October 3, 2026

Ahoy, friends! The countdown is on!

Our beloved Mermaids & Mateys Festival returns to Folly Beach on October 3, 2026! Gather your crew, dust off your mermaid tail or pirate gear, and get ready to celebrate the sea in true Folly fashion, with a splash of spooky fall fun.

This year’s festival is FREE to attend, but you must register for tickets below. Registration is free but does not guarantee entry. Entrance is on a first-come, first-served basis up to capacity. Tickets are now available!

This year’s festival will bring the magic back to Center Street following the completion of Folly Beach’s largest infrastructure project ever. Come check out Center Street’s new look while enjoying a day filled with music, local vendors, costumes, family fun, and plenty of under-the-sea adventures. Gather your crew, dust off your mermaid tail or pirate gear, and get ready to celebrate the sea in true Folly fashion, with a splash of spooky fall fun!

Paint Folly Purple

We are proud to once again partner with the Alzheimer’s Association – South Carolina Chapter

again as we work to “Paint Folly Purple” in our best under the sea wear and raise money for this very special local charity!

Swashbuckling Saturday

Center Street will close on Saturday, October 3, 2026, and transform into a seaside celebration featuring Folly Beach establishments and local vendors. What’s an event without a little friendly competition? Mermaids & Mateys will feature costume contests for families and adults, live music, 80+ Folly art, craft, and fashion vendors, a dunk tank, and a robust kids’ area.

Festival Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Street Closure: 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Costume Contests

Dress up as a Mermaid, Matey, or your favorite Under the Sea character! Prizes will be awarded, so bring your best sea-inspired look and get ready to show it off. Sign up here.

Live Music

Enjoy live music and performances throughout the festival. Additional details regarding the 2026 lineup coming soon!

Kids Area

The Mermaids & Mateys Under the Sea Kids Area, presented by Good Clean Fun, will feature mermaids, sand crafts, stilt walkers, free inflatables, games, jumping fun, and more.

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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Looking to Sponsor the 2026 Mermaids & Mateys Festival?

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NO GLASS ON CENTER STREET! No Animals, Coolers, Bikes, Skateboards, Scooters, or Backpacks (except diaper bags). Any bags brought may be searched at security’s discretion; no outside beverages are allowed. Reusable cups are permitted, but must be empty upon entry and exit of the event. Rain or shine event. Service animals are permitted.

*The streets will close to auto traffic at 7:00am and reopen at 6:00pm.

**A service animal means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. While Emotional Support Animals or Comfort Animals are often used as part of a medical treatment plan as therapy animals, they are not considered service animals under the ADA.