Myrtle Beach Events
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Events
January
North Myrtle Beach Winter Run
Throughout North Myrtle Beach
(843) 280-5570
This event includes the 5K and 15K road races for the Southeastern Region.
Myrtle Beach Wildlife Exposition
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 237-3899
Families can enjoy a wide variety of activities at this mid-January show to foster a deeper understanding of the importance of properly managing those resources.
February
Burroughs & Chapin Company Children's Festival
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 626-6385
a fun-filled weekend of educational, cultural and safety-related presentations and exhibits for children and their families. More than 120 booths provide interactive presentations in the fields of science, art or health. Continuous entertainment includes dancers, tumbling acts, magicians, singers and storytellers. Children are given the opportunity to take part in various contests on stage.
Grand Strand Boat Show and Sale
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 238-0485
This early February show attracts up to 10,000 boating enthusiasts and more than 100 exhibitors displaying motor boats, fishing equipment, pontoon boats, sailboats, one-person kayaks, watersports gear including scuba-diving equipment
National Shag Dance Championships
Celebrity Square, Broadway At The Beach, between 21st and 29th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
(843) 497-7369
For enthusiasts of the shag, the vintage dance born and bred in the Carolinas. This late February event, includes qualifying rounds for each of 38 spots in the national championships that take place in March at this same location.
March
St. Patrick's Day Parade and Celebration
Surfwood Shopping Center, North Myrtle Beach
(843) 280-5570
South Carolina International Chili Cook-off
Barefoot Landing, 4898 U.S. Hwy. 17 S., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 272-8349
These serious contestants are known as "chiliheads", a group that numbers 50,000, who publish their own quarterly newspaper to keep up with trends and cooking events. The chili is evaluated by a panel of judges, and winners are in the running for the international grand prize of $25,000. Family entertainment is always a part of the cookoff.
Annual Canadian-American Days Festival
Throughout Horry County
(843) 626-7444
Coinciding with the spring school break in the Canadian Province of Ontario, Can-Am Days is a mid-March festival that attracts about 100,000 visitors from both Canada and the United States every year.
The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show is an action-packed demonstration of chopping, sawing, logrolling (by men and dogs), ax throwing and dragster chain sawing -- all performed by world-champion lumberjacks.
Annual Doll Show & Sale
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 248-5643, (843) 448-7166
doll dealers from 15 states and more than 200 tables of related goods at this mid-March show.
Annual Georgetown Plantation Tours
Throughout Georgetown
(843) 546-2292
These plantation homes and colonial townhouses are only open to the public once a year in late March for this 51-year-old tour. All the homes are privately owned, and several are on the National Register of Historic Places. Histories and maps are provided.
April
S.O.S. Spring Safari
Throughout North Myrtle Beach
(888) SOS-3113
the world's largest spring break for mature adults. More than 15,000 shaggers, members of the Society of Stranders and lovers of the beach gather in North Myrtle Beach in mid-April for an annual rite of spring. Ten full days and nights of beach music and activities are all part of this ritual. There's a parade along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Gras
Chapin Park, Kings Hwy. at 16th Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-8578
"the Grand Strand's Cajun celebration," Myrtle Gras, in late April, is a simple festival in the park that offers Cajun and local cuisine for sale, arts and crafts and a variety of musical entertainment.
Susan G. Komen International LPGA Golf Tournament
Wachesaw East Golf Club, off U.S. Hwy. 17, Murrells Inlet
(843) 357-5252
week-long tournament is held in mid-April 1997 at the South Strand's new Wachesaw East Golf Club. Top ladies on the LPGA tour compete in the seven-day event, which draws an estimated 40,000 fans.
May
Blue Crab Festival
On the waterfront, Little River
(843) 249-6604
More than 150 arts-and-crafts booths are featured.
The children's area includes a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting and puppets. Entertainment includes a variety of live musical performances including jazz, country, bluegrass and gospel.
The Carolina Harley-Davidson Dealers Association and Harley-Davidson Motor Company Spring Rally
Throughout the Grand Strand
(843) 651-5555
Rated as one of the top-five motorcycle events in the nation -- and the oldest dealer-sponsored motorcycle event in the country -- an estimated 60,000 to 75,000 cyclists roar into town for four days in mid-May. A race is usually held on the Friday of the event at the Myrtle Beach Speedway.
June
Annual Sun Fun Festival
Throughout the Grand Strand
(843) 626-7444
summer officially begins with Sun Fun in early June. The largest annual festival of its kind in either North or South Carolina, it attracts about 300,000 people to the beach each year. A parade along Ocean Boulevard kicks off the festival. From bikini contests to sand-sculpture competitions, Sun Fun hosts a multitude of activities.
