A Taste of Beaufort

Experience the essence of beautiful Beaufort!

The beautiful, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park will be the backdrop for the 14th annual

A Taste of Beaufort - Music, Arts, and Seafood Festival produced by Main Street Beaufort USA .

On Friday, May 3rd, 6-10 pm is a party in the park you don't want to miss!  The Carolina Soul Band will take you on an exciting journey through the musical history of Motown, Beach and Soul Music. Clap, dance and sing along with all your favorite songs of the 50's, 60's, 70's 80's and 90's. Featuring the versatile talent of some of the best musicians in the country, these performers have performed and shared the stage with such notable acts as The Drifters, Ollie Woodson, Little Richard, Percy Sledge, Dennis Edwards Temptations, The O'Jays, The Flamingo's, The Tams, Carl Gardner Coaster's, The Platter's, The Diamond's, The Manhattan's, and The Crystal's just to name a few.  To fill your hunger on Friday evening, local restaurants will be selling Lowcountry cuisine, seafood and land specialties.  Beer, wine and soft drinks will be available.

Arts and Craft market will be open on Friday, May 3rd from noon – 5:00 pm and on Saturday, May 4th from 11:00 am-5:00 pm. Also, stop by our local artist's section and experience the beauty of the Lowcountry captured by our artists hosted by Beaufort Arts Association. Stop by The Verdier House on Bay Street and view a Beaufort family's private collection of silhouettes of southern life and lands by early 20th century Lowcountry artist Carew Rice, brought to you by Historic Beaufort Foundation.

Gullah Culture tours of the Sea Islands will be available both Friday, May 3rd and Saturday, May 4th, for an opportunity to explore historic St. Helena Island and the Gullah Culture of the Sea Islands. Guests will visit Penn Center – the oldest school in the South to educate “newly freed” slave; and the Brick Baptist Church – the oldest Baptist church on St. Helena Island and A Praise House – small slave dwellings that were converted into places of worship for the slaves. Tour times:  9:00 AM – 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:45 PM – 3:15 PM, 3:30 – 5:00 PM.

On Saturday, May 4th, the festival's popular 5K Bridge Run (USTAF certified course) will begin at 8 a.m. The Popcorn Run for ages 7 and under will begin at 8:45 a.m. All require advanced registration. Registration forms are available at www.atasteofbeaufort.com. Online registration is available at www.active.com.  Race packet pick up and registrations will also be available at the Visitors Center, Arsenal building on Craven Street, Friday, May 3rd from noon to 5:00 and Saturday, May 4th prior to race from 6:30-7:30 pm.  Run the race and stay for the Taste!

Saturday, May 4th, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Main Event!  Bring the family downtown to enjoy traditional and innovative food choices being offered by our local restaurants. Sample the many different tastes of Beaufort!  From local seafood to international food offerings, you are sure to find a new favorite dish!  Beer, wine, and soft drinks will be available. Food and drink vendors will accept tickets that you can purchase at the ticket booths for $1 each. Items will be sold for 2-7 tickets. Live music and entertainment will be provided on the Pavilion Stage and children‟s activities, which include Jumpers and slides, will be located near the playground area and a Classic Car Memories car show hosted by Alzheimer's Family Services of Greater Beaufort from 1-5 pm, in Wells Fargo Parking Lot. For more information please contact Arlene Hull 843-521-9190.

Downtown Beaufort, SC is home to over 80 retail shops, 31 restaurants, and 8 quaint hotels and B&B's.