Edisto Beach Shag Festival

Date update: the most recent Edisto Beach Shag Festival was on September 4, 2026. We’ll post the 2027 date here once the organizers announce it. Until then, the details below describe the last event.

The Edisto Beach Shag Festival brings two days of Carolina beach music and shag dancing to Bay Creek Park on Labor Day weekend. The 17th annual festival ran Friday and Saturday, September 4–5, 2026, and the 2027 dates haven’t been announced yet.

At a Glance

• When: 2026 edition held Sept. 4–5 (Labor Day weekend); 2027 dates not yet posted
• Where: Bay Creek Park, 3706 Docksite Road, Edisto Island
• Cost: Daily admission, with kids 12 and under free; the 2026 adult price wasn’t published (it was $25 a day in 2025)
• Organizer: Edisto Beach Shag Festival, listed with the Edisto Chamber of Commerce
• Good for: Shaggers of every level, beach music fans, couples and friend groups

Who Took the Stage in 2026

According to the festival’s official flyer, the Friday gates opened at 3 p.m. and the Saturday gates at noon, with music running until 10 p.m. both nights. (A Live 5 News report listed an 11 p.m. finish, so treat closing times as approximate.)

• Friday: DJ Pat Patterson spun all day, shag lessons started at 6, Boogie Buddies went on at 6:30, and Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot closed the night at 7.
• Saturday: Sea Cruz played at 2, lessons ran at 5, Boogie Buddies returned at 6:30, and Too Much Sylvia headlined at 7. College football played on a big screen for anyone keeping an eye on scores.

Arts and crafts and food vendors were set up both days.

New to the Shag?

You don’t need to know the steps to enjoy it. The scheduled lessons each evening, an hour or so before the headliner, are the low-pressure way in. Watch a few songs first, then join the lesson and try it out once the band starts.

Gate Rules

• Bring your own lawn chair.
• No coolers, no pets, and no smoking on the grounds.
• Pay at the gate, or buy through the festival’s Facebook page.

A Bit of Background

The festival has gone by “Edisto Beach Music & Shag Fest” in earlier years and used the shorter “Edisto Beach Shag Festival” name for 2026. The 2025 edition, the 16th, was held August 29–30. Questions go to the organizers at ebshagfest@gmail.com.

Plan Your Visit

• Book early: Labor Day is one of the last big rental weekends of summer, and SC-174 is the island’s only road in, so arrive Friday before the evening traffic.
• Getting to the park: Bay Creek Park sits beside The Marina at Edisto Beach on Docksite Road. From beach-town rentals, the paved bike path is the easy way over; keep in mind golf carts are daylight-only, which matters for a 10 p.m. finish.
• Daytime plans: With Saturday music not starting until the afternoon, spend the morning on the water with a dolphin or eco tour from the marina, or head out for crabbing.
• Dinner nearby: Pressley’s at the Marina is steps from the park if you want a sit-down meal between sets.
• Weather: Early September is hot and still in hurricane season. Check Edisto weather before you drive.

FAQ

When is the 2027 Edisto Beach Shag Festival?

Dates haven’t been announced. It has been held over Labor Day weekend; follow the festival’s Facebook page or the Chamber’s festival page.

How much are tickets?

Admission is sold by the day, and kids 12 and under get in free. The 2026 adult price wasn’t posted; in 2025 it was $25 a day.

Can I bring my dog or a cooler?

No. Pets and coolers aren’t allowed, and the grounds are smoke-free.

Do I need to know how to shag?

No. Shag lessons were on the schedule each evening in 2026, before the headline band.

Details from the festival’s 2026 flyer and the Edisto Chamber of Commerce as of October 2026; confirm with the organizers before you go. More island dates are in our Edisto Island events calendar.