July
Murrells Inlet Fourth of July Boat Parade
Murrells Inlet
(843) 651-0900
For 14 or so years, more than 100 boats have entertained thos who watch from and picnic on the shores. From 14-foot fishing boats to 40-foot yachts, participating watercraft start the aquatic caravan at high tide at the jetties of Garden City Beach and proceed to Murrells Inlet.. Trophies are given to the three best-decorated boats and to the three most-adorned docks along the route.
August
Carolina Craftsmen's Summer Classic
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(910) 274-5550, (843) 448-7166
authentic, hand-crafted items at this arts and crafts show in early August. More than 250 exhibitors from 20 states bring in original designs that include pottery, wood, fine art, toys, jewelry, baskets, stained glass, leather, tin, weaving, sculpture, musical instruments and furniture.
September
S.O.S. Fall Migration
Various locations in North Myrtle Beach
(888) SOS-3113
The Society of Stranders calls its thousands of active members to return to North Myrtle Beach in mid-September for one last big party before winter sets in. Days and nights are filled with activities, shagging and sightseeing with nonstop beach music.
South Carolina's Largest Garage Sale
Myrtle Beach Pavilion Parking Garage, Kings Hwy. and Ninth Ave. N., Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-8578
Hundreds of booths set up on every parking level feature household goods, clothing, toiletries, sporting goods, furniture, toys, food, etc.. The sale runs from 8 AM to 1 PM, and admission is free.
Lowcountry Days
Brookgreen Gardens, U.S. Hwy. 17 S., Murrells Inlet
(843) 237-4218
During this nature festival, the tidal freshwater creeks and rice fields of Brookgreen are opened to the public. Passengers visit the natural flora and fauna of this area aboard The Springfield, a 48-foot pontoon-type craft that accommodates 50 people at a time.
The Sandy Island and Rice Plantation Excursion is a two-hour trip out past Sandy Island and charming old 18th and 19th century plantation homes.
Springfield Creek Kayaking is another feature of Lowcountry Days, and hiking programs are available as is a guided horseback ride through the back country of Brookgreen.
October
Indian Summer Festival
Downtown Main St., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 249-6921
Usually held in mid-October, the Indian Summer Festival is sponsored by Downtown Organizations Interacting Together, a revitalization group in North Myrtle Beach. It's a day of arts and crafts, food, entertainment and special activities for the children.
Admission to the Indian Summer Festival is free.
Oktoberfest
Football field at the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base,
Myrtle Beach
(843) 918-1242
Beer and bratwurst are the favorites at this early October celebration of the harvest season. Authentic German music is played and arts and crafts are on display. Children enjoy the scarecrow-building and pumpkin-painting contests and a climbing wall.
VIVACE!
Various locations in Myrtle Beach
(843) 248-7200, (800) 868-2787
This premier fine arts festival in mid-October showcases local and national vocal, theatrical, instrumental, visual and literary arts groups. At least 25 of the area's finest arts organizations participate. It's 10 days and nights of exhibits, ballet, classical music, arts and theater. .
Surfside Beach Family Festival
One block off Surfside Dr., Surfside Beach
(843) 238-4131, Ext. 333
Annual festival is attended by more than 10,000 people each year! It's a day-long affair in early October, with plenty of food and arts and crafts
Several bands perform, and more than 90 vendors offer everything from hot dogs to rides. This event always coordinates lots of games for children. There is no admission fee.
Annual Wooden Boat Exhibit and Challenge
Front St. (on the waterfront), Georgetown
(843) 527-3229, (843) 546-0064
You make your boat from scratch before sailing! There is no admission fee to the exhibit; spectators are allowed to watch from outside the working tents of the competing teams.
Ghostbusting Tour
Throughout Georgetown County
(843) 546-8441
Participants are armed with tickets and a map, and a fully costumed interpreter greets them at each site to relate the folklore events during the month of October by the Southeastern Tourism Society, dramatizations of Georgetown County's most famous ghosts and legends.
November
Intracoastal Christmas Regatta
Little River to North Myrtle Beach
(843) 280-6354
Viewing sites encompass the restaurants along the Little River waterfront, the Riverboat Restaurant at North Myrtle Beach Marina, the Blue Marlin Yacht and Fishing Club at Anchor Marina and Marker 350 at Harbourgate
The regatta benefits local children's charities and spurs an annual toy collection for needy children.
Taste of the Town
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 249-4885
If you would like to sample foods from a variety of Grand Strand restaurants, don't miss this early November event. More than 40 restaurants participate each year, serving up the best they have to offer. you an idea of the pace, Austin's restaurant served 2,000 portions of food by 8 PM!
Awards are bestowed for the best overall food, the best entree, the best dessert and the People's Choice.
