The colors of fall excite the eyes while the scents of fall envelop you. Fall is a great time to get out and about in the city and explore its wonderful history and unique character. Whether you are just visiting Beaufort or are born and raised here, there is a bounty of exciting events and fun places to visit in the fall. No matter your interests, you’ll find a little something to keep you busy and entertained. Read on to learn about our list of some of the best fall activities and events going on in Beaufort, South Carolina.
First Friday Festivities
The First Friday Festivities is a local favorite for good reason. Typically taking place on the first Friday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m., this event features local food, artists, musicians, and family entertainment. Intended to celebrate the downtown Beaufort shops, cultural venues, restaurants, and community, it bolsters the local economy and creates a safe environment for Beaufort residents to mingle and meet. The event is free and open to the public.
HBF Fall Festival Of Houses And Gardens
On Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. and Oct. 23 at noon, the HBF Fall Festival of Houses and Gardens will be in full swing. The Historic Beaufort Foundation will host a tour of the National Historic Landmark District. Flowers are often in full bloom and cast a lovely and tantalizing scent throughout the neighborhood. The fall foliage provides the ideal backdrop to appreciate the architecture and singular beauty of the homes and buildings. For the Saturday tour, tickets start at $75 per person.
The Sunday tour, which includes a Southern brunch at Tidaholm, the Edgar Fripp House, also features a guest lecture with the Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Executive Director, Cynthia Jenkins. She will discuss the unique Beaufort Style of architecture. Adult general admission ticket prices for Sunday’s tour start at $150.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival
On Oct. 7, the celebration of the shrimp season in Beaufort begins. The 28th Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival features the flavors and culture of Beaufort and celebrates the unique waterfront culture. Hosted at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, the annual festival is a Beaufort local favorite. Local talent, artists, and restaurants gather to enjoy food, music, and good company.
The event features low country cuisine and is appropriate for all ages. While local restaurants join in the celebration by offering samplings of their specialty dishes featuring shrimp, the event is a great experience for visitors too. There is face painting, musical performances by local artists, and a Kids’ Corner sponsored by Lowe’s. The on-site playground equipment allows little ones to get out all that extra energy and socialize in a way that suits their growing social skills.
The 6th Annual Gullah Food Festival
Beaufort loves food festivals. This one is a little different. The Gullah Food Festival is hosted by the Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island and is focused on maintaining the Gullah customs, traditions, language, history, and songs. On Oct. 29 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the festival will begin, rain or shine. It is family-friendly, with children’s admission costing $5 and adult general admission being $10.
Scheduled events include Gullah storytelling, music, songs, face painting, and food vendors. This important link to Beaufort’s history is a great way to introduce children to the importance of understanding and accepting differing cultures and world viewpoints. There will also be Gullah games and story books for children.
Event promoters and hosts suggest that guests bring their own chairs because seating is limited. Additional parking will be available at the Boys and Girls Club. The Gullah Museum of Hilton Head Island is at 12 Georgianna Drive. For more information, call 843-681-3254.
Port Royal Farmers Market
The Port Royal Farmers Market is open weekly on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Rain or shine, you will find fresh and locally sourced groceries ranging from shrimp, oysters, eggs, and cheese to fresh and local seasonal produce.
This is a great place to buy a housewarming present, such as a fern or lemon tree. Additionally, grab a thoughtful surprise for a loved one and choose your collection of fresh-cut flowers. Food vendors are also on hand serving up freshly cooked Southern comfort food. Try some barbecue, crabcakes, or even a breakfast sandwich. Pets are not allowed.
The farmers market is at Ribaut Road and Pinckney Boulevard. For more information, sign up for the newsletter to receive updates and insider information.
Lowcountry Jaycees Annual Food Truck Festival
The Lowcountry Jaycees Annual Food Truck Festival will be on Oct. 1 this year. Head over with a hefty appetite and plenty of extra cash to cure all your cravings in one place. While you can expect food availability to be in excess, there will also be plenty of fun activities to keep both young and old guests entertained.
Live music from performers Campfire Tyler, Live DJ, and Steel Rail Express are scheduled to make an appearance. There will also be a Kid Zone complete with games, physical challenges, and a petting zoo. Adults can expect beer and refreshments to be available for purchase as well.
The festival is being held at Paris Avenue, Port Royal, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
So there you have it. Vaden of Beaufort has enjoyed sharing with you our list of the top things to do and places to visit in this hidden gem of a city. Whether you’re interested in music, fashion, food, or festivals, the lovely outdoor fall weather and friendly people are sure to add charm to your life this season.
What do you think of our list of go-to fall events and activities in Beaufort? Did we miss your favorite annual activity? If we did, please let us know! Leave us a message sharing your thoughts, and we’ll be happy to check out your ideas. You may even find your suggestion featured on our website in the future.
Fall Trees by Jennifer C. is licensed with CC BY 2.0
