Annual Festivals and Events near Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand are packed with thrilling opportunities, festivals, and activities for tourists and residents alike. We've put together this list of festivals and events in cities and communities along the coast like North Myrtle Beach, Little River, The Market Common, Surfside Beach, Conway, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island. Use this article as a jumping-off point for upcoming events that you can generally count on every year!

Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall

Restaurant Week South Carolina - January

Technically based in all of South Carolina, Restaurant Week is celebrated by multiple restaurants along the Grand Strand. Delight yourself with new menu delicacies by participating restaurants in Myrtle Beach, N. Myrtle Beach, Conway, Little River, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach, and Pawleys Island.

Oyster Roast & Bloody Mary Contest - February

Don't worry, we aren't talking about the scary Bloody Mary. There's nothing but delicious drink concoctions, fresh oysters, food trucks, and local beer! Of course, live music is provided, so come and celebrate at Murrells Inlet with The Wicked Tuna!

St. Patrick's Day Festival and Parade in North Myrtle Beach - March

Share some green spirit with seaside locals at St Patrick's Day Festival and Parade. The parade of 100+ entries leads the festivities down Main Street followed by an afternoon festival with three stages of shows with an Irish spirit. Bring smiles to your kids' faces as they see street entertainers dressed as leprechauns, rides & games, and plenty of food.

Can-Am Festival - March

Welcome your Canadian friends and family to a week-long festival that supports both Canadian and local cultures by hosting live concerts, beach activities, sporting events, and giveaways. Click the link to Can-Am's main page which shows information for each included event.

Myrtle Beach Marathon - March

Match up against experienced and novice athletes in full, half, and 5k Myrtle Beach marathons, or upload your live, personal results to the Virtual 10k Race, so you may participate anywhere! Register for the race itself, or volunteer for preparations. It's a good time with lots of philanthropic opportunities.

Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival - March

From the same team that brings us Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam comes another event provoking our taste buds, Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival! Try food from multiple restaurants in the area like Big Mike's Soulfood or Coastal BBQ. Wash it all down with draft brews, stouts, rare sour bottles, and more.

Run to Sun Car Show - March

Participate or spectate in this outdoor car and truck show! View loads of classic vehicles and watch as your kids' jaws drop at the exciting make & models. Have a meal at one of the multiple food vendors and support a collection of charities through 50/50 raffles.

Spring Safari Parade - April

Shag dancing is still a popular style that gets an extra boost in SOS Spring Safari. Join thousands of "shaggers" for the fun styles of music and dance that helped tear down racial and cultural barriers. Join in on some tea parties, dance lessons, live music, and social fun at places like Duck's Fat Harold's, and Pirate's Cove. Watch the parade on one of the final days of the week-long event, developed by ACSC members.

Dragon Boat Racing - April

Headed up by Ground Zero, a faith-based organization to support local teenagers, Dragon Boat Festival is held in Grand Park at The Market Common. Multiple vendors line Grand Lake as spectators watch competing Dragon Boats from the bridges and sidelines. It's a fantastic opportunity to share food and drinks on a personal blanket or comfy lawn chairs with friends and family.

Sun Fun Festival - May

Start the event right with a colorful parade with loads of live entertainment. 2022's event showed off great acts like 8-piece band, The Tonez, and the parachute team from US Army's Golden Knights.

Little River Blue Crab Festival - May

What began in 1981 as a small waterfront gathering has evolved into the world-famous event of Blue Crab Festival! In Little River near North Myrtle Beach, you may enjoy a mix of fresh seafood, live music on the beach, and gift items.

Ocean Drive Music Festival - May

Catch a great celebration of music between Main Street and First Avenue in North Myrtle Beach. A stage is set up in the parking lot within walking distance of Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort. 2022's 5th annual event promoted the sounds of Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot, Band of Oz, Cat 5 Band, and Jim Quick & Coastline.

Myrtle Beach Bike Week - May & September

Believe it or not, Bike Week takes up 5% of the entire year with 3 separate rallies. Living in Myrtle Beach, always expect to see motorcycles and golf carts as they have become part of the culture here. Technically, there are only two Myrtle Beach Bike Weeks, but racism of the past caused the need for a Black Bike Week. Luckily, these days, all races and cultures are accepted in all three rallies. Black Bike Week is usually set right after the spring rally of the original festival. Catch one or all three events each year for fun mingling, partying, and general biker culture. Just keep in mind that these events tend to escalate in certain areas. Have fun, but be safe!

Carolina Country Music Festival - June

Country fans moving to Myrtle Beach can see one hell of a show featuring great acts like Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, and Darius Rucker. Act "wild and free" with Miranda Lambert in June of 2023's current lineup!

