Overview
Festivals
It turns out that there’s a lot to celebrate around here — local staple foods, small towns down the road, traditional European drinking celebrations, our relationship with other countries. We have a little bit of everything! Whether one of these Myrtle Beach events happens to be taking place while you’re here, or you’re making a special trip to check it out, area festivals can be a great way to have a unique vacation experience. So why not try some new foods, see some new towns, have a drink with some locals, and enjoy your vacation at one of the great festivals in Myrtle Beach?
Carolina Country Music Fest
The Carolina Country Music Fest (aka CCMF) takes place each June in downtown Myrtle Beach. This multi-day event features some of the biggest names in country music entertaining thousands of fans right on the beach. Don’t miss Myrtle Beach’s biggest festival!
Little River Blue Crab Festival
Officially named the World Famous Blue Crab Festival, this annual Little River event draws more than 50,000 attendees each year, making it one of the biggest festivals in the South. The goal of the festivities is to showcase the area’s atmosphere, and over 200 fine arts and crafts and specialty food vendors will be on hand. And, of course, there will be plenty of steamed blue crabs to go around!
Conway Riverfest
Conway, 20 miles or so inland from the shore, is a river town that dates back to 1734. This festival isn’t quite that old, but it draws a big crowd eager to celebrate America’s independence with neighbors and newcomers alike. The event features a boat parade, artisan market, kids activities, and, of course, a fireworks extravaganza at the end of the night. There will also be non-stop live music and plenty of food vendors to choose from when the hunger hits.
Loris Bog-Off
It comes as quite a shock to locals the first time they meet someone from out of town who doesn’t know what chicken bog is. The reason for the surprise has to do with both the deliciousness of the dish and the simplicity – it’s just chicken and rice and sausage, more or less. At any rate, the town of Loris celebrates this regional delicacy with a day of bog-tasting, carnival rides, live music, a petting zoo, car and tractor pull, and much more.
Aynor Harvest Hoedown Festival
There isn’t typically much going on in the town of Aynor (population 560 according to the 2010 census), but the annual Hoe-down is certainly an exception, drawing around 25,000 people to the event. The Hoe-Down is a day full of parades, arts and crafts vendors, music, food, a street dance, and more. Also, admission is free to this Sept. 19 fun fest.
North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade
If you’re in Myrtle Beach during this year’s “everyone is Irish for a day” holiday, the downtown area will be hosting one of the biggest parties around. Featuring authentic food and drinks, live music all day, an alcohol-free kids area, and no admission fee, this event is sure to quench your thirst for Ireland. Just remember to wear green.
Oktoberfest
The original Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany is a 16-day event that begins in September and wraps up in early October. It’s one of the biggest fairs in the world, attracting over 6 million people, and so much fun that you’d be hard-pressed to not be able to find one near you. But in case you can’t, Myrtle Beach hosts a party at The Market Common with live music, a beer garden, kids games, and more.
CAN-AM Festival
The city of Myrtle Beach greatly appreciates the relationship that it has with our neighbors north of the border, so much so that this festival has been going on for over 5 decades! The event will feature free live shows, discounted golf, dining, and attractions, and lots of other activities for snowbirds to enjoy. It’s as good a time as any for our Canadian friends to come down and enjoy the best that Myrtle Beach has to offer, including the refreshing spring weather.
St. John's Greek Festival
If you love baklava, gyros, spanakopita, and other traditional Greek foods, or if you’re curious as to whether or not you do, then this is the perfect opportunity to taste some authentic Greek delicacies. In addition to the food, this family-friendly event in late September features live music and dancing, a play area for kids, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
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11. Exploring State Parks
Some Myrtle Beach visitors — and even many locals — never make it to our two State Parks. There are plenty of distractions here at the beach, no denying. But those who don’t visit are missing out on two of the jewels of our region, both offering ver …
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67. Downtown Conway
Just miles away from the beach is a whole different world in the historic city of Conway. The city is full of history and Southern charm with lots of shops and restaurants for visitors to check out. Most Myrtle Beach visitors see Conway as a town to pass …
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72. Beachwear Stores
The sun and sand are free, but you need some supplies before you hit the beach. The beach stores dotting corners and roads throughout the Grand Strand have become just as much a part of the vacation experience as the ocean itself. Whether you’re looking …
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75. Tattoos & Piercings
Gift shops are great, but maybe you’re looking for a more permanent memento of your trip to Myrtle beach. Limited by law to a small strip off the beaten path in Myrtle Beach, most area tattoo parlors call Seaboard Street home. Anyone wanting a tattoo or …
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16. Bowling
A classic diversion for both young and old, bowling has long been part of American culture. With a number of bowling alleys in the area, the Grand Strand offers families, friends and couples a wide variety of bowling and entertainment options. Everything …
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05. Jet Ski Rentals
Since the first Jet Skis rolled off the assembly lines in the late 1960s and into America’s lakes, rivers and oceans, watersports got a whole lot more fun. Like motorcycles on the water, jet skis, also called PWC (Personal Water Craft), are fast, fun, a …
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29. Arcades
As old as seaside vacations themselves, arcades, originally called “penny arcades,” have a long-standing tradition of entertaining crowds of all ages. Along the Grand Strand you’ll find games of chance, games of skill, and the unique sights and soun …
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49. Comedy Clubs & Shows
Stand-up comedy is funny on television, but being there is a completely different experience. And there aren’t many better ways to relax at night than checking out a few comedians at a Myrtle Beach comedy club — you’ll completely forget the …
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02. Parasailing
“Fly through the air with the greatest of ease!” Myrtle Beach parasailing captains have made it easy to soar like a bird. And on a beautiful Grand Strand day, the views are out of this world! Let area boat captains and crews launch you slowly, and saf …
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52. Go-Karts
Take a break from the water and test your need for speed on land at a fun go-kart attraction! Those brave enough to take on the cool watersports on our list of 102 Things to Do will also love the feeling of salt air whipping through their hair as they tak …
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10. Boat Cruises
With the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, the numerous boat tours in Myrtle Beach provide a range of entertainment and sightseeing alternatives. From quiet Waterway dinner cruises to exciting casino boat experiences, …
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68. Historic Georgetown
The third-oldest city in South Carolina, Georgetown offers a glimpse of the state’s history along with great shopping, dining and scenery. Georgetown is located halfway between Myrtle Beach and Charleston along the Sampit River. The city embraces the Ma …
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