Festivals & Events
Myrtle Beach fall festivals offer entertainment, good eats
Fall is just a great time of year in Myrtle Beach — the crowds die down, the weather cools and fall festivals make their return.
If you're taking advantage of the low hotel rates and making a fall trip to Myrtle Beach, be sure to check out some of these great festivals.
Beach Boogie and BBQ Festival, Grand Park and Forbes Court at The Market Common, Myrtle Beach
The fall festival season kicks off in style with the Chamber of Commerce's Beach Boogie & BBQ festival held every year on the Labor Day weekend at The Market Common. The event features tons of food, including a barbecue contest where guests can help judge; arts and crafts vendors; live bands; wake board and flyboard demonstrations; and a beer and wine garden. The festival runs from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 30, noon to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 31 and noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 1. It is free to attend, and food/drink are available for purchase.
St John's Greek Festival, St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, 3301 33rd Ave. Ext. North
Foodies, rejoice! The annual Greek Festival in Myrtle Beach is a favorite of locals and visitors alike with its authentic Greek cuisine, including spanikopita, gyros and a vast array of desserts and pastries. Cultural offerings include tours of the beautiful St. John's Greek Orthodox Church, arts and crafts, and traditional music and dance performances. The festival is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 26, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 27-28, and noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 29. Admission is $1 plus the cost of all the delicious goodies.
Irish Italian Festival, Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
Enjoy the unique mix of Irish and Italian culinary favorites as well as a variety of refreshing spirits at the annual Irish Italian Festival in North Myrtle Beach. Local eateries compete to create the best dishes, and visitors can compete in a spaghetti-eating contest. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 28. There's no charge for admission.
Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival, Huntington Beach State Park, 16148 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island
More than 100 artists are expected at this 28th annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival at Huntington Beach State Park in Pawleys Island. Media include canvas, wood and glass in this unique art festival.
The festival is noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28., and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 29. One-day admission for adults 16 and older is $6; Multi-day passes are $10; Children 15 and younger are free.
Ocean Boulevard's Oktoberfest, Boardwalk area of Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach
Rock out with free live music all day and into the night at the Ocean Boulevard Oktoberfest near the Boardwalk in Myrtle Beach. Bands include Cowboy Mouth, Who Shot JR?, Passafire, Drivin N Cryin, and more. Traditional Oktoberfest fare as well as cold brews will also be available. The festivities start at noon Oct. 12.
ShrimpFest, Little River Waterfront, Little River
Celebrate the bounty of the sea at Little River's ninth annual Shrimp & Jazz Festival. American Idol contestant Elise Testone headlines this year's festival, which includes tons of food, entertainers, arts and crafts, children's activities and a Shrimp & Grits cook-off. Enjoy live music throughout both days of the festival. ShrimpFest is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 12 and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 13. Admission is free. Food prices vary.
Loris Bog-Off, 4242 Main Street, Loris
This marks the 34th year of the Loris Bog-Off, an annual festival honoring a favorite Southern dish: Chicken bog. This infamous dish is a stew of chicken, rice and sausage, perfect for a cool fall day. In addition to the Chicken Bog contest, the festival offers children's entertainment, live music, about 200 food/arts&crafts vendors, a car show and fireworks. The Bog-Off is from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 19.
