12 Ways to Get More out of Your CCMF Trip to Myrtle Beach
The countdown is on for Myrtle Beach’s most exciting music event of the year — the Carolina Country Music Fest returns June 5–8, 2025 for its 10th anniversary! With four days of nonstop entertainment, this year’s lineup features some of the hottest names in country music, including Lainey Wilson, Jellyroll, Kid Rock, and Rascal Flatts, plus dozens more performing just steps from the ocean.
And while you may be here to jam out with 30,000 fellow fans, seasoned festivalgoers know that the magic of CCMF extends far beyond the stage. From soaking up the sun on the beach and strolling the iconic boardwalk, to enjoying fresh coastal cuisine and unforgettable nightlife, there’s no shortage of ways to make your Myrtle Beach weekend one to remember.
We’ve put together a list of must-do activities, eats, and experiences to fill the time between sets — because the fun doesn’t stop when the music pauses.
Oh, and if you're still planning your trip, don't miss our Guide to CCMF here to make the most of every minute.
Where to eat
Just a one-minute walk away from the festival, The Bowery is celebrating 80 years of business this summer. There is going to be live music and events like never seen before. The establishment is known for being a venue where the popular country band “Alabama” performed from 1973-1980, and still calls it home today. It only makes sense that one of the biggest country music festivals on the East Coast is near this spot. Come out to The Bowery to experience Southern hospitality while crunching on chicken wings and burgers.
What’s a better combination than a deli and an English pub? Dagwoods has jumbo-sized subs and sandwiches that are stuffed with deli meats and all your favorite toppings. You can order one of their classic premade subs or come up with a specialty of your own. In another room of the establishment is where you’ll find Bumsteads Pub where you can always catch the latest game, choose from over 150 brands of taps and coolers, or listen to live music. It’s right off the main highway, and only a five-minute walk away, so it’s easy to find and quick to get to.
Looking for a nice spot to cool off during the day while enjoying a beer? Head over to Grand Strand Brewing located directly behind the CCMF grounds. Here you can grab your classic favorites, drink an IPA, or taste one of the locally crafted beers such as the Beach Easy or the Salty Golfer. If that still doesn’t sound like your type, maybe you want to sit out on the lawn while drinking down a sour. You can choose from cherry, First Rodeo smoothie, or key lime.
If you miss the days when you were younger and could eat outside at picnic tables or even while sitting on the grass, The Hangout brings back that nostalgia by making it a reality again. At Broadway at the Beach, you can come to The Hangout and fill your day with live entertainment, games, relaxation, and good food. Try their one-pound lifeguard burger, shrimp boil, or pulled pork BBQ sandwich with one of their signature cocktails to get the full experience. The establishment is open daily from 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. and until 10:00 p.m. on the weekends.
Nothing is better than spending a day outside in the Carolina heat and then hitting a restaurant in the evening with wonderful views overlooking the Atlantic. Riptydz, located near Pier 14, has all your seafood favorites. From oysters to crab, shrimp, various types of fish, and more. They also serve prime steak and mouth-watering burgers where you can find toppings like mac n cheese, lobster, and shrimp… on your burger! To make it better, they have various cocktails and long drinks that you can pair with your dish for the ultimate evening.
One of the city’s newest businesses just so happens to be a close walk to this year’s festival. Whiskey Roots Bar and Grill is dedicated to serving Southern food with a modern twist so guests can experience something unique with bold flavors. From burgers, ribs, vegetarian options, and more, everyone can try the richness of Southern cuisine. And, if it wasn’t already a giveaway with the restaurant's name, they serve a variety of whiskeys, so you’re sure to have a good time on your Friday night.
Activities for Pre-Concert Fun
One of the best ways to spend an afternoon is strolling around Broadway at the Beach. This large outdoor shopping area has restaurants, attractions, stores, and views that will keep you occupied for hours. Some fan favorites to visit at Broadway are the Escape Game where you must solve puzzles and riddles to escape the room you’re trapped in and Popstroke, Broadway’s newest attraction that includes two mini golf courses equipped with a restaurant, bar, and jumbotron screens to watch the latest game. This is a spot where everyone will find something to enjoy.
Are you ready to put the pedal to the medal? The Broadway Grand Prix has multiple courses you can navigate that will allow you to race against your friends or drive some extravagant loops around the track. If that’s not enough to cure your thirst for adventure, you can visit their 20,000-square-foot arcade, participate in a race-themed game of miniature golf, or munch on some tasty food from the snack bar. The Prix is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, so it’s extra polished and ready for people to visit.
Known for its various miniature golf courses, there are various greens that you can visit. The closest course is Mt. Atlanticus Minotaur Golf, which is within walking distance of the concert grounds. This spot has two 18-hole courses each intertwined with blue streams and tiki huts. It’s an ideal location for two hours of fun at a low price, and the final hole, number 19, is a special treat that very few people accomplish, so let's see if you can pass it! Other nearby mini-golf spots include Captain Hook’s Adventure Golf, Jungle Lagoon Miniature Golf, and Cap’N Cain Miniature Golf.
What goes together with country music? That’s right, baseball and hotdogs. The Pelicans are Myrtle Beach’s local baseball team who are in affiliation with the Chicago Cubs. If you are extending your stay at The Beach, you can catch the Pelicans in actions June 11th-16th against the Columbia Fireflies. Individual tickets can be bought through the team's website, and depending on what day you visit, some special deals and promotions take place. Be sure to plan ahead, so you can witness the full Southern experience when you come to the beach!
If you want to stay closer to the beach or find some souvenirs to bring home with you, the boardwalk is calling your name. Full of various beach stores, you can find custom-made t-shirts, matching bracelets, jewelry from the Gay Dolphin, or random knick-knacks to remember your time in Myrtle Beach. Additionally, you can check out the other establishments that are nestled between the boardwalk stores such as the arcade, cafes, and henna tattoo artists.
Myrtle Beach’s iconic SkyWheel is directly down the street from the CCMF grounds. This ferris wheel is 200 feet high, offering impeccable views of the beach and city at any time of the day. Up to four people can fit in one gondola and each one is air-conditioned so you don’t have to worry about sitting in the summer heat. One ticket is $20 a person, or you could get a combo price with the SkyWheel and a nearby restaurant, Landshark Grill. This is Myrtle Beach’s cannot-miss attraction!
