Each year visitors and residents gather at the Beaufort Shrimp Festival to feast on over 1,000 pounds of locally gathered shrimp. Along with great food comes great music and the festival attracts over 10,000 visitors a year. Local restaurants compete in several competitions where they receive awards for "Best Shrimp Dish" and "Best booth Decoration".

In addition to the Shrimp Festival there is a 5K run and walk, shrimp heading and peeling contests, and a Craft Market with many area vendors offering arts and crafts.