🍂 Fall is one of the best times to visit Beaufort, South Carolina. Cooler temperatures make it perfect for strolling through downtown, relaxing along the waterfront and exploring the Sea Islands—and the fall calendar is filled with some of the Lowcountry’s most anticipated festivals and events.
From fresh local shrimp and historic home tours to Gullah Geechee culture and an around-the-world food festival, there are plenty of reasons to plan a stay at 607 Bay Inn Downtown Beaufort for a fall getaway to Beaufort, SC.If you’re looking for things to do in Beaufort this fall, here are five events to put on your 2026 calendar.
Taste of the World Festival – September 26, 2026
Start the fall festival season just down the road in Port Royal at the Taste of the World Festival, Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Live Oaks Park.
This new Port Royal event brings together food trucks and local restaurants serving flavors inspired by Africa, Asia, Europe and beyond. Visitors can spend the afternoon sampling global cuisine while enjoying live music and entertainment beneath Port Royal’s beautiful live oaks. Port Royal is only a short drive from downtown Beaufort, making this an easy addition to a weekend stay.
When: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Where: Live Oaks Park, Port Royal, SC
Beaufort Shrimp Festival – October 2–3, 2026
One of Beaufort’s favorite fall traditions returns to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on October 2 and 3. The 32nd Annual Beaufort Shrimp Festival celebrates one of the Lowcountry’s most famous foods—fresh local shrimp! Downtown Beaufort comes alive with shrimp dishes prepared by area restaurants and chefs, live music, an arts and crafts market and plenty of Lowcountry flavor.
Best of all for guests staying at 607 Bay Inn, the festival takes place right in downtown Beaufort, making it easy to walk to the festivities without worrying about driving and parking. Spend the day at the festival, explore the shops and restaurants along Bay Street, and return to the historic inn to unwind on our waterfront porches.
When: Friday & Saturday, October 2–3, 2026
Where: Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Downtown Beaufort
Habersham Harvest Festival – October 9–11, 2026
The 16th Annual Habersham Harvest Festival brings three days of fall fun to the beautiful Habersham Marketplace, just minutes from downtown Beaufort. This popular vintage street fair kicks off Friday evening with a carnival, rides, live music and food. The celebration continues Saturday and Sunday with artisan vendors, festival foods, entertainment and activities throughout the charming Habersham Marketplace. With its picturesque streets and classic Lowcountry architecture, Habersham provides a wonderful backdrop for a fall afternoon.
When: Friday–Sunday, October 9–11, 2026
Where: Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort, SCBeaufort SC Beaufort SC Events Beaufort SC Festivals Fall in Beaufort SC Things to Do in Beaufort SC Beaufort Shrimp Festival Habersham Harvest Festival Penn Center Heritage Days Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens Port Royal SC Lowcountry Events Beaufort SC Geta
Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens – October 16–18, 2026
If you love Beaufort’s history and architecture, this may be the fall weekend for you. Historic Beaufort Foundation’s 52nd Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens takes place October 16–18 and offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience some of Beaufort’s historic private homes and gardens.For more than 50 years, this special event has welcomed visitors to explore Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District while learning more about the architecture, history and people that have shaped our beautiful coastal town.
Staying at 607 Bay Inn, itself a beautifully restored historic manor in downtown Beaufort, makes the perfect complement to a weekend devoted to discovering Beaufort’s architectural history.
When: Friday–Sunday, October 16–18, 2026
Where: Historic Downtown Beaufort, SC
Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration – November 12–14, 2026
Fall in the Lowcountry wouldn’t be complete without celebrating the rich culture and history of the Sea Islands. The 42nd Annual Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration takes place November 12–14 at the historic Penn Center campus on St. Helena Island. This three-day cultural celebration honors the history of Penn School and Penn Center along with the Gullah Geechee history, folk arts, food, music and traditions of the region. Events include presentations by Gullah Geechee artisans and re-enactors, performances, an educational symposium, fish fry, Artists and Authors Row, vendors, a parade and more.
Penn Center is located on St. Helena Island, an easy drive from downtown Beaufort and a wonderful way to experience an important part of the Lowcountry’s history and culture.
When: Thursday–Saturday, November 12–14, 2026
Where: Penn Center, St. Helena Island, SC
Make 607 Bay Inn Your Home Base for a 🍂 Fall Beaufort Getaway
Whether you’re coming for the Beaufort Shrimp Festival, touring historic homes and gardens or exploring the culture and food of the South Carolina Lowcountry, fall is a wonderful time to experience Beaufort.
Located on Bay Street in the heart of historic downtown Beaufort, 607 Bay Inn puts you close to the area’s restaurants, shops, galleries, waterfront and many of Beaufort’s most popular events. Our historic boutique inn features just 10 guest rooms, private baths, free on-site parking and spacious front porches overlooking the Beaufort River.
Wake up in the heart of downtown, explore a local festival, enjoy dinner at one of Beaufort’s many walkable restaurants, and end your day relaxing on the porch with a beautiful Lowcountry view. Fall festival weekends can be some of the most popular times to visit Beaufort, so plan your getaway early and book direct at 607 Bay Inn for your fall escape.
2026 Beaufort Fall Festival Calendar at a Glance
- September 26: Taste of the World Festival – Port Royal
- October 2–3: Beaufort Shrimp Festival – Downtown Beaufort Waterfront Park – Walking distance from 607 Bay Inn
- October 9–11: Habersham Harvest Festival – Habersham
- October 16–18: Fall Festival of Houses & Gardens – Historic Beaufort
- November 12–14: Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration – St. Helena Island