10 things to know about Beaufort’s Water Festival. For one thing, ticketing has changed
The 66-year-old Beaufort Water festival, which bills itself as one of the South’s biggest outdoor summer events, begins Friday with a bang and concludes July 24 with the blessing.
The 2022 theme is “Fun, Sun and Vitamin Sea!”
The annual festival attracts thousands to downtown Beaufort for music, food, arts and crafts, concerts and competition.
Some events never change at the Water Festival, which was launched in 1956, but take note: Changes are planned this year in how tickets are purchased to major events.
Here are 10 things you need to know about the 10-day celebration of Lowcountry life:
When and where is it?
The festival begins at 2 p.m. Friday with the arts and craft market. The opening ceremony is at 7 p.m. The festival, run entirely by about 400 volunteers, concludes July 24 with the blessing of the fleet.
Most of the action is at downtown Beaufort’s seawall in Waterfront Park, although various events are held around town. The full schedule of events is at beaufortwaterfestival.com.
What’s free?
▪ Daily arts and craft market.
▪ Friday’s 7 p.m. opening ceremony, which includes fireworks and a performance by the Parris Island Marine Band.
▪ Shrimp boat tours from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17.
▪ Ski show, 1 p.m., Sunday, July 17.
▪ Grand Parade, downtown Beaufort, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, July 23.
▪ Air Show including stunt planes and parachutists, 1-4 p.m., Saturday, July 23.
▪ Blessing of the fleet and parade of boats, noon- 2 p.m, Sunday, July 24.
Who’s performing in concert?
▪ Country’s Eli Young Band is the headliner Saturday, July 16, for the Concert in the Park. Kidd G, a Georgia native whose music includes country, rap and hip hop influences, also is performing. The New York Times featured Kidd G in a 2021 story, calling him a country up-and-comer who was pressing the genre’s boundaries. Singer-songwriter Peytan Porter is the opening act. Gates open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30.
▪ Deas-Guyz, which performs rhythm and blues, pop, rock, reggae and dance beats, takes the stage on Motown Monday, July 18. Gates open at 7 p.m. $15
▪ Island Time Band, which performs good-time island party and dance music, plays Tuesday, July 19. Gates open at 7 p.m. $5.
▪ Hardwired, a Metallica tribute band, performs Friday, July 22, during Rockin’ the River. Opening Act: Killin’ Quaid. Gates open at 7 p.m. $15.
How do I get tickets?
This year, for the first time, all event tickets — to concerts and other events — are digital and must be purchased online at beaufortwaterfestival.com, said Josh Schott, a spokesman for the festival. Using the online system, people will be able to buy tickets right up until the end of the event. In the past, tickets could be purchased online prior to the events with regular tickets available at the gate.
Where can I park?
Wherever you can find parking on Bay Street and adjacent city streets. Meters are enforced 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For four of the largest events, you can park for free at the Beaufort County Government Center and take a shuttle, also free, to Waterfront Park. The shuttles will be running from 5 p.m. to midnight Friday, July 15; 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, July 16; 6 p.m. to midnight Monday, July 18; and 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, July 22.
When’s the Lowcountry Supper?
The traditional meal of shrimp, corn, sausage and potatoes, variously called Frogmore Stew, Beaufort Stew or Lowcountry boil, will be served from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 21. Entertainment: Nashville recording artist Mike Ponder & Steel Rail Express; Katie Godowns; Chris Jones; and The Whistlers. $15.
When’s the Bed Race?
Egged on by fans lining the streets, four runners push a rider on a wildly decorated bed or gurney, starting at the corner of Bay and Harrington streets, in the bed race, which begins at 5 p.m. Friday, July 22.
When’s the talent show?
Gates open at 6 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20. $10.
What’s there to do for kids?
▪ The Children’s toad fishing tournament for kids 12 and under is 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, July 16, at the seawall. It’s free, but bring your own rod, reel and tackle. Bait will be provided.
▪ Children’s Day featuring games and shows and bounce houses is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, July 17. It’s free.
▪ A teen dance for ages 13-17 is 6-9 p.m. Sunday, July 17. A warning: Wear appropriate clothing. $10.
Military, first responders
First responder and military appreciation night is Tuesday, July 19. With an active ID, military personnel and first responders will get in free. For more information and updates, check out the festival’s Facebook page.
