Beaufort residents and visitors should prepare for temporary road closures this weekend as the annual Water Festival Parade rolls through downtown.
The Beaufort Police Department announced that several key streets will shut down to traffic on Saturday, July 25th, from approximately 9:45 AM until noon to accommodate the parade route and keep spectators safe.
According to the announcement, the following downtown streets will be closed during that window:
Boundary Street, from Adventure Street to Carteret Street; Carteret Street, from Boundary Street to Bay Street; Bay Street, from Carteret Street to Bladen Street; Bladen Street, from Bay Street to Boundary Street
In addition to these street closures, the Woods Memorial Bridge will also be shut down to vehicle traffic while the parade is underway. This bridge is a major connector for commuters and visitors traveling between downtown Beaufort and Lady’s Island, so drivers should plan accordingly if they need to cross during the parade hours.
What Drivers Should Know Before Heading Out
The Beaufort Police Department is urging residents and visitors to plan ahead and use alternate routes during the closure period. With Boundary Street, Carteret Street, Bay Street and Bladen Street all affected, traffic in the historic downtown area is expected to be significantly impacted for a few hours on Saturday morning.
Anyone who typically relies on these roads for weekend errands, appointments or travel through downtown should map out a detour ahead of time.
Local officials also reminded the public to drive carefully in the surrounding areas, since pedestrian traffic will likely increase as families and spectators gather along the parade route to watch the festivities.
A Beaufort Tradition Continues
The Water Festival Parade is one of the signature events of the Beaufort Water Festival, a tradition that draws large crowds to the Lowcountry each summer.
The parade typically features floats, marching bands, local organizations and community groups making their way through the heart of downtown, drawing spectators of all ages who line the streets to watch.
While the road closures may cause some temporary inconvenience for those needing to pass through downtown Saturday morning, the event remains a beloved community gathering that celebrates Beaufort’s culture and coastal charm.
Residents are encouraged to check with the Beaufort Police Department or local news outlets for any updates on timing or additional closures as the event approaches.
Those planning to attend the parade should also arrive early, as parking near the downtown route is expected to fill up quickly given the popularity of this annual celebration.