Holy Shrimp! Time to Bless the Boats
You can always tell when spring hits the coast—boats in the harbor, music in the air, and the unmistakable smell of fried seafood. And if you’re near Mount Pleasant this weekend, you’ll know exactly where it’s coming from.
The Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival is back Sunday, April 27 at Memorial Waterfront Park, bringing shrimp, boats, and a full-on celebration of the town’s fishing roots. Only Mount Pleasant could pull this off the way it does.
Boats, Boogie, and a Boatload of Shrimp
Started in 1988 by the Magwood family, it began as a waterfront blessing for the shrimping fleet. Today, it’s part tradition, part block party, and part excuse to hang by the water with something fried in one hand and a drink in the other.
- Sunday, April 27, 11 AM–5 PM
- Boat parade + blessing at 11:30 AM (also on 92.5 Kickin’ Country)
- Live music: Mitchell Lee (12:30 PM), East Coast Party Band (2:00 PM)
- Shrimp-eating contest at 3 PM
- Art vendors, craft market, shag contests (that’s Carolina Shag—the state dance, not a scandal!)
- Free shuttles from nearby parking
- Full schedule here!
Let’s Be Honest—You’re Going for the Food
You’re not leaving without something that needs a napkin. Local staples like Graze, Zeus Grill & Seafood, and Charleston Festival Foods will be there, plus these standouts:
- Charleston Bay Gourmet, led by Joe and Kieran DiMaio with chef Sara Prezioso, brings fresh energy to a 30-year-old favorite.
- The Caterer of Charleston has been serving Lowcountry comfort food for decades.
- Top Shelf Catering, run by Marine vet Robert Patterson, handles everything from The Citadel to music fests.
Also: funnel cakes, shaved ice, kettle corn, and other “kid snacks” you’re definitely eating yourself.
Local Support, Real Talk
Shoutout to Novant Health and Harris Teeter—if you’ve ever needed a check-up or a shrimp tray, you know the names—for backing this year’s fest. Novant recently brought East Cooper Medical Center into its network, and Harris Teeter? With 30+ stores across the state, they’re about as local as it gets. Always good to see big names backing a nearly 40-year tradition!
The Fleet’s Ready—Are You?
This isn’t just another spring festival—it’s a little piece of Mount Pleasant wrapped in shrimp baskets and beach music.
Check out www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/arts-entertainment for more festivals, concerts, and local traditions worth showing up for—and don’t miss www.guidetosouthcarolina.com/food-drink if this shrimp talk’s got you hungry for more!
