Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival: A Beloved Summer Tradition in Charleston, SC

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival: A Charleston Summer Tradition

As the warm summer breeze blows across the Atlantic Ocean and onto the sandy shores of Folly Beach, excitement begins to build for the annual Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival. This popular event takes place every summer in the quaint beach town just outside of Charleston, South Carolina and brings thousands of visitors eager to enjoy live music, crafts, food and drinks, and impressive sand sculptures.

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival is a beloved tradition for both locals and tourists visiting the Charleston area each summer. For over 20 years, the festival has celebrated the spirit of the beach through creative sand castle competitions, lively music performances, arts and crafts vendors selling their wares, and delicious Lowcountry food and drink options. It's the perfect summer weekend event to enjoy ocean views, local culture, and seaside fun in a beautiful beach setting.

A Weekend of Seaside Festivities

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival traditionally takes place on the second weekend of June every summer. The three-day event kicks off on Friday evening with live music performances beginning at 6pm. Musicians rock the main festival stage well into the night, ranging from local bands to more well-known regional acts. The tunes continue through the weekend, with various acts taking the stage and bringing plenty of good vibrations.

On Saturday morning, the serious sand sculpting gets underway. This is when the coastal landscape of Folly Beach transforms into an outdoor art museum, with giant sand creations taking shape before your eyes. Sculptors from around the country compete by carving massive works of art from mounds of sand. The public watches in awe as mermaids, sea creatures, pirates, beach landscapes, and more emerge throughout the day. It's truly dazzling to see the incredible detail take form.

Artisan and food vendors also line the beach, offering handmade crafts, jewelry, beachy souvenirs, and local bites. Lowcountry staples like shrimp and grits, oysters, and crab cakes sizzle from the booths, along with classic beach snacks and drinks. The aroma of fresh food mixes with the sea air, adding to the sensory experience of the festival.

As the sun begins to set on Saturday evening, live music starts up again on the main stage. Festival-goers sway and dance along the shoreline, often donning fun tropical shirts, straw hats, leis, and sunglasses to embrace the beach vibe. Additional nighttime fun includes movies on the beach, bonfires with s'mores, and fireworks over the ocean waves.

Crowning the Competition Winners

On Sunday, the sand sculpting contest winners are announced. Awards are given out in various categories, like "Best Sculpture", "Best Craftsmanship", and "People's Choice". Winning pieces often display stunning realism, imagination, and skill. It's remarkable to see the beautiful sandy works before the tide eventually takes them away.

Many crowd favorites have emerged over the years at the festival sand competition. Massive sea turtles, pirate ships, aquatic fantasies, and mermaids are popular recurring themes. Sculptors work in teams to create enormous, eyecatching displays that capture the spirit of sun, surf, and summer. The awards ceremony is a meaningful culmination after watching the artists craft these temporary masterpieces from the sands of Folly.

Beyond the sand sculptures, festival attendees can also browse the Arts and Crafts Village one last time on Sunday. It's a final chance to take home a handmade souvenir and support local artisans. The food booths likewise draw people in for a last taste of Lowcountry barbecue, shrimp tacos, key lime pie and other coastal delights. Sweet tea, lemonade and tropical cocktails provide refreshing drinks to beat the heat.

Family Fun By the Seashore

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival offers plenty of family fun for visitors of all ages. From toddlers to grandparents, there are activities to delight everyone. The sand sculpture competition is particularly thrilling for kids, as they excitedly watch mermaids and pirates emerge from the sand. Trying their own hand at building sandcastles is also a favorite pastime.

Cooling off in the ocean waves is fun for the whole family too. The Folly Beach shoreline provides gentle surf that kids enjoy playing in. Parents can relax under a beach umbrella or tent and watch over the youngsters dashing to and from the sea. It's the quintessential beach weekend experience.

There are also great shopping opportunities for seashells, souvenirs, beach toys, kites, and more. Kids tend to love picking out a new beach bucket, or stuffing their pockets with shells found along the shore. Face painting, bouncing houses, and carnival rides at the festival add to the excitement as well. From toddlers to pre-teens, there are activities to engage kids of all ages.

