T-Shirt | Gates open at 6 pm, Show at 7 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed

Thursday, July 20 

Enjoy another delicious breakfast at our Inn and take it easy with a cup of coffee on our porch while you watch the boats on the water. 

Grab lunch at Rain N Bagels before taking a kayak tour or renting a paddle board at the downtown Marina with Beaufort Land’s End Paddling. Take a high tide tour through the marsh and beside the historic district. Their  low tide tour takes you out to a sandbar where you can test your skills with a cast net.

Enjoy your evening meal at the Lady’s Island Dockside before heading back to enjoy the evening concert at the Waterfront Park. The Southern Rock themed concert LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER,   features Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Freebird, Chris Jones, and The Whistlers.

Event Details: $15 | Gates open at 6 pm | Supper served 6 pm – 7:30 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages, or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed

Friday, July 21 

Spend some time walking downtown like the local  you’re becoming and grab lunch at Hearth. 

At 5pm return to the Cuthbert House Inn for Happy Hour and to watch the Bed Race, Sponsored by The Greenery, Inc, from our front porch. This is a favorite of our guests every year! 

7pm: The gates open for ROCKIN’ the RIVER featuring the headlining act Led Zeppelin 2 and opening act Killin Quade. Enjoy some serious rocking out along the waterfront.

Event Details: $15 | Location: Waterfront Park | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | Must be 18 or Older with Valid ID to attend | No refunds, outside food or beverages, coolers or strollers| FREE Shuttle service from Beaufort County Government Center

Saturday, July 22 

Festival Arts & Crafts Market

Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park

Event Details: 9:30 am – 7 pm

Water Festival Grand Parade Sponsored by Lowcountry Insurance

Organized by: The Beaufort Lions Club

Location: Downtown Beaufort from 10 am – Noon

​Air Show Sponsored by Executive Flight Training

Location: Waterfront Park

Event Details: FREE EVENT | 1 pm – 4 pm | Stunt Planes | Parachutists

Have another local favorite dining experience for dinner at Q on Bay before the evening event:

COMMODORE’S BALL Sponsored by Mike’s Marine

Entertainment: Chairmen of the Board

Location: Waterfront Park

Event Details: $10 | Gates open at 7 pm, Show at 8 pm | No refunds, outside food or beverages or coolers | Children age 5 and under FREE | No pets allowed

Sunday, July 24

Festival Arts & Crafts Market

Location: Promenade at the Waterfront Park from 9:30am-3pm

Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats Sponsored by The Past Commodores of the Beaufort Water Festival

Location: Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall

Event Details: Noon – 2 pm | FREE registration | Boats must register to be eligible for prizes | All applications must be at the judge’s table prior to Noon

Grab coffee for the road at City Java and News.

Great Memories are made at the Cuthbert House Inn

Some of our favorite Beaufort memories have been made at Water Fest. Several years ago, our inn keeper Ed found himself sailing away on a shrimp boat tour, an experience he now recommends to all festival-goers. Ed and Connie also love live music, especially the Rockin’ the River concert. 

Come make some memories of your own! The Cuthbert House Inn is the perfect place to stay during your time in Beaufort. Our waterfront historic mansion is just minutes from downtown Beaufort’s Waterfront Park. Waterfest weekends book well in advance, but we encourage you to consider a stay during the middle of the week to enjoy the daily arts and crafts show, daytime events, and nightly concerts. Whether you stay on a Saturday or a Wednesday, there is something fun to see and do during Beaufort’s Water Festival!

Innkeepers Ed & Connie would love to point you in the direction of all of their favorite activities and share more local tips with you. Call the Cuthbert House Inn at (843) 521-1315 to make a reservation or click here to see our available rooms and  book online.