By Mike McCombs
The Island News
The opening night of the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival was over before it started.
“We are so disappointed that tonight’s Opening Ceremony at the Beaufort Water Festival has been canceled due to inclement weather,” the annual Beaufort Water Festival posted on its Facebook page Friday evening, July 11. “As always, the safety of our guests, performers, and volunteers is our top priority, and this difficult decision was made with everyone’s well-being in mind.
“We appreciate your understanding and support, and we look forward to welcoming you to all the upcoming festival events throughout the week!”
The Opening Ceremony was set to begin at 7 p.m., followed by a concert from the Parris Island Marine Band and then the annual fireworks display after dark – all free events. But late afternoon thunderstorms and a steady rain forced early arriving patrons to seek cover and organizers to eventually call off the evening’s events.
Saturday’s events get started early with the Bocce Tournament kicking things off at 8 a.m., in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. The evening will conclude with the annual Concert in the Park, beginning at 7 p.m., and headlined by Chris Janson.
Tickets for all ticketed events are available at bftwaterfestival.com.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Saturday’s Schedule
Bocce Tournament
8 a.m. until, Waterfront Park Main Field
Raft Race
8:30 a.m. to noon, The Sands, Town of Port Royal
Badminton Tournament
9 a.m. until, Waterfront Park Stage Field
Festival Arts & Crafts Market
9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Promenade at the Waterfront Park
Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament
10 a.m. to noon, Downtown Marina Seawall
Details: Free; Ages 12 and under only; Bring your own rod, reel, and tackle; Bait provided.
Sponsor’s Expo
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Waterfront Park Pavilion
Concert In The Park
7 p.m. (Gates open at 6 p.m.), Waterfront Park
Headliner: Chris Janson; Also Performing: Alli Walker; Opening Act: Chris Jones Band.
Clouds form over Water Festival Headquarters just ahead of opening night of the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival causing a Rain Delay for the Opening Ceremonies. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
The Parris Island Marine Band lines its instruments up on the floor under the pavilion at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in hopes the rain will pass. Ultimately, the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival chose to cancel Opening Ceremony events on Friday, July 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
A group of festival goers play a game of Clap Across the Circle as they wait under the pavilion at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in hopes the rain will pass. Ultimately, the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival chose to cancel Opening Ceremony events on Friday, July 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
A group of festival goers play a game of Clap Across the Circle as they wait under the pavilion at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in hopes the rain will pass. Ultimately, the 69th annual Beaufort Water Festival chose to cancel Opening Ceremony events on Friday, July 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Festival goers huddle together under the pavilion at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in hopes the rain will pass. Ultimately, the 60th annual Beaufort Water Festival chose to cancel Opening Ceremony events on Friday, July 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
