Things To Do in August in Myrtle Beach (Updated for 2026)
August is your last full month to soak up summer at The Beach. The ocean is warm, the days are long, and the calendar is packed with everything from live music and family festivals to golf tournaments, local markets, and one of a kind events.
Whether you're planning one last family vacation before school starts, escaping for a long weekend, or squeezing in a spontaneous beach trip, August offers plenty of reasons to stay a little longer. Spend the morning on the beach, cool off at an attraction, catch a concert after sunset, or discover a local festival happening just minutes from the coast.
The Short Answer
What Should I Do in August in Myrtle Beach?
August is one of the best times to visit Myrtle Beach if you’re looking for classic summer beach weather paired with a full calendar of events. Expect warm Atlantic waters, long beach days, live entertainment, family-friendly attractions, outdoor festivals, local markets, and major events like the Craftsmen’s Summer Classic, Brookgreen Gardens’ Summer Light, the Ultimate Reptile Show, and the Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a golf getaway, or a last-minute beach trip before fall, August offers a mix of outdoor adventures, indoor attractions, and seasonal events across the Grand Strand.
Can't-Miss August Events
Craftsmen's Summer Classic
July 31 – August 2, 2026
If you love shopping for handmade treasures, kick off August at the Craftsmen's Summer Classic at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. More than 250 artists and makers from across the country fill the venue with handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, photography, woodwork, home décor, specialty foods, clothing, glass art, and much more. It's the perfect place to find a unique souvenir, support small businesses, or simply spend a few hours browsing in the air conditioning during the summer heat.
Myrtle Duck Festival
August 8, 2026
Get ready for a day of family fun at the Myrtle Duck Festival on August 8 (rescheduled from July 25 due to weather) at The Market Common's Grand Pond. This community celebration features a giant rubber duck race, a helicopter duck drop, live music, food trucks, interactive exhibits, local vendors, and activities for all ages. Guests can also explore the Community Impact Village, check out the Big Duckin' Truck Show & Tailgate, and enjoy live art installations throughout the day. Best of all, the festival supports local organizations making a difference across the Grand Strand.
Ultimate Reptile Show
August 22–23, 2026
Calling all animal lovers! The Ultimate Reptile Show returns with hundreds of fascinating reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and exotic animals all under one roof. Meet breeders and experts, shop for reptile supplies, and get an up-close look at everything from geckos and bearded dragons to snakes, frogs, turtles, tarantulas, and more. Whether you're an experienced reptile enthusiast or simply curious, it's a fun and educational stop for all ages.
Summer Light at Brookgreen Gardens
Runs through August 22
Experience Brookgreen Gardens in a whole new light during its popular Summer Light: Art By Night exhibition. As the sun sets, thousands of artistic lights transform the gardens into an illuminated evening stroll unlike anywhere else along the Grand Strand. Wander beneath glowing oak trees, admire light installations woven throughout the sculpture gardens, enjoy live entertainment, and grab dinner or a snack before exploring. It's one of the most relaxing ways to spend a summer evening in Murrells Inlet.
Play Golf Myrtle Beach World Amateur Handicap Championship
August 31–Sept 1, 2026
Every August, thousands of golfers from around the world head to Myrtle Beach for the World's Largest Amateur Golf Tournament. The Myrtle Beach World Am welcomes players of every skill level to compete on more than 50 championship golf courses across the Grand Strand. Even if you're not playing, it's exciting to see golf's biggest amateur event take over the area, with daily competition followed by the famous 19th Hole—the tournament's lively evening gathering featuring food, drinks, live entertainment, vendors, and plenty of stories from the day's round.
Live Music & Entertainment
From free concerts under the stars to award-winning theater productions, August is one of the best times of year to catch live entertainment around the Grand Strand. Bring a beach chair for an outdoor show, enjoy a waterfront concert at sunset, or spend an evening at one of Myrtle Beach's iconic theaters.
Music on Main Concert Series
Every Thursday
Thursday nights come alive in downtown North Myrtle Beach during the popular Music on Main Concert Series. Bring a lawn chair, grab dinner from a nearby restaurant, and enjoy free live music on Main Street as beach music, classic rock, country, and party bands take the stage. It's a favorite tradition for both locals and visitors and a great way to spend a summer evening.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
August 21, 2026
Pack a blanket and head to the North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex Amphitheater for another season of free outdoor concerts. The Sounds of Summer Concert Series features tribute bands and crowd favorites performing under the evening sky. This month's act is The Stranger: A Tribute to Billy Joel from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 21. With plenty of open space and a relaxed atmosphere, it's an easy way to enjoy live music with family and friends.
