Edisto Beach Shag Festival

Get ready to dance the weekend away at one of Edisto’s favorite annual traditions—the Edisto Beach Shag Festival! Every year, locals and visitors gather to celebrate Carolina beach music, community spirit, and the timeless South Carolina dance we all love: the shag.

With live bands, food vendors, shag lessons, and plenty of room to dance, this festival brings fun and rhythm to the heart of Edisto Beach.

Event Overview

Hosted each year over Labor Day Weekend, the Edisto Beach Shag Festival is a three-day celebration featuring:

• Live beach music bands

• DJ sets on festival grounds

• Shag competitions & exhibitions

• Shag lessons for beginners

• Food trucks, local vendors & drinks

• Family-friendly entertainment

It’s the perfect blend of classic Carolina beach culture and the relaxed charm of Edisto Island.

Location

Bay Creek Park
3706 Docksite Road
Edisto Island, SC 29438

Bay Creek Park—overlooking the marsh and marina—provides a scenic backdrop for shagging, socializing, and enjoying the coastal breeze. Seating is welcome, and lawn chairs are encouraged.

Parking is available on-site and in designated nearby areas, but it fills quickly. Carpooling, biking, or walking from nearby rentals is recommended.

Festival Schedule (Typical Lineup)

Schedule varies year to year. Below is a general example of the weekend structure:

Friday Night Kickoff

• Opening ceremony

• DJ beach music

• Social shag dancing

Saturday: Main Festival Day

• Live beach music from regional favorites

• Dance floor open all day

• Shag lessons for beginners

• Vendors, food trucks, and kids’ activities

Sunday: Finale on the Marsh

• Gospel hour or morning gathering

• Final DJ session

• Last chance to dance before closing

What Is the Carolina Shag?

The shag is South Carolina’s official state dance—a smooth, laid-back partner dance that pairs perfectly with classic beach music. For many, the Edisto Shag Festival is a chance to learn, practice, and simply enjoy a uniquely Southern tradition.

Whether you’re an experienced shagger or stepping onto the dance floor for the first time, you’ll feel right at home.

Food, Vendors & Activities

Expect:

• Fresh local seafood

• Festival snacks & desserts

• Cold drinks (including beer & wine)

• Local craft vendors

• Shag apparel & souvenirs

Kids and families are welcome—many visitors make the festival part of their annual Labor Day getaway.

Bring With You

• Comfortable shoes for dancing

• Lawn chairs or folding chairs

• Sunscreen & hats for daytime

• Cash/card for vendors

• A friendly spirit ready to have fun