The Best Things to Do at Fripp This Week – Sep 14-20
10 Can't-Miss Events On and Around Fripp Island This Week!
From a full-town shrimp festival and riverside Oktoberfest to marsh kayaking and wine tastings, there's plenty happening on and around Fripp Island this week. Here are ten things to add to your calendar from September 14 through 20.
1. A Whole Town Throws a Shrimp Party
The 32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival takes over Yemassee from Thursday through Saturday — part carnival, part street fair, all shrimp. Rides, food and craft vendors, three community parades including a lighted golf-cart-and-boat parade, a fireworks show, a cornhole tournament, fire juggling, a Michael Jackson tribute, and a headlining set from country artist Jason Lee Cook. Go hungry.
32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival / Thursday, September 17 – Saturday, September 19 @ Yemassee Municipal Complex
2. Walk It Out for Clean Water
Lace up Saturday morning for the 10th Annual Walk for Water in Port Royal, benefiting Water Mission's clean-water work worldwide — the same walk the St. Helena's crew does every year. Registration is free, a $25 donation earns the Walk for Water t-shirt, and donations are matched up to $10,000.
Walk for Water — 10th Annual / Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9 a.m. @ Live Oaks Park, Port Royal
3. Oktoberfest, But Make It Riverside
ShellRing Ale Works goes full German on Saturday — a riverside Oktoberfest at the Port Royal brewery, noon to ten. Raise a stein, stay for the sunset. (Cost not confirmed — check before you go.)
Oktoberfest on the River / Saturday, September 19, 2026, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. @ ShellRing Ale Works
4. Paddle the Marsh With a Naturalist
Morning Marsh Kayaking out of the Paddle Shack at the Fripp Island Marina — single or tandem kayak through the marsh with a naturalist who actually knows what's living in it. The single best on-island morning you can have. Call the Activity Center to confirm time and price: 843-838-1516.
Morning Marsh Kayaking / Friday, September 18 @ Paddle Shack, Fripp Island Marina
5. Thursday Means Smash Burgers
The every-Thursday tradition at OP Bar & Grille at Ocean Point. If you haven't done it yet, what are you even doing here.
Smash Burger Night / Thursday, September 17 @ OP Bar & Grille, Ocean Point
6. Uncork Your Friday
Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace in Port Royal hosts its weekly curated wine-tasting soiree — new arrivals, fan favorites, staff picks. $10 a person, no reservations needed. The easiest good Friday evening in Beaufort County.
Friday 'Uncorked' / Friday, September 18, 2026, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace
7. Girls Get Up Close With Helicopters
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office opens its helicopter hangar for Girls in Aviation Day — young women talk with pilots, get close to the aircraft, and learn about aviation careers. Bring a kid who needs to see this. (The listing shows two different addresses — confirm before you go.)
Girls in Aviation Day / Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. @ Beaufort Executive Airport
8. Sunday Mimosas and Live Music
Wind down the weekend at Windhorse's Sunday afternoon session — mimosas and live music, 1 to 3. The correct way to end a week.
Mimosas & Melodies / Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. @ Windhorse Gallery & Marketplace
9. Church on the Beach
St. Helena's Sunday Beach Service — contemporary Holy Communion with the Fripp Worship Team, toes in the sand, 9 AM at 300 Tarpon Blvd. Tell the gate you're headed to church and they'll wave you through. Free.
St. Helena's Sunday Beach Service / Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9 a.m. @ Fripp Island Beach, 300 Tarpon Blvd
10. Leave the River Better Than You Found It
Join the 37th Annual Beach Sweep / River Sweep — volunteer cleanup of the May River and Bluffton's historic parks. Gloves, bags, water, and sunscreen provided, plus free coffee and lunch from the Town of Bluffton.
37th Annual Beach Sweep / River Sweep / Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. @ Oyster Factory Park, Bluffton