Beaufort Oyster Festival: A Fresh Celebration of Lowcountry Flavor

Beaufort is known for its lively festivals and events, celebrating everything from shrimp to the Gullah culture. July brings the famous Water Festival, October serves up the Shrimp Festival, and May honors the Original Gullah Festival. But have you experienced Beaufort’s Oyster Festival? This relatively new January festival is quickly becoming a favorite and 2025 will mark its fifth year—you won’t want to miss it!

The festival is not just about oysters but kicks off with Tides to Table, Beaufort’s own take on South Carolina’s Restaurant Week. Running the week before the festival and throughout the two-day event, Tides to Table showcases some of the area’s most talented chefs and restaurants. Each participating eatery curates a special menu inspired by the SC Lowcountry’s coastal flavors and local oysters, offering guests the perfect taste of Beaufort’s culinary scene before the main festivities even begin.

As the weekend arrives, so does the heart of the celebration: the Beaufort Oyster Festival itself! This two-day gathering brings oysters to center stage, with a delicious lineup of dishes that highlight local oyster varieties, unique preparations, and plenty of opportunities to savor the Lowcountry’s best flavors. Whether you’re a fan of traditional steamed oysters, fried oysters, or looking to sample some innovative oyster dishes, there’s something for every oyster lover. Plus, live music fills the air, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying all the delicious food and lively atmosphere.

For those looking to kickstart the weekend with a bit of adventure, the Oyster Boogie 5K invites runners to lace up their sneakers and enjoy a scenic run through downtown Beaufort that will take them across the iconic Woods Memorial Bridge. This fun route gives participants a chance to take in some of Beaufort’s best views while building up an appetite before diving into the festival’s oyster offerings. It’s a great addition for both locals and visitors who want to make the most of the weekend’s events.

If running isn’t your thing, no worries—there’s still plenty of fun to be had! Grab a partner and join the cornhole tournament, where friendly competition and good times are always on the agenda. It’s the perfect way to spend the day, whether you’re playing to win or cheering on your favorite team.

With Tides to Table, fresh oysters, live music, and the spirited Oyster Boogie 5K, the Beaufort Oyster Festival offers a true taste of Lowcountry life. So, mark your calendars and join us in kicking off the new year with Beaufort’s freshest celebration—an event where the food is delicious, the atmosphere is unforgettable, and every oyster shell tells a story.

For more details, be sure to visit the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association’s website.