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2012 festivals and events to watch in Myrtle Beach area

By Ashlee Carson Jan 02, 2012

The Greek Festival is a popular place for food and fun every September.

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are home to countless festivals every year. If you love a good festival, we’ve got the breakdown on the biggest and the best at the beach throughout the year, in addititon to our usual posting of myrtle beach events.

March

Canadian-American Days Festival: The 51st annual Can-Am Days Festival will be March 10-18, 2012, in Myrtle Beach. Festivities in this celebration of our friendly neighbors to the north include concerts, games and a golf tournament.

Irish Fest: The third annual Irish Fest will be March 17, 2012, in Valor Park at The Market Common. Festivities include Irish food, beer, entertainment and kids’ activities. A variety of vendors will also be on hand.

Run to the Sun: For more than 20 years, Run to the Sun has been Myrtle Beach’s premiere car show. Three days full of cruising along Ocean Boulevard, Car Shows and races bring in car enthusiasts from all over. This year’s event marks the 24rd year and will be held March 15-17, 2012.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival North Myrtle Beach: The 24th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 9 a.m. March 17, 2012. The parade is touted as the largest on the Grand Strand with more than 100 entries. After the parade, Main Street in North Myrtle Beach comes to life with this annual festival. The coldest Irish brews and famous Irish food will be served up all day long. Bag pipers, Irish folk songs and dance teams perform their numbers on stage on the street.

4th annual Myrtle Beach Beer Fest: The 4th annual Myrtle Beach Beer Fest will be held March 30-31 at The Market Common. Buy a tasting glass for $5 and sample unique beers while live entertainment plays throughout the event. Over 120 different beers from all over the country will set up tents in Valor Park and offer samples ranging from $1-$6.

April

Art in the Park: The Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild has been hosting Art in the Park in the Myrtle Beach area for 40 years. The events allow local artists to display their work and draw vendors and visitors from along the East Coast. In 2012, shows will be April 14-15, June 9-10, Oct. 6-7 and Nov. 3-4 at Chapin Park. Shows will be held April 21-22 and Nov. 10-11 at Valor Park at The Market Common.

Society of Stranders (SOS) Spring Safari: The Shag is the state dance of South Carolina and welcomes festivals and events at various times in the year. Shagging competitions at local clubs are quite fierce and most of all, fun to watch. The Society of Stranders (SOS) promotes a theme of “Good Friends, Good Times and Great Memories.” The Spring Safari will be held April 20-29, 2012.

Coastal Uncorked Food and Wine Festival: The Coastal Uncorked Food, Wine & Spirits Festival is an annual celebration of food and wine in Myrtle Beach. Events for 2012 include an oyster roast, a restaurant week, oceanfront tasting tents and a strolling music and arts promenade. The event ends with the Coastal Uncorked Food Challenge and Tasting Finale.

May

Atlantic Beach Bike Week: Atlantic Beach Bike Week, also known as Black Bike Week, is an annual motorcycle rally on the Grand Strand. Memorial Day weekend is when the fun takes place. Get ready to see custom motorcycles and cars and loads of events and entertainment.

Blue Crab Festival: The 31st annual Blue Crab Festival is scheduled May 19-20 on the waterfront in Little River. The festival almost didn’t happen this year but thanks to loyal fans, it’s back for another year as “The South’s Greta Street Festival.” They serve seafood including steamed crabs and other goodies.

MayFest: Details are still to come for this annual Myrtle Beach festival, which includes free entertainment, the Beach Blast Chirstian Music Festival and a Memorial Day Parade down Ocean Boulevard. Past grand marshals include astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Sen. John McCain. There is always plenty of family fun to be had at this annual event.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week – Spring Rally: The Myrtle Beach Bike Week spring rally, known this year as “The Ride,” will be May 11-20, 2012, along the Grand Strand. Numerous vendors, local bars and venues bring plenty of biker fun to the beach for this event.

Rivertown Music & Arts Festival: Just west of the beach is the historic town of Conway, South Carolina, host of the Rivertown Music and Arts Festival. Local and regional bands provide the sounds of jazz, gospel, steel drums and more! Local artists display their pottery, wood, glass and paintings. Gourmet foods and local cuisine will be served at the festival on May 5, 2012.

June

Sun Fun Festival: The Sun Fun Festival is perhaps one of Myrtle Beach’s most famous festivals. The festival is canceled for 2012.

July

Mustang Week: If you own a Mustang, or even if you just love the cars, Mustang Week in Myrtle Beach offers the most unique collection of these famous cars. Burnout contests, races and car shows are just a few of the events in town. Meet up with other Mustang fans during Mustang Week July 16-22, 2012.

September

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival: 2012 will mark the 37th year for the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival in Huntington Beach State Park. Upwards of 100 artists line the park with their unique treasures. You can find anything from glass pieces to baskets. Details are still pending for the 2012 dates.

Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival: The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual Beach, Boogie and BBQ Festival at the beach. Live bands, vendors with arts and crafts and unique entertainment make for a weekend of fun. Get your fill of the award-winning barbeque served up all day. Details to come on the 2012 festival dates.

Irish Italian Festival: Live music and the best of Irish and Italian fare and spirits set North Myrtle Beach afire each September during the Irish Italian Festival. This year the festival will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, and features a food contest for local eateries as well as a spaghetti-eating contest.

St. John’s Greek Festival: St. John’s Greek Festival will host its 21st event in Myrtle Beach in 2012. This famous festival is one not to miss. Enjoy the finest Greek pastries, cookies and baked goods or sip on some delicious Greek wines. Feast on homemade delicacies like Mousaka, Spanikopita and Gyros. Your stomach will thank you after leaving this fun (and cultural) event! Dates and times to be announced for this local favorite!

Oktoberfest at Valor Park: October is the time to celebrate all things German. Oktoberfest at Valor Park in the Market Common gives you the tools you need to do just that, and the 2012 festival gives you a jump on the celebration. German food, German beer, German music and more will keep you in the spirit all day long. Join the folks at the Market Common on Sept. 28-30.

October

Little River Shrimp and Jazz Festival: The Little River Shrimp and Jazz Festival offers precisely what its name suggests. Tasty shrimp creations are available at this annual festival held on Columbus Day weekend. The sounds of jazz music fill the air and create an atmosphere of fun and liveliness along the water in Little River.

Loris Bog-Off: If you haven’t visited Myrtle Beach in the fall, then it’s possible you don’t know about the Loris Bog-Off. This festival is such a favorite of many locals that it’s no wonder they’ll mark their 33rd year in town in 2012! Chicken Bog is a South Carolina specialty dish with rice, sausage, spices and chicken. You’ll taste the best bog in town year after year at this tasty festival.

Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest: If you’re looking for a reason to celebrate your German roots, Ocean Boulevard’s Oktoberfest is the perfect spot to do it. Authentic German cuisine is served up alongside free concerts all day. You’ll definitely want to stay for the bratwurst eating contest! 2012 dates have not been announced.

Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art: The Pawleys Island Festival of Music and Art has been a favorite local tradition for years, as well as a strong non-profit organization on the Grand Strand. Exclusive concerts and symphonies, a wine gala and theater performances are just a few of the arts you’ll experience. Details to come on the 2012 event.

Did we miss something? E-mail us at events@myrtlebeach.com. Check out our events page for the most up-to-date happenings on and around the beach!

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