Planning a trip? We can help!
Woohoo, vacation! That's our specialty. Tell us a little about the trip you're planning so we can help you with some ideas.
Dreaming of a Vacation
I'm at the beach now!
Who's Traveling?
When are you visiting?
Article

Annual Music Festivals in the Grand Strand

  By  Paul Richards
Fans gather at Carolina Country Music Festival

North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Festival

Main St, North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Enjoy the biggest St. Pat’s celebration along the Grand Strand at this daylong event, which takes place along the bustling Main Street area of North Myrtle Beach, a hub for live entertainment and activities all weekend. The festival spans three city blocks and features several live music stages with entertainment, food, and retail vendors, the area’s largest Irish beer garden, and a dedicated family area with carnival rides, games, a petting zoo, camel rides, and more! The festival is generally held the Saturday just before March 17th, annually.

Market Common Irish Festival – Myrtle Beach

Deville Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

This annual Irish Festival held in the Market Common features Irish-style live entertainment, diverse food vendors, a generous Irish beer garden, and plenty of family fun for all ages. Games, face painting, and arts and crafts are among the many activities guests look forward to. The festival is a popular destination for singles, groups, and families who may want to avoid more crowded area festivals.

Music in the Park - Georgetown

Georgetown, SC 29442

Music in the Park generally takes place on the first Friday of every month at 6:00 pm May thru September in downtown Georgetown. These concerts are free to the public as part of the Georgetown Business Association’s continued endeavor to promote Georgetown’s businesses, museums, schools, and the community. In case of inclement weather, the event will be hosted at the Winyah Auditorium on High Market St. 

Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival – North Myrtle Beach

Main Street and First Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

The Annual “Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival” presented by the City of North Myrtle Beach is held annually in early May on a stage in the parking lot within walking distance of the Ocean Drive Beach & Golf Resort. Bring your coolers and bring your chairs!

Summer Light: Art by Night Brookgreen Gardens - Murrells Inlet

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

A variety of lighting techniques immerse and mesmerize visitors of Brookgreen Gardens after dark. From the 800 upcycled chandeliers and 900 wine bottle alcoves, experience the Oak Allee and Beyond the Garden Wall at twilight and into the early evening. The exquisite Conway Glass display, the “blooming flora” in the Children’s Garden, and more delight visitors of all ages each Wednesday and Saturday most of the summer. Live music is provided by various regional and touring bands.

Festival Saturday Concerts – North Myrtle Beach

1120 Saint Joseph Road, Little River, SC 29566

Held each Saturday, year-long, La Belle Amie Vineyard, producers of Twisted Sister wines, hosts non-stop live music from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m., along with wine tastings, food vendors, a large gift shop, and tours of the grounds.

Blue Crab Festival - Little River

4469 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC 29566

Located at the Historic Little River Waterfront, the renowned Blue Crab Festival, held annually the weekend after Mother's Day, is one of the largest festivals in the Southeast. Consistently awarded the Best Annual Event/Festival on the Grand Strand by readers of the Sun News, guests enjoy fresh, local seafood from waterfront restaurants, along with arts & crafts vendors, scenic views, and as always, lots of live music. Satellite parking and shuttles are available.

The Georgetown Food, Beer & Wine Festival - Georgetown

Georgetown, SC 29442

Many of the most popular restaurants along the South Strand will serve their local favorite dishes, along with award-winning craft beer and wine along the historic waterfront. This family-friendly event includes a kids zone and local artists and craftsmen on hand showcasing their talents and selling their wares. Enjoy live music performed by local and regional variety bands, all along the beautiful waterfront district. The annual event is held each May, dates vary.

