There’s no doubt about it. Grand Stranders love a good festival. We pack our fall, spring, and summer weekends with any excuse we can find to celebrate something. The amazing weather, music, activities, and, my favorite, food always equal a good time for the whole family.
From big names in entertainment to local flare, these Myrtle Beach events, concerts and festivals hit all the notes. We’ve done everything from get pictures with Disney Channel celebrities to play with puppies for adoption from local animal rescues. The one thing they all have in common is spending time together under the sun and enjoying a day out.
Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival
Photo: Shutterstock
You’ve seen ‘em on shows like BBQ Pitmasters where we get a look into the world of competitive barbeque. Now you can hop inside yourself at the annual Beach Boogie & BBQ Festival at the beautiful Market Common in Myrtle Beach.
Competitors at this Myrtle Beach event go head to head in categories like pork barbeque, ribs, and chicken wings. Drool-worthy samples are available for purchase, along with a wide selection of beer, and treats for everyone. You won’t leave hungry!
Is barbeque not your thing? No problem. Both days of this festival in Myrtle Beach are filled with music on the main stage and demonstrations in the waters of Grand Park. I dare you to be bored! Just remember to bring your sunscreen.
What you need to know
visitmyrtlebeach.com
When: September 4, 6 at 9:30 pm; September 5, 12 at 10 pm
Address: 950 Crabtree Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Hot Summer Nights
Photo: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Boardwalk in Downtown Myrtle Beach heats up from June through August with nightly events! Entertainment runs from 8-11 pm, except on Mondays when it starts an hour earlier. Hot Summer Nights is the perfect Myrtle Beach event to end your busy day.
Stroll around on Mondays and enjoy the Kids’ Carnival, with inflatables, face painting, balloon artists, and more. Music lovers, come down on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evenings for the best in local entertainers. Wednesday is when they bring out the big bang and light up the sky over the beach with fireworks at 10 pm.
Local’s tip: The fireworks are viewable from the beach for miles. If your little ones are afraid of the noise, stake out a spot to the north or south and enjoy the dazzling display with only a fraction of the sound.
What you need to know
myrtlebeachdowntown.com
When: June 9 – August 29, Mondays beginning at 7 pm and all other days at 8 pm
Address: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
La Belle Amie Summer Parrothead Festival
Photo: La Belle Amie Winery
La Belle Amie is a vineyard located just a few miles off the beach in Little River. They’re known locally for their wide variety of wine selections available in their gift shop. But, what La Belle Amie is really known for though, are their parties!
The Summer Parrothead Festival is in mid-July and, as the name implies, this Myrtle Beach festival features everything Jimmy Buffett. From the food to the music, Parrotheads will sing the refrain from hits like Margaritaville in unison.
Despite it’s 21+ nature, La Belle Amie’s festival schedule runs year-round and is extremely family friendly. They give tours of vineyard and that go into the history of their winemaking experience. There’s a large stage with an even bigger yard for dancing and playing. Just bring your own chair or blanket!
If you can't make it to the Parrotthead Festival, you can always stop by Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on the water at Broadway at the Beach.
What you need to know
labelleamie.com
When: July 18, but other festivals with various themes run year-round at this location
Phone:(843) 399-9463
Address: 1120 St Joseph Rd, Little River, SC 29566
Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival
Photo: Honey McCrary via Flickr
The Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival is an annual event held at Huntington Beach State Park. It features the work of over 100 artisans in the beautiful, natural setting of Atalaya Castle. It’s breathtaking!
Best suited for families with older children (many artists don’t take kindly to smaller children touching their items for sale), this multi-day Myrtle Beach event and festival also indulges your desire for amazing local food and sand between your toes. The beach is just yards away and the park is famous for its resident alligators. Make a day of it and explore!
What you need to know
atalayafestival.com
When: September 25-27
Phone: (803) 734-0767
Address: Atalaya Rd, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Harvest Home Weekend
Photo: Myrtle Beach Boardwalk
The Harvest Home Festival, held in early October, celebrates autumn in the Grand Strand and Lowcountry. Hosted at the beautiful Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet, you’ll paint pumpkins, build a scarecrow, and enjoy a hayride. Bring everyone from grandma and grandpa to your youngest little one. This festival is for everyone!
In typical Brookgreen Gardens style, artists are on-site demonstrating their crafts and offering items for purchase. You’ll also get to meet with staff and learn about the animals in the Lowcountry Zoo. Don’t leave before you make a pinecone bird feeder and see the unique autumn butterflies!
What you need to know
brookgreen.org
When: October 3-4
Phone: (843) 235-6000
Address: 1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Photo: Sea Watch Resort
