Curious to know about the best events in Myrtle Beach all year long? As many Carolina Travelers already know, Myrtle Beach is a great place to visit any season of the year! The coastal vibes are strong here, and the beach scene never disappoints. Myrtle Beach is also a mecca for foodies, a flavor carnival that will make your taste buds sing like a chorus of culinary angels.
So, whether you're a beach bum, a food fanatic, or just someone looking for a good time, the best events in Myrtle Beach have got you covered. With its sandy beaches, lip-smacking cuisine, and a year-round calendar packed with events, this place is a must-visit destination any season of the year. Ahead, we'll spill the sweet tea on some of the top festivals and best events in Myrtle Beach happening all year long.
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Even if you don't ride, the people-watching opportunities are worth a trip to Myrtle Beach during Spring Bike Week!
Spring
In the spring, you can chow down on some seriously tasty treats at food festivals, savoring flavors from around the world while jamming to live music. Here are some of the best events in Myrtle Beach if you're visiting in the spring.
Myrtle Beach Bike Week Spring Rally
Easily one of the most popular and best events in Myrtle Beach each May, the Spring Bike Rally is sure to get your engines revving! This adrenaline-pumping event attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from near and far, creating an electrifying atmosphere that resonates with the thunderous roar of engines.
Spring Bike Week offers a whole host of exciting activities, from bike shows that showcase the finest specimens on two wheels to live music that rocks the night away. Explore the biker-friendly establishments, swap stories with like-minded enthusiasts, and immerse yourself in the unique culture that surrounds this thrilling event.
Whether you're a hardcore rider or simply appreciate the beauty and power of motorcycles, Spring Bike Week in Myrtle Beach is an unforgettable experience that brings together a community of passionate riders and showcases the freedom and exhilaration that only a motorcycle can provide.
Myrtle Beach International Film Festival
Lights, camera, action! Welcome to the captivating world of the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival, where movie magic takes center stage in mid-April. This prestigious event brings together filmmakers, cinephiles, and industry professionals from around the globe for a celebration of the silver screen.
Prepare to be mesmerized by a curated selection of thought-provoking independent films that push the boundaries of storytelling. From gripping dramas to heartwarming documentaries and captivating animations, the MBIFF showcases a diverse range of cinematic masterpieces. With engaging Q&A sessions, enlightening panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the festival offers a unique platform for collaboration and inspiration.
World Famous Blue Crab Fest
Get ready to dig in and satisfy your seafood cravings at the World Famous Blue Crab Festival in Little River, SC, a small town located just 20 miles outside of Myrtle Beach. Picture yourself surrounded by the delightful aroma of freshly steamed crabs, their sweet and succulent meat just waiting to be devoured. As you stroll through the festival, you'll encounter a feast for the senses, with vendors serving up a delectable array of crab dishes, from classic crab cakes to creamy crab bisques.
Savor the flavors of the sea as you indulge in mouthwatering crab legs, crab boils, and crab-stuffed everything. Live music fills the air, and there are arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides, and activities for all ages. So grab your bib, crack those shells, and prepare to delight in the briny goodness of the blue crab in the heart of Myrtle Beach. The festival generally throws down in late May each year and is one of the best events in Myrtle Beach for bringing the kids along for the fun!
Myrtle Beach Food Truck Fest
Imagine strolling through a vibrant festival packed with an array of food trucks, each one a treasure trove of delectable delights. From sizzling burgers to cheesy gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, and from tangy barbecue to sweet treats that will satisfy your every craving, the food truck fest offers a tantalizing smorgasbord of flavors.
As the aromas of sizzling meats and sizzling spices fill the air, you'll be enticed to sample a little bit of everything, discovering new taste sensations with every bite. With live music serenading you as you savor your culinary finds and a lively atmosphere buzzing with excitement, the Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival — generally running from late March to early April — is an irresistible celebration of food, community, and pure gastronomic bliss. So come one, come all, and join in the feast of flavors that awaits you at this unforgettable foodie extravaganza!
All your favorite country music artists converge upon Myrtle Beach in this amazing summer festival!
Summer
In the summer, Myrtle Beach turns into a sizzling hotspot, with beach parties, epic seafood festivals, and good vibes all around. Check out some of the best events in Myrtle Beach for an epic summer vacation itinerary!
