From staff reports
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival returns to downtown Beaufort for its 31st anniversary on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, 2025, promising two days packed with fresh shrimp from our local waters, live music, family activities, and a vibrant Art & Craft Market.
Festival-goers can kick off the weekend Friday evening with live performances by the Threshold Party Band at 5:15 p.m. and Billy and the Jets at 7:15 p.m., while savoring mouth-watering shrimp prepared by local chefs and exploring handcrafted items from talented artisans at the Art & Craft market, open from noon to 6 p.m.
Seafood lovers can join the fan-favorite Shrimp Showdown, a partnership between the City of Beaufort and the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Cast your vote for your favorite shrimp dish Friday night and cheer on your top pick! Winners in three categories — Beaufort’s Shrimp Showdown, The People’s Shrimp, and The Local Shrimp Favorite — will be announced Saturday at 1:30 p.m.
Saturday brings even more excitement with the Coastal Education Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and live entertainment including the Parris Island Marine Popular Music Group Band at noon, The Deckhands at 1 p.m., and Lyn Avenue at 2:30 p.m. The Art & Craft Market reopens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring more than 40 artisans offering everything from jewelry and clothing to woodworking and fine art.
Saturday morning startes with the iconic Run Forrest Run 5K at 8 a.m., the first race in the Beaufort Triple Crown, where participants run the famous course from the movie Forrest Gump and can snap photos with a Forrest Gump impersonator at the start and finish line.
At 3 p.m., don’t miss the 17th Annual Charity Shrimp Race, presented by the Sea Island Rotary Club, where participants compete for a grand prize of $30,000. Shrimp for the race are available for purchase through Sea Island Rotary.
Food lovers will delight in offerings from local favorites including Sea Eagle Market, Mother Smokin’ Good, Belly Full by Tyger, Panna E Cioccolata, Piece of Yard and Abroad, Food Savvy, The Island Fudge Shoppe, Sassy Sweets, Palmetto Kettle Corn, The Loyal Cup, and Tasty Creations by Teen Challenge. Every bite celebrates fresh, sustainably harvested shrimp from Beaufort’s waters, making this a true Lowcountry experience.
With local shrimp, crafts, music, and family fun, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival is a two- day celebration that captures the spirit and flavor of the Lowcountry. Don’t miss this iconic event!
For more information, schedules, and vendor details, visit //beaufortshrimpfestival.com/.
