The annual Beaufort County Water Festival was first held in 1956 and has been a Beaufort tradition for over 50 years.

Each July, the County of Beaufort celebrates its great heritage and present-day progress with a spectacular festival that promotes the natural beauty and charm of the low country. People from all walks of life come together in celebration of its rich history and southern hospitality.

The first weekend featured two days of sailboat races and the Regatta Ball. In years following organizers added the Beauty Pageant on Friday to select the Queen of the Carolina Sea islands who was chosen from the visiting queens from cities and towns throughout the state. After that came the addition of the parade, a water ski show and competition, air show, swimming races and the Water Festival Ball and motor boat race.

As the years went by and the festival drew more and more people to the area tennis and golf tournaments, an antique show, bingo, fishing contests, and even croquet.