Carolina Country Music Festival
Yeehaw! Get ready for a boot-stompin', hat-wearin', country music extravaganza at the Carolina Country Music Festival in Myrtle Beach, organized every June. Each year, a star-studded lineup of country music's biggest names graces the stage with their chart-topping hits and soulful performances. With the backdrop of beautiful Myrtle Beach and the ocean breeze in the air, you can sing along, dance your heart out, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
In 2023, the lineup includes stars like Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn, and even rock star Bret Michaels. But CCMF is not just about the music—the festival offers a true country experience, with vendors selling authentic cowboy boots, delicious Southern cuisine to satisfy your cravings, and a lively atmosphere filled with friendly faces and good vibes. Whether you're a country music aficionado or simply someone looking for a darn good time, the Carolina Country Music Festival promises an unforgettable weekend of toe-tappin' tunes.
Sun Fun Festival
Can you believe that the Sun Fun Festival is one of the longest-running festivals and best events in Myrtle Beach? A tradition since 1951, the Sun Fun Festival happens in early May and marks the arrival of summer with a celebration that will leave you with a smile from ear to ear. Envision vibrant parades where colorful floats, marching bands, and costumed performers fill the streets with joy and excitement.
The festival spills onto the sandy shores, where you and your kids can bask in the warm sun and participate in a variety of beach activities. Build sandcastles, take a dip in the refreshing ocean, or simply relax on a beach towel while enjoying live music that drifts through the air. As the day transitions into evening, prepare to be dazzled by a spectacular fireworks display that lights up the night sky, painting it with vibrant colors and filling it with a sense of wonder.
Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival
This smokin' hot event is a must for BBQ enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Pitmasters from near and far gather to showcase their grilling prowess, offering up mouthwatering barbecue creations that will have you drooling. Sink your teeth into tender ribs, smoky pulled pork, and juicy brisket, all expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection. As you savor the flavors, you can groove to the sounds of live music, with bands playing blues, rock, and soul that get your feet tapping and hips swaying.
The late September festival also features cooking competitions, where BBQ masters battle it out to claim the top spot, and vendors offering a range of food and craft items to explore. The Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival is a feast for the senses, combining the tantalizing flavors of barbecue with the vibrant energy of beachside festivities. Check this article out for some of the best places to stay in Myrtle Beach during your vacation.
Craftsmen's Summer Classic Art & Craft Festival
Myrtle Beach isn't just for motorcycle-lovin', country music-jammin', BBQ-noshing enthusiasts! Yes, it's also a low-key arts and crafts destination! At the Craftsmen's Summer Classic Art & Craft Festival, which is held every August, visitors can browse an artisan market of handmade jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodwork, textiles, and much more. Engage in conversations with the artisans themselves and learn about their creative processes and inspirations.
The festival often includes live demonstrations like pottery throwing and glassblowing — you might even get to take home one of your own creations! Outside of the workshops, revelers can enjoy music performances, dance shows, and street performers. Festival grounds often include food vendors serving up a variety of delicious treats, and there are plenty of fun artistic activities for young Myrtle Beach visitors.
Little River…big thrills! What better way is there to get your protein?
Fall
In fall, dig into Oktoberfest feasts and embrace the Greek culture at lively festivals. While the best events in Myrtle Beach and other fun things to do during the fall tend to focus on food, you can enjoy a little bit of Lowcountry culture, as well.
Little River Shrimp Fest
At the Little River Shrimp Fest in mid-October, you can bet your bottom dollar you're gonna get some mighty fine shrimp! There's shrimp gumbo, shrimp kabobs, shrimp burgers, shrimp scampi, and just about every other kind of shrimp you can imagine. They've got 'em all! And let me tell ya, they're so tasty you'll keep goin' back for more.
You can stroll along the waterfront, takin' in the sights and sounds of the festival, and maybe even try your luck at some games or rides. The Little River Shrimp Fest is a place where shrimp lovers and festival-goers come together to enjoy good food, good company, and good times.
Myrtle Beach Greek Festival
This vibrant event brings a taste of Greece to the shores of South Carolina, and it's simply marvelous. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and flavors of Greek culture as you stroll through the festival grounds. From the moment you arrive, your senses will be captivated by the aromas of sizzling souvlaki, mouthwatering gyros, and heavenly baklava. Grab a plate, fill it with delectable Greek delicacies, and savor every bite.
