Welcome to the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival

After a two-year hiatus, we are excited to be bringing back a local tradition! For 45 years, on the first Saturday in May, the town of McClellanville has rolled out the welcome mat for visitors from near and far to enjoy the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and the Blessing of the Fleet. Plan on making the short drive off Highway 17 to the end of Pinckney Street to enjoy the 46th Annual Lowcountry Shrimp Festival and Blessing of the Fleet on Saturday, May 4, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Since 1977

In the summer of 1977, the Archibald Rutledge Academy sponsored the first Lowcountry Shrimp Festival. The event focuses on the blessing of the village’s shrimping fleet as local shrimp boat captains and crews prepared for the upcoming shrimp season. Trawlers, festooned with colorful flags and pennants, slowly parade down Jeremy Creek to receive the prayers of the local clergy for a safe and bountiful season. This tradition will be continued with this year’s festival when today’s shrimp fleet lines up to be blessed. Following the blessing a floral wreath will be laid upon the waters as a memorial to those who have been lost at sea. The Blessing of the Fleet will be at 4:00pm.

Schedule coming soon

• Festival begins

• Live music

• The Blessing of the Fleet

• Festival ends

All proceeds from the Lowcountry Shrimp Festival benefit the Cape Romain Environmental Education School. This local public charter school's mission is to provide a small and diverse collaborative learning community that immerses students in critical thinking, environmental stewardship, and engaged citizenship through meaningful and innovative learning experiences.  Click here to learn more about CREECS.