Summer Concert Series at The Boathouse – Myrtle Beach

201 Fantasy Harbour Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579

Held each Sunday in April through the first week of September, thousands flock to Landing at the Boathouse to enjoy the ‘Sunday Fun Day’ free live concerts from the “Best Backyard in Town” as nationally known bands take the Waterway Stage on the bank of the Intracoastal Waterway

Music on Main Concert Series – North Myrtle Beach

S. Ocean Boulevard, Horseshoe, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

Starting in early June, journey to downtown North Myrtle Beach to delight in the sounds of a live band on Main Street, which closes traffic. Families are encouraged to come downtown after work or after a long day on the beach to experience the many restaurants of Main Street, listen to live music, shop, and dance til’ you drop. Kick back and unwind in your beach chair at this popular, annual music series Main Street. Held most Thursdays, all summer long from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Sun Fun Festival – Myrtle Beach

1309 N Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

Founded in 1951, the Sun Fun Festival kicks off summer with a variety of family-friendly events including a 5 Km run, a parade with floats and marching bands, a cat dash, the Miss Sun Fun and Miss Bikini Wahine contests, light shows, bubble gum blowing contest, Little Olympics, sailboat races, and air show. Highlighting the annual event held in early May, are performances from a variety of bands covering oldies, Motown, Rock & Roll, country, funk, R&B, and Beach music.

CCMF (Carolina Country Music Festival) – Myrtle Beach

Ocean Blvd at 9th Ave. N, Myrtle Beach, SC

The CCMF is one of the nation’s largest country music festivals, featuring new country artists and established mainstream acts. The three-day festival held annually each June, hosts 30-plus artists on 20 acres along the oceanfront at the site of the former Pavilion Amusement Park. The CCMF draws over 30K fans and features a mainstage, several side stages, and plenty of beer, wine, and food.

Conway Riverfest - Conway

6 Elm St, Conway, SC 29526

Held in late June, this annual festival backed by the local chamber of commerce provides a golf cart parade and kid’s zone while several local and regional music acts perform in Riverfront Park. Public parking is available at Horry County Courthouse.

Irish – Italian International Festival – North Myrtle Beach

400 Main Street, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582

The City of North Myrtle Beach hosts its Irish Italian International Festival annually in September. This one-day event draws some 15,000 visitors to celebrate different cultures. Two Stages of live music, along with street performers, food vendors, friendly competitions, and much more.

Little River Shrimp Festival – Little River

4469 Mineola Avenue, Little River, SC

For nearly 20 years the Little River ShrimpFest, held each October along the Historic Little River Waterfront, has hosted visitors who enjoy a wide variety of live music on two stages. Additionally, stilt walkers, balloon artists, and more than 100 vendors, including a variety of arts & crafts, business expos, and community organizations are on hand. Shrimp and fresh local seafood are served by the local waterfront restaurants and food vendors serving a wide variety of festival treats.

Pawleys Island Festival of Music & Art – Pawleys Island

18 Reserve Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585

An A-list assortment of touring superstars perform over three weeks, each October at this popular music and arts festival, held at the Reserve Golf Club. The event serves as a fundraiser for non-profit arts in the Pawleys Island area.

October Fest – Market Common, Myrtle Beach

4017 Deville Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577

The annual Myrtle Beach Oktoberfest at the Market Common features German food, Oktoberfest beer, kid’s games, and activities. Pumpkin patch for kids, face painting, inflatables, a petting zoo, and Oktoberfest steins. Over 20 vendors plus a large selection of Oktoberfest beers, live music, German Oom-pah, and American rock n’ roll.

Nights of a Thousand Candles – Brookgreen Gardens, Murrells Inlet

1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

Brookgreen Gardens comes to life amid the soft glow of more than 2,800 hand-lit candles and tens of thousands of sparkling lights on nearly every tree.  From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., walk the garden pathways with a warm cup of cider, cocoa, or wine. Enjoy the sounds of holiday music, and carolers singing, and celebrate the season with family and friends. Named "Best Christmas Lights in South Carolina" by Travel+Leisure Magazine

Paul Richards

Though originally from Upstate New York, Paul Richards has called the Myrtle Beach Area home for some 25 years. As an entertainment and food writer Paul says “The diversity and ever-improving and ever-increasing food and music scene, keeps things fun and fulfilling.” To reach Paul with comments, questions and/or suggestions, email [email protected]