Annual Dickens Christmas Show & Festival
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 448-9483
mid-November. Decorated trees and wreaths are usually auctioned off by the end of the festival, and hundreds of holiday gifts and ornaments are available for show and sale.
Annual South Carolina State Bluegrass Festival
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
(843) 448-7166
Drawing fans from throughout the eastern United States and Canada, the Bluegrass Festival offers arts and crafts booths, food and beverages.
December
Christmas Tour of Homes Throughout the North Strand
(843) 272-7598, (843) 249-6449
this Christmas Tour of Homes gives a chance to see stately homes dressed for the Yuletide season. Sponsored by the North Myrtle Beach Women's Club, six homes are opened to the public for one afternoon in December. Proceeds from the event help Children's Hospice, the North Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad, the North Myrtle Beach Animal Shelter and various scholarship funds.
Wacca Wache Marina Christmas Boat Parade
Murrells Inlet
(843) 651-2994
This event is usually held on a Saturday evening in early December to highlight to the holiday displays on the decorated boats. The marina provides dockage for the event, and admission is free.
Arts and Entertainment
The Long Bay Symphony Long Bay Youth Orchestra
1811 Oak St., Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-8379
The Long Bay Symphony performs a full season of classical, chamber and POPS concerts, including playing the original scores during a silent film
Many of the Long Bay Symphony members have performed with such respected organizations as the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the pop-infused Radio City Music Hall Orchestra. With this array of influences, the Long Bay group melds a variety of musical backgrounds, performing selections from classical to pop as well as full stage productions. It presents 12 concerts each season .
Grand Strand Concert Band
2966 Newberry Tr., Garden City Beach
(843) 651-5683
The group has about 25 members, increased seasonally by the visitors who flock to this area to enjoy the mild winters. Selections include Big Band pieces from the 1940s and light concert music.
Swamp Fox Players Inc.
710 Front St., Georgetown
(843) 527-2924
Established in the early 1970s, this amateur theatrical group coordinates at least four productions per year.
Alabama Theatre
Barefoot Landing, U.S. Hwy. 17 N., North Myrtle Beach
(843) 272-1111, (800) 342-BAMA
Christmas in Dixie is Alabama Theatre's holiday program featuring Victorian costumes and high-energy dance productions. The show is known locally for its fun, family-style feeling plus incredible special effects and stage dressing.
House of Blues
4640 U.S. Hwy. 17 S. at Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach
(843) 272-3000
The House of Blues now stands as the area's only true music hall, a massive space that can hold 2,200 people at one time. Except for some bar stools, the music hall is a standing venue.
The Carolina Opry
N. Kings Hwy. (at U.S. Hwy. 17 Bypass), Myrtle Beach
(843) 238-8888, (800) THE OPRY
The Opry Christmas Special holiday show is a mix of country, gospel and comedy.
The Palace Theatre
Broadway At The Beach, From 21st to 29th Aves. N. (off U.S. Hwy. 17 Bypass), Myrtle Beach
(843) 448-0588, (800) 905-4228
Since the night it raised its curtains, the 2,700-seat Palace Theatre has enjoyed brisk ticket sales due to the knockout entertainment it has brought to the Grand Strand.
Parks
Myrtle Beach State Park
U.S. Hwy. 17 S., between Myrtle and Surfside Beaches
(843) 238-5325
6 AM to 10 PM year round.
Situated in the heart of the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach State Park has one of the most popular public beaches along the Carolina coast. This 312-acre oceanfront park is one of the last remaining natural areas along the northern shores of South Carolina A park naturalist conducts activities year round and interprets the natural history of the coast. Surf fishing and pier fishing are allowed. Swimming in the ocean or in the park's pool
Huntington Beach State Park
U.S. Hwy. 17 S. (across from Brookgreen Gardens), Murrells Inlet
(843) 237-4440
6 AM to 10 PM daily from April through September and 6 AM to 6 PM daily from October through March.
Huntington Beach State Park offers the best-preserved beach on the Grand Strand
Hampton Plantation State Park
1950 Rutledge Rd., McClellanville
(843) 546-9361
9 - 6 Thursday through Monday
Contains one of the most impressive restored plantation homes in South Carolina.
Adjacent to the Santee River, this 322-acre property was once a coastal rice plantation and last served as the home of Archibald Rutledge, noted writer and South Carolina poet laureate. The state purchased the property from Mr. Rutledge in 1971.
Biking
Bicycle paths are clearly marked along the beach and Ocean Boulevard, and the residential area north of 54th Avenue N. features an outdoor fitness trail with exercise equipment along the beach. Bicycles and adult-size, tricycles can be rented from a variety of locations along the beach