Conway Riverfest - June

Riverfest in Conway is perfectly positioned within an outdoor venue called Riverfront Park at Waccamaw River. Multiple local sponsors endorse Conway Riverfest for its opening ceremonies, Golf Cart Parade, Conway Kids Zone, Business Expo, Beer Garden, and Artisan Market. Just as you think this festival couldn't get any better, Conway tops it off with their Fireworks Extravaganza!

4th of July - July

It's impossible not to have a great view of fireworks while on the beaches of the Grand Strand. Fireworks shows are presented on many of the piers down the coast including Downtown Myrtle Beach, Cherry Grove Pier, Surfside Beach, and Murrells Inlet's Marshwalk. Grab a drink and a beach chair and enjoy the show!

Aynor Harvest Hoedown Festival - September

40+ festivals help make Aynor's Harvest Hoe-Down Festival one of the oldest in the area! Aynor offers family fun time with activities for children like arts and crafts and a morning parade. Celebrate in hoe-down style with musical entertainment in the afternoon, and then let the professionals do the work during an evening concert.

Atalaya Arts & Craft Festival - September

Residents near Huntington Beach State Park travel to Atalaya Castle for this arts & crafts event featuring multiple vendors. Check out crafts like baskets, paintings, wind chimes, jewelry, and more. In addition, tour the historic winter home of industrialist and philanthropist Archer Milton Huntington and his wife, sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington, built in 1931.

Little River Shrimpfest - October

A taste of Little River's Blue Crab Festival will get you ready for lots and lots of shrimp! Two stages offer live music to suit the musical tastes of many. Burgers and other barbeque delights are available for those who get too shrimped out.

Loris Bog-Off Festival - October

Originally a chicken bog contest, Loris gained fame around its Bog-Off Festival with over 200 vendors per year. Enjoy live music while your kids play in the children's entertainment area. Order and share various types of bog, funnel cakes, and even homemade ice cream. Yum!

Oktoberfest at Barefoot Landing - October

A newly developed tradition by the massive, outdoor entertainment complex Barefoot Landing, Oktoberfest jumps off in...well... October! Many of the restaurants and bars will offer lots of German-themed treats and goodies along with games, live music, and contests including the Weiner Dog Contest!

Myrtle Beach Greek Festival - October

St John Greek Orthodox Church's Myrtle Beach Greek Festival shares a positive impact with its local community. Drink imported greek wine & beer or try out many popular Greek foods like souvlaki, gyros, moussaka, and roasted Greek potatoes at this food-based event. Earn that sweet tooth with delicious spiced cookies called melomakarona and more!

Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam - October

Get ready for some offroading excitement! Obstacle courses, car shows, beach crawls, and night parties are the talk of the town during Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam! If you have a registered Jeep, you can participate for only $25 as of 2022! Enjoy this weekend event and party at Broadway at the Beach and Barefoot Landing for the Kickoff and after parties.

St Andrew's Taste of the Town - October

Thousands of people attend St. Andrew Catholic Church's Taste of the Town where restaurants serve up tapas-style meals. Vote for your favorite dish so the winning restaurants may boast of excellence.

Klig's Kite Festival - October

The kite festival held by local Klig's Kites at Grande Dunes Ocean Club offers breathtaking visuals of various kites all over the beach. Wet your whistle or grab a bite at the many vendors the event attracts.

Pawleys Island Food & Wine Gala - October

Sample over 75 choices of wine from famous vineyards around the world at Pawleys Island Food & Wine Gala. Cheese tasting and plenty of desserts are also available at this beautiful gala from Pawleys Island, south of Myrtle Beach.

Dickens Christmas Show - November

Transport yourself into the national award-winning, Victorian-themed festival with gorgeously decorated Christmas wreaths and trees. Strolling Victorian Musicians, Tea Leaf Readers, Punch & Judy Shows, Shadow Box Displays, a Life-Sized Historic Santa, FIVE GOLDE- sorry...maybe we've achieved too much Christmas spirit. In addition, join in on Victorian historical tours to Charleston for 8 hours of holiday traditions and culture.

Myrtle Beach Truck Show - November

Tricked-out trucks are ready for viewing in November at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. Folks travel from all over to show off their rides, so come see what the weekend offers!

Intracoastal Christmas Regatta - November

Hosted by Yachts for Tots of North Myrtle Beach & Little River, locals rush to see the maritime parades filled with Christmas themes and lights. Fundraising and toy drives are the name of the game, so be sure to help those in need during the holiday season.