This year marks the 57th anniversary of the Beaufort Water Festival. This is the one of the most popular festivals taking place in the summer in South Carolina – and not surprisingly, this festival offers a wide variety of happenings from water & air, to sporting events of all kinds and an impressive list of nightly entertainment.
The Beaufort Water Festival is scheduled for July 13 -22, 2012.
The festival has a little bit of everything from Water Craft Sports, and fishing events, to air show, arts & crafts, pageant, Blessing of the fleet, lots of sports events, live music and more. Just take a look at the massive schedule of events.
Here is the event schedule. (subject to change)
FRIDAY, JULY 13
Festival Art and Craft Market
Noon – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
Opening Ceremony
Gates open 6 p.m., Ceremony begins 7 p.m.
Featuring the Parris Island Marine Band and a spectacular Fireworks Show at dusk.Free admission
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
SATURDAY, JULY 14
Raft Race
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Bocce Tournament
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Festival Art and Craft Market
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
Sponsors’ Expo
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Waterfront Pavilion.
Children’s Toad Fishing Tournament
10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Waterfront Park
Free for ages 12 and under only. Bring your own Rod, Reel and Tackle; Bait will be provided
Coast Guard Cutter Tours
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park.
Lowcountry Estuarium
10 am – 4pm, Waterfront Park
Shrimp Boat Tours
Noon – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Badminton Tournament
11 a.m., Waterfront Park
Gatorland Ski Show
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Beaufort River, Waterfront Park
Sailing Regatta
12:00-1:00 PM registration.
1:00 PM Competitors’ Meeting
2:00 PM Warning for first race; other races to follow
Dragon Boat Exhibition
4:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Beaufort River, in front of seawall in the Waterfront Park
 CONCERT IN THE PARK
8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., Waterfront Park
Gates open 7 p.m., Show starts 8 p.m. Entertainment by James Otto. James Otto is the voice behind “Sweet Little Summer Song†and “Just Got Started Loving Youâ€. Opening Entertainment by Chuck Courtenay. Admission $20
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
SUNDAY, JULY 15
Festival Art and Craft Market
9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
Boat Bingo
10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Local Waters. Entry fee
Coast Guard Cutter Tours
10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Lowcountry Estuarium
11 am – 3pm, Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Shrimp Boat Tours
Noon – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park. Free to the public
CHILDREN’S DAY
11:00 a.m. – 3 p.m., Waterfront Park.
Featuring shows with rides, games, and prizes. Free to the public
Gatorland Ski Show
2 p.m. – 4 p.m., Beaufort River,Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Sailing Regatta (continued)
2:00 PM Warning for final race in front of BYSC; no races will start after 4:30. 5:00 PM Awards. Dinner to follow
TEEN DANCE
6 p.m. – 9 p.m., Waterfront Park. Gates open 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ( No entry after 8 p.m.) NO RE-ENTRY ALLOWED.
Entertainment DJ Jeff Taylor. Ages 13-17 only–VALID ID REQUIRED. CLUTCH PURSES ONLY (6×9)size
Admission $10
MONDAY, JULY 16
Croquet Tournament
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Entry fee: $20 per person, or $30 per person for both tournaments
Festival Art and Craft Market
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
MOTOWN MONDAY
8 p.m. – 11 p.m., Waterfront Park. Gates open 7 p.m., Show starts 8 p.m.
Entertainment by Deas-Guyz. Admission $7
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
TUESDAY, JULY 17
Croquet Tournament (continued)
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Festival Art and Craft Market
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
TROPICAL TUESDAY
8 p.m. – 11 p.m., Waterfront Park
Gates open 7 p.m., Show starts 8 p.m.. Entertainment by the Tsunami Wave Riders
Admission $12. Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
WEDNESDAY, JULY 18
Croquet Tournament (continued)
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Festival Art and Craft Market
10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
TALENT SHOW
Hosted by the Preceptor Omega Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
7 p.m. – 11 p.m., Waterfront Park. Gates open 6 p.m., Show starts 7 p.m.
Admission $10, Free with Official 2012 Beaufort Water Festival T-Shirt.
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
THURSDAY, JULY 19
Croquet Tournament Finals
9 a.m., Waterfront Park
Festival Art and Craft Market
10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
LOWCOUNTRY SUPPER
6 p.m. – 11 p.m., Waterfront Park. Gates open 6 p.m., Supper served 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Main Show by Too Much Sylvia. Opening entertainment by the Broke Locals. Admission $15
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
FRIDAY, JULY 20
Festival Art and Craft Market
10 a.m.- 5 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
Bed Race
Race at 5 p.m. on Bay Street, starting at Harrington Street and ending at Newcastle Street.
Entry fee: $25 per bed
RIVER DANCE
8 p.m. – Midnight, Waterfront Park. Gates open 7 p.m., Show starts 8 p.m. Opening entertainment by Shark RodeoMain Show by The Design. MUST BE 18 OR OLDER WITH VALID ID TO ATTEND. NO STROLLERS ALLOWED
Admission $12. Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
SATURDAY, JULY 21
Festival Art and Craft Market
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Promenade, Waterfront Park
Water Festival Grand Parade
Organized by the Beaufort Lions Club. 10 a.m. – Noon, Downtown Beaufort. Entry fee: $25
Coast Guard Cutter Tours
Noon – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park. FREE the public
Lowcountry Estuarium
Noon – 4pm, Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Shrimp Boat Tours
Noon – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park. FREE the public
Corn Hole Tournament Finals
11:30 a.m., Waterfront Park- Double Elimination Frame Tournament to determine the last 3 spots
in the field
Air Show
1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Waterfront Park
FREE to the public
COMMODORE’S BALL
8 p.m. – Midnight, Waterfront Park
Entertainment The Headliners. Gates open 7 p.m., Show starts 8 p.m. Admission $10
Shuttle service available from Beaufort County Government Center
SUNDAY, JULY 22
Festival Art and Craft Market
9 a.m. -3 p.m., Promenade, Waterfront Park
Lowcountry Estuarium
11 am – 3pm, Waterfront Park. Free to the public
Non-profit Expo
11am -2pm. Free to the public
Entertainment by Chris Jones
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
Blessing of the Fleet and Parade of Boats
Noon – 2 p.m., Beaufort River in front of Waterfront Park. Free – boats must register to be eligible for prizes
All applications must be at the judges stand prior to noon.
3 p.m. Festival Ends
For details and tickets, visit http://www.bftwaterfestival.com/