A Myrtle Beach Favorite, The Sun Fun Festival, is Back!
Don't miss this Myrtle Beach tradition!
Summer in Myrtle Beach kicks off with a longtime tradition—the Sun Fun Festival returns for its 71st year, happening May 1–3, 2026.
Set along the oceanfront in and around Plyler Park in Downtown Myrtle Beach, this three-day event brings together live music, local art, and family-friendly activities right by the beach. Expect a full weekend of entertainment, interactive experiences, and easygoing fun along the Boardwalk.
Here’s what to expect:
Friday, May 1
The weekend begins with a mix of art, entertainment, and live music.
Start your evening with the First Friday Art Walk in Nance Plaza, where downtown Myrtle Beach features pop-up exhibits, local artists, and creative performances. Then head to Plyler Park for live music from Chocolate Chip & Company, bringing a high-energy mix of funk, soul, and dance hits.
Throughout the evening, you’ll find interactive fun like face painting, games, and roaming performers adding to the atmosphere.
Saturday, May 2
Saturday brings a full lineup of activities from afternoon into the evening.
Plyler Park will be filled with family-friendly entertainment, including games, performers, and hands-on activities for all ages. Live music continues with the Devin Dove Band in the afternoon, followed by Gary Lowder & Smokin’ Hot in the evening, delivering beach music, Motown, and classic favorites.
Sunday, May 3
Sunday offers a laid-back close to the weekend with more entertainment and activities in Plyler Park.
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun before wrapping things up with a live performance by Too Much Sylvia, known for their upbeat, crowd-pleasing setlist.
Don’t Miss “Mama Duck”
While you’re in the area, make time for one of the most unexpected sights of the weekend—the World’s Largest Rubber Duck.
Nicknamed “Mama Duck,” this six-story-tall inflatable will be on display May 1–2 at Burroughs & Chapin Pavilion Place, just a short walk from the festival. It’s free to visit, perfect for photos, and part of a larger effort to promote water safety.
Planning to be here for the weekend? Don’t miss everything else happening around town—check out our full guide to Things to Do in May in Myrtle Beach for even more events, festivals, and can’t-miss experiences.
Ashley Daniels of Myrtle Beach is a full-time freelance writer, editor, wife, and mother of three sons and two fur babies. Most recently, she also became a published author of "100 Things to Do in Myrtle Beach Before You Die," part of a bestselling national series. A native of Eastern PA, Ashley received her bachelor’s in English Writing from the University of Pittsburgh and her MA in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Today, her folio boasts nearly 25 years of regional and nationally published printed magazine features, blogs, and web copy for a roster of clients, and ADDY award-winning copywriting. For more info, visit ashleymdaniels.com