Teenagers and young adults also enjoy the lively music performances at the Folly Sea and Sand Fest. Hearing popular bands play on the beach provides entertainment for older kids and families to appreciate together. Swaying along to the island tunes and summer hits fosters a laidback bonding experience.

Nightlife and Entertainment

After the sun sets, the Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival takes on a colorful, festive vibe each evening. Most nights feature a DJ spinning party hits and dancing under the stars on the beach. Fireworks shows over the ocean provide awe-inspiring displays of color bursting across the night sky. Their reflections shimmer on the water below in brilliant patterns.

On Saturday night, an outdoor movie screens on a large inflatable projection screen. Festival-goers bring beach chairs and blankets to cozy up on the sand enjoy films like Jaws, Pirates of the Caribbean, or family-friendly movies. The combination of ocean breezes and cinema under the stars creates movie magic.

Live music performances also continue into the night throughout the weekend. Festival headliners take the main stage on Friday and Saturday evenings, playing popular songs for crowds dancing by the seashore. Many attendees wear fun tropical attire, glow necklaces, leis, and party sunglasses to embrace the festive atmosphere.

Bonfires around the Folly Beach area provide additional nighttime relaxation. Friends and families gather around the crackling flames making s'mores, sharing stories, and taking in the starlit skies. The Folly Sea and Sand Festival offers beachside entertainment from sunup to sundown.

Where to Stay and Dine

Most hotels and vacation rentals in Folly Beach and the Charleston area fill up months in advance for the popular June festival. Nearby options range from national hotel chains to locally owned boutique inns and B&Bs. Many provide shuttle service to and from the festival grounds throughout the weekend.

Camping is another accommodation option for visitors willing to "rough it" on nearby beaches and parks. Tents, RVs and campers fill every available oceanfront site to experience the festival. It provides an added sense of adventure and community through shared campfire meals under the stars each night.

In terms of dining, the festivals offers fantastic Lowcountry cuisine through its many food booths and trucks. However, restaurants across Folly Beach also see packed crowds craving classic Southern fare like shrimp and grits, fried seafood platters, crab cakes, and crawfish boils. Popular spots like Jack of Cups Saloon, The Drop In Bar & Deli, and Lost Dog Cafe overflow with hungry festival-goers all weekend.

Festival attendees also stock their condos and beach house rentals with provisions. Grocery stores on Folly Beach often sell out of snacks, drinks, hot dogs, burger patties, and anything needed to fuel the crowds day and night. Part of the experience involves outdoor cookouts on balconies and patios overlooking the sea and sand.

Come for the Sand, Stay for the Experience

The sand sculptures attract huge crowds each year to the Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival, but they're only part of the experience. Music, food, crafts, beach games, ocean views, and a lively atmosphere combine to create a beloved Charleston tradition. Families, couples, groups of friends and solo travelers agree – it's an unforgettable summer weekend celebrating creativity, community, and the spectacular South Carolina coastline.

As the high tide eventually reclaims the amazing works of sandy art, festival-goers carry memories of the sights, sounds, tastes and fun back home. Mark your calendar now for the 2023 Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival ... you won't want to miss out on a Charleston summer classic!

FAQs

When is the Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival held?

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival is held annually on the second weekend of June.

Where does the festival take place?

The festival takes place right on Folly Beach in the town of Folly Beach, South Carolina, just outside Charleston.

What kinds of activities happen at the festival?

Some main attractions are the sand sculpture competition, live music performances, arts/crafts and food vendors, beach games, bonfires, fireworks shows, and more.

How can I get tickets to the Folly Beach Festival?

The Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival is free and open to the public. No tickets are required to attend.

Where should I stay when visiting the festival?

You can find accommodations in Folly Beach or Charleston, including hotels, vacation rentals, B&Bs, campgrounds or RV parks. Reserve early as lodging fills up fast.