Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival

The Annual Blessing of the Fleet & Seafood Festival presented by East Cooper Medical Center and Harris Teeter is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year! The festival pays tribute to Mount Pleasant’s local shrimping and fishing industry, offering a boat parade, live music, a craft show, and lots of free activities with the picturesque Ravenel Bridge and Charleston Harbor for a backdrop! #JustAsk where your seafood came from before you buy! Support local and wild-caught to support your fishermen…nothing beats Wild American Shrimp!

Watch the “Behind The Blessing” video series to get a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day of Mount Pleasant’s shrimpers! Follow the Facebook event page to stay up-to-date on event information and join the discussion.

Activities

Participants are treated to a boat parade and ceremonial blessing of the shrimp/fishing fleet, savory seafood samplings sold by some of Mount Pleasant’s best restaurants, live music, a craft show, Mount Pleasant Artists Guild juried art exhibit, Shag and shrimp-eating contests, and family-friendly activities. Admission and activities are free! Come enjoy a wonderful time with your community in one of the most beautiful settings in the Lowcountry!

Restaurants & Food Vendors

Enjoy delicious seafood and plenty of other festival-favorite menu items offered by some of Mount Pleasant’s favorite restaurants and caterers! Come hungry!

• Graze


• Mazyck’s Grill


• Charleston Festival Foods


• Zeus Grill & Seafood


• The Caterer of Charleston


• Top Shelf Catering


• Vendors serving kettle korn, funnel cakes, shaved ice, ice cream, baked goods, and more!

Art Exhibit & Craft Show

Stroll through the Craft Show and enjoy a variety of hand-made arts and crafts. Be sure to check out the amazing art in the Mount Pleasant Artists Guild juried art exhibit, where you can browse and even purchase some of Mount Pleasant’s finest art!

Art Show: Application Link. For more information contact: events@tompsc.com. The application deadline is February 22.

Beneficiary

Continuing the tradition begun by the Magwood family who started the festival in 1988, every year the net proceeds from the festival have been given to local nonprofit organizations who partner with the Town on volunteer recruitment and management for the event.  The 2024 beneficiaries are Carolina Children’s Charity and the Wayne Magwood Fishermen’s Memorial Statue to honor the festival’s late founding father and pay homage to the captains whose hard work has made Shem Creek such a vital part of our town’s heritage. The sculpture will be placed on the Shem Creek pedestrian bridge named after the former captain. Be sure to stock up on event memorabilia to benefit these wonderful local causes! Would your organization like to apply to be the 2025 beneficiary?  Please email events@tompsc.com for information and requirements.

Parking & Shuttles Information

There is no parking at Memorial Waterfront Park due to the current construction. Free shuttle buses run continually from 11 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Riders are welcome to bring chairs and festival gear on the buses! The last buses leave the park at 5:00 p.m. All stops will have at least one wheelchair-accessible bus. Find Shuttle Locations Here!