Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina

The Original Gullah Festival of South Carolina takes over Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort for three days of Gullah Geechee culture on the Beaufort River. You come for the continuity of African traditions expressed through Lowcountry food, live performance, and handmade work, all within easy walking distance of downtown.

You can spend the day on the riverfront promenade watching artisans demonstrate sweetgrass basket weaving, then pause for storytellers and history talks rooted in the Sea Islands. Families will find a youth area with games and hands-on learning, and if you bring a small, well-behaved dog, leashes are generally allowed in outdoor park areas, though heat and crowds can be tough on pets.

Expect a social, welcoming waterfront where fried fish and gumbo are never far away. The main stage runs with African drumming, jazz, and gospel from morning into evening, with common standouts that include a grand parade through downtown Beaufort and the Decoration Day ceremony. This is a long-running Memorial Day weekend draw, so plan for dense foot traffic near food vendors and the craft market.

Arrive early Saturday to secure street parking before the afternoon peak, wear light layers and comfortable shoes, and bring cash since some booths do not take cards. High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat matter in the coastal sun, and when the park feels packed, you can step out to Bay Street shops or head to Lady’s Island marsh trails. Entry is free, but some workshops and evening parties sell separate tickets, and the festival usually continues in light rain with weather-related performance adjustments. For the easiest access, book a historic inn or boutique hotel in the Beaufort Historic District; for quieter nights, consider rentals on St. Helena Island or near Hunting Island, and you can compare regional coastal stays through Lake.com.