Beaufort SC News | 2016 Beaufort Water Festival Kicks Off with a Splash

Published on July 13, 2016

Are you ready for ten incredible days of Lowcountry fun in South Carolina? You should be, because the 61st Annual Beaufort Water Festival begins this week. From July 15th - 24th, Beaufort's premier celebration will feature more than two dozen individual events including sporting events, aquatic events, arts & crafts, music and of course, the best of Lowcountry cuisine. If you haven't been to Beaufort, one of the top places to live in South Carolina for families, take a trip and visit during this excellent water festival.

The 2016 Beaufort Water Festival's lineup and attractions will include:

Friday, July 15

Arts & Crafts Market at the Promenade at Waterfront Park (Noon – 7pm)
OPENING CEREMONY (Gates open at 6pm, Ceremony at 7pm)

Saturday, July 16

Arts & Crafts Market at the Promenade at the Waterfront Park (9am – 7pm)
Bocce Tournament at Waterfront Park Main Field (Play starts at 9am)
Badminton Tournament at Waterfront Park Stage Field (Play starts at 9am)
Raft Race at Waterfront Park Seawall (9am –Noon)
Croquet Tournament at Dataw Island Croquet Lawns (Play starts at 9am)
Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament at Waterfront Park Seawall (10am –Noon | Ages 12 and under only | Bring your own rod, reel and tackle | Bait provided)
FREE Shrimp Boat Tours at Waterfront Park Seawall Event Details (Noon – 4pm)
FREE CONCERT IN THE PARK w/ Canaan Smith & LOCASH at Waterfront Park ($25 | Gates open at 7pm, Show at 8pm | No strollers, coolers, outside food or beverages or professional photography)

Sunday, July 17

Arts & Crafts Market at Promenade at the Waterfront
9am – 5pm Croquet Tournament at Dataw Island Croquet Lawns
River Rally at Local Waters (9am – 3pm)
Children’s Day at Waterfront Park Featuring Games, Activities, Shows, Bounce Houses and Prizes (11am – 3pm)
FREE! Shrimp Boat Tours at Waterfront Park Seawall (Noon – 4pm)
FREE! TEEN DANCE at Waterfront Park ($10 | 6pm – 9pm)

Monday, July 18

Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (10am – 7pm)
MOTOWN MONDAY w/ Deas Guyz at Waterfront Park ($15 | Gates open 7pm, Show at 8pm)

Tuesday, July 19

Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (10am – 7pm)
TIME WARP TUESDAY w/ The Return, a Beatles tribute band at Waterfront Park ($10 | Gates open 7pm, Show at 8pm)|

Wednesday, July 20

Croquet Tournament (9 Wicket) at Waterfront Park (Play starts at 9am)
Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (10am – 7pm)
TALENT SHOW at Waterfront Park ($10 or FREE with Official 2016 61st Annual Water Festival T-Shirt| Gates open at 6pm, Show at 7pm)

Thursday, July 21

Croquet Tournament (9 Wicket) at Waterfront Park (Play starts at 9am)
Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (10am – 7pm)
LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER w/ Too Much Sylvia & Eric Daubert at Waterfront Park ($15 | Gates open at 6pm | Supper served 6pm – 7:30pm)

Friday, July 22

Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (10am – 7pm)
Bed Race at the Corner of Bay & Harrington ($25 entry per team | 4:30pm check-in | 5pm start time)
RIVER DANCE w/ The Breakfast Club, an 80’s band and Gump Fiction, a 90’s band at Waterfront Park ($15 | Gates open at 7pm, Show at 8pm | Must be 18 or Older with Valid ID to attend

Saturday, July 23

Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (9am – 7pm)
Water Festival Grand Parade in Downtown Beaufort (10am –Noon)
Non-Profit Expo at Waterfront Park Pavilion (Noon – 4pm)
Air Show at Waterfront Park (1pm – 4pm | Stunt Planes | Parachutists | US Coast Guard Search & Rescue Demo.)
COMMODORE’S BALL Sponsored at Waterfront Park ($10 | Gates open at 7pm, Show at 8pm)

Sunday, July 24

Arts & Crafts Market at Waterfront Park (9am – 3pm)
Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats on the Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park Seawall (Noon – 2pm | FREEregistration | Boats must register to be eligible for prizes)
Festival Ends (3:00 pm)

With so much food, music, and fun on the water, this will be a memorable event in one of the top places to live in South Carolina for families.

Families love Beaufort for its warm weather, its Lowcountry culture, and its proximity to the ocean. In Beaufort County, there are great schools, top-notch hospitals, and competitive athletic leagues. And homes here are some of the nicest homes in South Carolina. If you are the type that likes to live in a master-planned community, there are great, safe neighborhoods with Beaufort SC waterfront homes for sale.

Also making Beaufort one of the top places to live in South Carolina for families, is its island scenery. Beaufort County is home to Hilton Head Island, famous for its golf resort and southern island charm. In downtown Beaufort, on Port Royal Island, you can sip cocktails by the water, eat seafood fresh from the sea, and buy fresh baked breads and local produce from the Downtown Farmer's Market. And there are many interesting things to do on the rest of the Sea Islands.

On Fripp Island, you'll find golf courses, vacation resorts, and nice residential properties. In fact, Fripp Island is among the most exclusive US island communities. Residents here enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle, with swimming, tennis, kayaking and canoeing, and walking on the beaches. And Fripp Island has plenty of wonderful restaurants with fresh and delicious seafood.

Why not tour some of the Beaufort SC waterfront homes for sale in July. It's the perfect time to visit the Lowcountry and Sea Islands. Visit between July 15th - 24th, and you can enjoy the Beaufort Water Festival, take a tour of the Sea Islands, and see what makes Beaufort an incredible place for family living. Beaufort SC waterfront homes for sale continue to be hot commodity, but prices remain affordable. Come and see for yourself - plan your summer trip to Beaufort SC today.

If you're exploring Beaufort for the first time, ask for our free Beaufort Relocation Information to help you learn more about the area.