Offering a lengthy list of family-friendly attractions and 60-plus miles of inviting Atlantic Ocean coastline, the Grand Strand is well-known as a great destination for summertime fun in the South. When you also consider the numerous and wide-ranging summer festivals and events held in the Myrtle Beach area, it’s easy to see why the lure of the Carolina coast only grows as the temperatures rise.
Considered by many to be the unofficial kickoff to the summer season on the Grand Strand, Memorial Day weekend never disappoints. This year, the long holiday weekend’s schedule includes a range of observances honoring our nation’s heroes, perhaps highlighted by the culmination of Myrtle Beach’s month-long Military Appreciation Days. This event’s red, while and blue-tinged celebrations include a parade, a picnic, a remembrance ceremony and more.
And Memorial Day weekend just gets the ball rolling on the area’s action-packed summer schedule. While the options for summer fun in and around Myrtle Beach are plentiful, check out these six exciting events that serve as highlights on the Grand Strand’s summer calendar:
Carolina Country Music Fest, June 7-10, 2018: Returning to the former site of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park for a fourth consecutive year, the Carolina Country Music Fest — known as the East Coast’s largest three-day outdoor country music festival — will feature more than 30 of country music’s biggest names. Headliners will include superstars like Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and Toby Keith, all taking the stage on a site where the Atlantic Ocean serves as the backdrop and vendor booths, concession stands and even a zip line ramp up the fun in the sun. Check out the full lineup and learn more about the festival at carolinacountrymusicfest.com.
Red, White & Bang, June 30, 2018: Held at Murrells Inlet’s famed Suck Bang Blow biker bar, this blowout gets 4th of July week off to a roaring start with vintage bikes, classic cars, live music on two stages, a fireworks show, a burn-out and more. Please note that this event includes adult-oriented activities and is not suitable for the younger members of your vacation crew. Learn more about the music lineup and additional activities on tap at redwhiteandbang.com.
Junior SOS, July 17-22, 2018: The world’s biggest and greatest junior dance event mark its 27th anniversary this year, and it once again returns to the Grand Strand to celebrate the next generation of Shag dancers. Held in some of the same North Myrtle Beach dance clubs that play host to the adult Society of Stranders events, Junior SOS is organized by the Junior Shag Association and puts the spotlight on young talent. Event headquarters are the O.D. Beach and Golf Resort on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach. To learn more, visit juniorshaggers.com.
Broadway at the Beach Fireworks: Located just 5 minutes inland from The Breakers Resort, the Broadway at the Beach shopping/dining/entertainment complex is a must-visit for vacationing families year-round. But the attraction really sparkles in the summer, when free fireworks light up the skies over the complex at 10 p.m. on most Tuesday and Friday nights. See the full fireworks schedule at broadwayatthebeach.com.
Hot Summer Nights on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: On Monday through Saturday nights from mid-June through early September, family-friendly activities and live entertainment add to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk’s already strong allure. And getting there is an easy, 5-minute drive (or 10-minute stroll down the beach) away for Breakers guests — as the northern terminus of the 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway is roughly half a mile south of the resort property. Check myrtlebeachdowntown.com for a full schedule of planned Hot Summer Nights events.
The Market Common Farmers Market: Held every Saturday in May through September, this weekly farmers market features fresh and local produce, baked goods, handmade crafts and more, all offered along Deville Street in the middle of The Market Common shopping/dining/entertainment complex — which is found about 6 miles south of The Breakers Resort. Visit marketcommonmb.com for more info.
These are just a handful of the many exciting events on tap for the Grand Strand this summer — the full list just keeps on going. Whatever event or festival you choose to check out during your visit to the Myrtle Beach area, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations at The Breakers Resort to get some rest and prepare for your next day of Grand Strand adventures. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today, and start making your plans to explore all of the Grand Strand’s amazing summertime attractions!
