Celebrate the Lowcountry: A Year of Festivals, Food & Family
If you’re planning a stay in the Lowcountry — whether in Beaufort, Hilton Head, Charleston, or any of the charming Sea Islands — one of the best things you can do is time your visit around a festival or event. The region is alive with celebrations of food, music, art, and heritage. For families seeking lively local flavor, here’s your guide to the annual festivals and events that define life in the Lowcountry.
We’ll walk you through the calendar (by season), highlight signature events in Beaufort and beyond, and share tips for enjoying them with kids and teens. Be sure to double-check each event’s official site for exact dates, ticketing, and any schedule shifts.
Winter (Jan-Feb): Cool Relaxing Days
Beaufort Oyster Festival (Jan)
Every fall, the charming coastal town of Beaufort comes alive with the Beaufort Oyster Festival, a celebration that brings together locals and visitors for a true taste of Lowcountry culture. From fresh, briny oysters served straight from the sea to live music, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities, the festival captures the spirit of the region in a fun and festive atmosphere. Whether you’re an oyster aficionado or just looking for a lively weekend getaway, the Beaufort Oyster Festival offers a perfect blend of food, music, and community charm that makes it a must-visit for families and friends alike.
Spring (March – May): Fresh Starts, Food & Heritage
Soft Shell Crab Festival
The Soft Shell Crab Festival is a local event that takes place in Port Royal, SC, in April. It features soft-shell crab dishes from local chefs, live music, children's activities, a car show, craft vendors, and more.
Charleston Wine + Food & Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE)
Before the heavy heat sets in, Charleston hosts a pair of marquee events appealing to food lovers and nature fans. The Charleston Wine + Food Festival typically runs in early March and offers everything from chef dinners and tastings to cooking demos and walking food tours. Meanwhile, almost simultaneously, SEWE (Southeastern Wildlife Exposition) brings together wildlife artists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. These events allow your family to taste the region’s culinary identity and learn about Lowcountry ecology — a perfect pairing for curious minds.
A Taste of Beaufort (May)
One of Beaufort’s beloved spring gatherings is A Taste of Beaufort, held in May at Waterfront Park. The event spotlights the city’s top restaurants and local chefs, blending live music, arts & crafts, and plenty of sampling. If your family loves trying new flavors or wants to tour the local food scene, this is a great way to dive in.
Original Gullah Festival (Memorial Day Weekend)
On Memorial Day weekend, Beaufort transforms with The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina, held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. This festival is deeply rooted in preserving and celebrating Gullah culture through storytelling, music, dance, crafts, and food.
One favorite feature (though always check the schedule) is the “Elimu Excursion,” a program for educators and journalists exploring the Lowcountry’s role in the American Revolution through a Gullah lens.
For families, it’s a chance to expose kids to living heritage in a vibrant, festive atmosphere.
Summer (June – August): Music, Water, and Family Fun
Music Festival of the Lowcountry (June)
Beaufort’s Music Festival of the Lowcountry happens in June. It showcases a mix of genres — often classical, jazz, or contemporary — against charming local venues. For families with budding musicians, this is a chance to see live performance in an accessible setting.
Beaufort Water Festival (July)
Arguably Beaufort’s biggest summer splash, the Annual Beaufort Water Festival spans about 10 days of fun in July. From sporting events, concerts, boat races, auctions, and more, this festival is one of the signature Lowcountry celebrations.
Because it runs over several days, you can pick and choose family-friendly components — concerts, community events, or kid-centered water contests. One quirky highlight: Shrimp Races — yes, live shrimp “racing” in the marsh! You won’t find that at many festivals.
Lowcountry Jazz Festival (Labor Day Weekend, Charleston)
Heading a little farther afield, the Lowcountry Jazz Festival in Charleston occurs over Labor Day weekend (late August / early September). It brings smooth jazz, R&B, and soul artists, often in open-air settings, and pairs well with strolling through historic Charleston after a performance. For families, evening concerts offer a chance to unwind after a day by the beach or exploring town, without feeling rushed.
Fall (September – November): Shrimp, Heritage & Holiday Cheer
Port Royal OKtoPRfest (Late September)
One of the newer but increasingly popular local celebrations is OktoPRfest, held in Port Royal each fall (in late September). The festival — dubbed “Party Port Royal Style” — usually runs from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on a Saturday along Paris Avenue in the Old Village of Port Royal.
Habersham Harvest Festival (October)
When autumn sweeps into the Lowcountry, something magical happens. The air cools just a bit, Spanish moss shifts in the breeze, and communities rally to celebrate the bounty of the season. One of the special annual traditions capturing that spirit is the Habersham Harvest Festival, held in the Habersham Marketplace just outside Beaufort, SC.
Beaufort Shrimp Festival (Early October)
Every October (first full weekend), Beaufort Shrimp Festival invites visitors to enjoy regionally famous shrimp in creative dishes prepared by local chefs. The festival includes a 5K race, arts & crafts, and — yes — shrimp races. Admission is free (though food and beverage tickets are purchased). For seafood lovers and families alike, this is a fun coastal food fair with a local twist.
Holiday Season (November - December): Family Fun & Holiday Cheer
Penn Center Heritage Days (November)
Nearby on St. Helena Island, the Penn Center Heritage Days is a major celebration of Gullah/Geechee heritage, held annually in early November. The festival features a parade, historic tours, art exhibitions, performances, workshops, and food.
This event is a powerful way to connect with the history and resilience of Gullah culture in a meaningful, festive setting.
Homes for the Holidays (Late November)
Back in Beaufort, Beaufort Homes for the Holidays is a festive seasonal event (typically mid to late November) which offers tours of beautifully decorated private homes in residential neighborhoods like Celadon on Lady’s Island. It’s a quieter, cozy way to embrace holiday spirit, perfect for families seeking indoor enjoyment after cooler weather sets in.
Holiday Weekend & Night on the Town (December)
Holiday-themed event the first weekend in December. Features great shopping, a visit from Santa, Christmas tree lighting, a boat parade, and a Christmas parade. Night on the Town takes place the first weekend of December every year.
Experience the Lowcountry
From oyster roasts in the winter to shrimp races in the fall and twinkling holiday parades in December, the Lowcountry offers something to celebrate in every season. Whether you’re savoring fresh seafood, dancing to live music, or introducing your kids to the rich traditions of Gullah heritage, these festivals turn a simple getaway into lasting family memories. As you plan your next stay, consider building your trip around one of these beloved events — it’s one of the best ways to experience the true heart and soul of the Lowcountry.