As you enjoy your feast, the lively sounds of Greek music and traditional dances will transport you to the charming streets of Athens or the beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea. Take part in the festivities, join in the dances, and embrace the warm hospitality of the Greek community. Explore the stalls filled with artisanal crafts, religious icons, and Mediterranean treasures that will surely pique your interest.
The Myrtle Beach Greek Festival in mid-October is an opportunity to experience the magic of Greece right here in the heart of South Carolina, all while creating lasting memories and forging connections with the vibrant Greek culture. Opa!
Oktoberfest
Prost! Get ready for a spirited celebration of German culture and merriment at the Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest. This lively festival captures the essence of the world-famous Oktoberfest in Munich, transporting you to a Bavarian wonderland. Combine the infectious sounds of traditional German music, the vibrant colors of Bavarian costumes, and the rich aromas of authentic German cuisine. From bratwurst and pretzels to sauerkraut and schnitzel, the festival offers a tantalizing array of German delicacies that will make your taste buds twinkle with delight.
Sip on a stein of frothy beer, toasting with friends old and new, and revel in the lively atmosphere as you join in the traditional dances and sing-alongs. The festival is packed with exciting activities, from polka contests and keg rolling competitions to costume contests and carnival rides for the little ones. With vendors selling German souvenirs and crafts, you can immerse yourself in the culture and take home a piece of Oktoberfest magic.
Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
Oh, Carolina Travelers, let us tell you 'bout the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, it's a real swingin' affair, yeah! From the smooth sounds of the saxophone to the ticklin' of those ivories, the festival takes you on a musical journey that'll make your heart sing and your feet tap along. With talented musicians, both local and international, takin' the stage, they'll have you dancin' and groovin' all night long.
People of all walks of life come together to celebrate the beauty of jazz, making the festival one of the best events in Myrtle Beach. So come on down, my friends, to the Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival, one of the best events in Myrtle Beach where the music flows like a river, and the joy is as infectious as can be. Oh yeah, it's gonna be a real fun time, a swingin' and jivin' experience you won't wanna miss, no sir!
Spell-binding. A trip to Brookgreen Gardens during the holidays should totally be on your Myrtle Beach bucket list.
Winter
Even in winter, Myrtle Beach keeps the fire burning with marathons, New Year's Eve bashes, and more. If you're interested, check out our Myrtle Beach vacation guide, which includes details on all the best restaurants, hotels, and things to do with kids in the Grand Strand. Which of the following best events in Myrtle Beach are you most excited to attend?
Myrtle Beach Marathon
The Myrtle Beach Marathon will push your limits and leave you feeling like a champion! This race embodies the spirit of determination, resilience, and the thrill of conquering a personal challenge. As the gun goes off, you'll embark on a journey through the scenic coastal route, the ocean breeze fueling your determination. The cheers of the crowd, the rhythm of your footsteps, and the adrenaline coursing through your veins create an electric atmosphere that propels you forward.
As you cross that finish line in early March, the sense of accomplishment washes over you, filling your heart with pride and satisfaction. Lace up your shoes, my friends, and join the crowd on an incredible journey of athleticism, perseverance, and triumph.
Nights of a Thousand Candles
Looking for one of the best events in Myrtle Beach for holiday memory-making? Nights of a Thousand Candles is not your ordinary garden stroll, fellow Carolina Travelers. As dusk settles over the landscape of Brookgreen Gardens in Murrells Inlet from Thanksgiving weekend to New Year's Eve, thousands of flickering candles illuminate the paths, casting a warm and magical glow. The air is filled with a sense of tranquility and wonder as you wander through the garden, your senses heightened by the soft fragrance of flowers and the gentle sound of music floating on the breeze.
Sculptures, both delicate and monumental, come alive under the shimmering light, their forms accentuated by the play of shadows. As you navigate the garden, you'll encounter various stations where talented chefs and mixologists display their culinary wizardry. Engage in conversation with fellow visitors, sharing stories and laughter amidst the ethereal surroundings. It's an enchanting evening that lingers in your memory long after the candles have extinguished.
