10,000 expected at Taste of Beaufort, a foodie’s dream. Here’s the weekend forecast

Thousands of people will pack Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park this weekend for the annual Taste of Beaufort featuring the Lowcountry’s best culinary dishes. The city’s second-largest annual festival is foodie’s dream with selections ranging from Seafood to soul food to Mexican to barbecue.

Up to 10,000 people are expected for the two-day event, which begins Friday and runs through Saturday, says Ashley Brandon, the city’s Downtown Operations manager. Only the city’s vaunted October shrimp festival is bigger.

The free festival, which is 5-10 p.m. Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, will feature several local food outlets operating under tents at the park, including Sea Eagle Market, Belly full by Tyger, Mother Smokin’ Good! and A Taste of Mexico.

The weather looks promising with a few clouds looming on Saturday.

The forecast from the National Weather Service calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 83 on Friday. On Saturday, there’s a 30% percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 2 p.m, with a high near 82.

Besides the food, other highlights include a Friday evening concert headlined by Cody Webb. Saturday’s music lineup includes Stuck in Time, Parris Island Marine Band, Liz Jane and Chris Jones. A Kids Corner will be open on Saturday and the craft market hours are noon-6 p.m. both days.

This annual festival, which has showcased the best of culture and dining in Beaufort for 25 years, kick-starts the city’s tourism season as the weather improves and residents are eager to get outside, Brandon said.

“It’s just a good family fun event,” Brandon said.

For more information, or if you are interested in volunteering for the event, go to A Taste of Beaufort website: https://atasteofbeaufort.com.