Boathouse Summer Concert Series
Every Sunday
One of the Grand Strand's favorite summer traditions continues every Sunday Funday at The Boathouse on the Intracoastal Waterway. These free waterfront concerts feature regional and national touring artists in an unbeatable outdoor setting. Arrive early, order dinner or drinks, and settle in for an evening of live music as the sun sets over the water. This month's lineup includes Jerryfest Grateful Dead Tribute Show (8/2), Bumpin' Uglies (8/9), The Vegabonds (8/16) and Dave Matthews Tribute (8/30). They will also host acclaimed Reggae artist Matisyahu on Thursday, August 13.
The Alabama Theatre
A trip to Myrtle Beach isn't complete without experiencing one of its legendary entertainment venues. Throughout August, the Alabama Theatre hosts nationally touring tribute acts, country performers, comedians, and special events alongside its award-winning production, ICONIC. Filled with live music, comedy, dance, stunning visuals, and incredible talent, ICONIC has become a favorite for visitors looking for a classic Myrtle Beach night out. During the summer, families can also take advantage of the theater's popular promotion where two children ages 16 and under receive free admission with the purchase of one adult ticket to ICONIC.
The Carolina Opry
Since opening in 1986, The Carolina Opry has entertained millions of visitors with its signature blend of music, comedy, and high-energy performances. In August, guests can choose from the theater's acclaimed resident productions or catch one of several special concerts featuring nationally recognized tribute artists and comedians. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning for another season, The Carolina Opry continues to be one of the Grand Strand's must-see live entertainment experiences.
Looking for Even More Live Music?
August is filled with live performances beyond the major venues. Many local restaurants, breweries, oceanfront bars, and entertainment districts host musicians nearly every night of the week. Barefoot Landing, Broadway at the Beach, Murrells Inlet MarshWalk, and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk are all great places to enjoy dinner followed by live music while soaking in the summer atmosphere.
Family Fun Activities in August
There's still plenty of summer left to enjoy, and August is packed with family-friendly activities across the Grand Strand. From weekly farmers markets to nightly entertainment and baseball games, you'll find something happening every day of the week.
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Baseball
Take yourself out to the ballgame with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Chicago Cubs' Single-A affiliate. Catch a Pelicans game in the newly-renovated Pelicans Ballpark — it's one of the best family values in Myrtle Beach.
Even if you're not a huge baseball fan, the atmosphere at Pelicans Ballpark makes for a memorable summer evening, offering affordable tickets, fun between-inning entertainment, and themed nights throughout the week. You can enjoy favorites like Tacos & Tallboys Tuesday, Wet Nose Wednesday (where dogs are welcome!), Thirsty Thursday, Family Friday with postgame fireworks, Ultra Sippin' Saturday, and Sunday Funday.
End Your Night with Fireworks
Few things say "summer vacation" quite like fireworks over the water. August is your last chance to catch many of the Grand Strand's seasonal displays before they wrap up for the year.
Broadway at the Beach lights up the sky on Tuesday nights at 10 p.m. with fireworks over Lake Broadway, creating the perfect ending to an evening of shopping, dining, and attractions.
Barefoot Landing has fireworks every Monday night at 10 p.m. as part of its Summerfest! lineup of entertainment. Watch the festivities over the area's central lake and enjoy great food and entertainment before the show.
In downtown Myrtle Beach, head over to Second Avenue Pier on Wednesday evenings to watch fireworks launch over the Atlantic Ocean—an unforgettable backdrop for a summer night at the beach.
Be sure to check each venue's schedule before your visit, as dates may change due to weather or special events.
Grand Strand Farmers Markets
Slow down for a morning and explore one of the area's local farmers markets. You'll find fresh produce, homemade baked goods, local honey, handcrafted gifts, artwork, flowers, and specialty foods while supporting local farmers and artisans. It's a fun way to experience a different side of the Grand Strand—and maybe pick up a few treats to enjoy back at your hotel or vacation rental.
Surfside Beach Farmers Market: Every Tuesday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
North Myrtle Beach Farmers Market: Every Tuesday & Friday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Valor Park Farmers Market (Market Common): Every Saturday from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Downtown Conway Farmers Market: Every Saturday from 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
Myrtle's Market (Downtown Myrtle Beach): Every Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Looking for More Family Adventures?
Between events, August is the perfect time to experience some of Myrtle Beach's most popular attractions. Cool off at Myrtle Waves Water Park, challenge the family to a round of miniature golf, meet marine life at Ripley's Aquarium, or spend the day exploring Brookgreen Gardens and Huntington Beach State Park. If you're looking to get out on the water, dolphin cruises, pirate adventures, fishing charters, and sunset sails are all in full swing throughout the month.
Whether your family prefers thrilling attractions or relaxing afternoons by the ocean, August offers countless ways to make the most of summer before the season comes to a close.