Festivals & Events
2025 Shag Dancing Events Around Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach area isn’t just a popular destination for sun, sand, and surf but also the birthplace and global hotspot for shag dancing. In 2025, the Grand Strand will once again host a variety of exciting shagging events, bringing together dancers and beach music enthusiasts from across the country. Whether you’re an experienced dancer or a newcomer looking to learn, there’s a way for you to get involved. You’ll find everything from large-scale festivals and dance competitions to intimate socials and lessons happening this year. Here’s a calendar of the popular shag dancing events you won’t want to miss in and around Myrtle Beach in 2025.
Annual Shag Events
SOS Mid-Winter Break
When: Jan 16-19, 2025
Where: Various venues along Main St in North Myrtle Beach
The SOS (Society of Stranders) Mid-Winter Break offers shag dancers the perfect chance to escape the winter chill and come enjoy beach music and dancing. This event is held each year in January and is a great way to hold over the shag enthusiasts in between the larger SOS Fall Migration and SOS Spring Safari. The Mid-Winter Break takes place at several venues in North Myrtle Beach, including iconic spots like the Ocean Drive Pavilion and Duck’s Beach Club, where attendees can dance the night away to live bands and top-notch DJs.
Shagging With the Stars
When: Jan 24, 2025 at 7pm
Where: Spanish Galleon, North Myrtle Beach, SC
Shagging With the Stars is a standout on this list, in the sense that it’s the only event where you won’t get to show off your skills. That is, unless you’re one of the local “stars” or community leaders. This fun event pairs up well-known members of the community with professional shag dancers and gives them only 12 hours of practice time before having them compete against one another. The competition is judged by a combination of shag judges and audience applause.
Rotary Club of Georgetown’s Shag Festival
When: April 12, 2025 from 5pm to 10pm
Where: Maritime Park, Georgetown, SC
While most of the main shag events each year take place on the north end of the Grand Strand, the Rotary Club of Georgetown’s annual Shag Festival gives the locals and visitors on the south strand an event to call their own. The event takes place at Maritime Park overlooking the water in Georgetown. Tickets need to be purchased in advance. Admission to the Harborwalk Night, which takes place the night prior to the Shag Festival, is also included in the ticket price.
SOS Spring Safari
When: April 24-May, 2025
Where: Various venues along Main St in North Myrtle Beach
SOS Spring Safari is one of the biggest annual events in Myrtle Beach for shag dancing enthusiasts. The week-long celebration brings in thousands of dancers from across the country to enjoy live music, beach parties, and dance competitions. The event features some of the best DJs in the shag scene and offers opportunities to dance in iconic clubs like the Ocean Drive Pavilion and Duck’s Beach Club. It’s a can’t miss celebration of the shag dance and welcomes both seasoned dancers and newcomers.
SOS Summer Workshop
When: July (exact dates TBA)
Where: Various venues along Main St in North Myrtle Beach
The SOS Summer Workshop is another chance to show off your shag skills. While not quite the magnitude of the Spring Safari and Fall Migration, it’s a great opportunity to unite with other shag dance enthusiasts and enjoy some time at the beach during the Grand Strand’s peak tourism month.
Jr SOS Workshop
When: July (exact dates TBA)
Where: Various venues along Main St in North Myrtle Beach
The Jr SOS Workshop is designed specifically for younger shag dancers, offering a unique opportunity for the next generation of dancers to learn, grow, and have fun. This workshop is held each July in North Myrtle Beach and focuses on teaching kids and teens the fundamentals of the Carolina Shag dance.
SOS Fall Migration
When: Sep 11-21, 2025
Where: Various venues along Main St in North Myrtle Beach
The SOS Fall Migration is a highly anticipated event for shag dancers and beach music lovers. Held in the fall, it’s another signature event that attracts shag aficionados to the Grand Strand. Participants can expect nightly parties, live music, and plenty of chances to hit the dance floor. Many people come to enjoy the vibrant beach music scene, while others compete in shag dance contests or simply socialize with fellow enthusiasts. This event is a perfect way to enjoy the late-season beach atmosphere while dancing to the classic rhythms of the Carolina Shag.
More Ways to Shag
Shag Dance Classes at Fat Harold's
212 Main St., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
If you’re in the shag dancing scene, you know that Fat Harold’s is a shagging landmark. Not only is it considered the “home of the shag”, but it is also host to numerous regular events, including weekly shag nights and shag dance lessons throughout the year. Whether you’re just starting out or want to perfect your skills, the club’s classes are a great way to learn from some of the best instructors in the area.
Carolina Shag Club Socials
The Carolina Shag Club hosts monthly social dances throughout the year. These social dances are a great opportunity to meet other dancers, practice your shag steps, and enjoy live music from local bands.
