Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival just around the corner

In its 30th year, the annual two-day Beaufort Shrimp Festival is coming on October 4th & 5th.Photo byEric R. Smith

It's coming! The Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival will be held at downtown Beaufort’s Henry C. Chamber Waterfront Park on Friday, October 4th and Saturday, October 5th.

That’s news we love to hear!

Now in its 30th year, Beaufort’s annual Shrimp Festival celebrates Lowcountry cuisine and incorporates lots of fun activities for all ages. The first weekend of October always brings concerts, competitive events and several local restaurants will fill Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park offering samples of Lowcountry dishes featuring local wild-caught shrimp.

One of Beaufort’s most popular festivals, the Shrimp Festival excitement kicks off at 5pm on Friday, October 4th and includes live music along with several area restaurants previewing their creative shrimp concoctions for Saturday’s serious competitions.

But, you don’t have to wait until the evening arrives because you can enjoy browsing through the festival’s Arts & Crafts Market, which is scheduled from 12pm to 6pm, and the music starts at 5pm.

On Saturday, October 5th, the popular Run Forrest Run 5K race starts at 8am, followed by live music throughout the day, children’s activities, the Arts & Crafts Market…and lots and lots and lots of SHRIMP!

Also, on Saturday morning, you can wear your best Gump Getup and race across the Woods Memorial Bridge made famous by the Forrest Gump movie in the annual Run Forrest Run 5K. The fastest Forrest title awaits the winner at the finish line. Runners, walkers, pets, and children of all ages are welcome to race.

Visit this link for more info on the 5K and to register.

During the festival, vendor's will battle at it for the People's & Judges Choice while local restaurant faves will be open to the Local Fave Award.

Local Shrimp Fave will be open for voting starting September 30th via online. People's Choice will start at the festival on October 4th and 5th.
Judges choice will be held on October 5th.

Winners will be announced Saturday afternoon, October 5th, at the festival with a trophy presentation.

Saturday's all day music line up usually includes 3 local bands, and it will be followed by another local act to close out the festival.

Also at the event, you can enter in the Sea Island Rotary Club’s annual Charity Shrimp Race and check out thousands of rubber shrimp racing as they float down the Beaufort River towards a finish line full of fabulous prizes.

The Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival….celebrating our local food and culture with tons of family fun….Beaufort-style.

With free admission, there's no reason to miss out on the fun.

Visit this link for more info.