Best annual events in the Myrtle Beach area: Things to do every month of the year
The Myrtle Beach area is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country. But in addition to its beautiful beaches and exciting attractions, the Grand Strand is host to a diverse calendar of events throughout the year.
Mark your calendars for these annual celebrations, music festivals, food events and more. Here’s the rundown:
January: Restaurant Week
Dig into the Grand Strand’s vibrant culinary scene during Restaurant Week. Every January, participating restaurants throughout the Myrtle Beach area offer prix fixe menus that showcase the best in coastal South Carolina cuisine. Some restaurants even offer special events like cooking demonstrations and wine tastings to further educate diners on current and upcoming trends in the local dining scene. Whether you’re a foodie or just want to try a new restaurant, Restaurant Week offers diners with delicious meals at special prices.
Location: Participating restaurants throughout the Grand Strand
Website: restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com/city/grand_strand
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February: Gullah Geechee Community Day
Learn about South Carolina’s Gullah Geechee community and the African diaspora through music, food, storytelling, arts and crafts and more. The Gullah Geechee are descendants of the enslaved Africans who were brought to the Southeastern coast of the United States. Over the centuries, this community has been able to retain much of its heritage, much of which derives from West African traditions. This event celebrates the history of the Gullah Geechee people and allows participants to engage with the traditions.
Location: Downtown Conway, SC
Website: gullahgeecheeday.com
March: St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival is one of the largest parades of the year in the Grand Strand with over 100 floats, marching bands, performers and other parade participants. Celebrate Irish heritage with a fun-filled day of food, live music, and other activities with visitors and locals. And don’t forget to wear green!
Location: North Myrtle Beach, SC
Website: parks.nmb.us/411/St-Patricks-Day-Parade-Festival
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April: Myrtle Beach International Film Festival (MBIFF)
Whether you’re a movie buff or an aspiring filmmaker, the Myrtle Beach International Film Festival offers events for every film enthusiast. The event showcases independent films from around the world covering a wide range of categories including drama, comedy, documentary and more. Some viewings are accompanied with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers where they share their process and the stories behind the films. For professional and aspiring filmmakers, networking events, forums and panel discussions serve as an excellent opportunity to connect with others in the industry.
Location: Stone Theatres - Grand 14 at Market Common
Website: myrtlebeachfilmfestival.com
May: World Famous Blue Crab Festival
Nothing kicks off South Carolina’s blue crab season (May through August) much like the World Famous Blue Crab Festival in Little River. Celebrate this regional culinary tradition with fresh blue crab caught right from nearby waters. Enjoy live music, peruse craft vendors, and, of course, indulge in the inventive and classic ways blue crab can be served. This festival celebrates this seafood staple and educates attendees on the rich tradition of the local fishing industry.
Location: Little River, SC
Website: www.bluecrabfestival.org
June: Carolina Country Music Fest
For three full days, the Carolina Country Music Fest brings over 40 country star musicians to Myrtle Beach. There are multiple stages across the festival grounds but the main stage, with the beach as its backdrop, is where you’ll catch the most exciting performances. Between sets, attendees can enjoy food and drink, get outfitted in official festival gear or their favorite band’s merch, and hang out on the beach.
Location: 812 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC
Website: carolinacountrymusicfest.com
July: Fourth of July Events and Festivals
There is no place like the Grand Strand for the Fourth of July. Parades, events, festivals, fireworks displays and other celebrations can be found throughout the Myrtle Beach area for Independence Day. You can enjoy a golf cart parade in Surfside Beach or run a 5K at Barefoot Landing by day and the fireworks in downtown Myrtle Beach or from the Murrells Inlet Marshwalk by night.
Location: Participating locations throughout the Myrtle Beach area
August: Craftsmen’s Classic Art & Craft Festival
Every year hundreds of artists, artisans and craftspeople from around the country come to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center to display their work. The festival is a great place to purchase original artwork, find unique gifts and celebrate handmade crafts. The event showcases work from jewelry makers, woodworkers, soap makers, and hundreds of other specialty crafts.
Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC
Website: gilmoreshows.com/craftsmens_classics_myrtle_summer.shtml
September: Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival
Every September the little, rural town of Aynor, South Carolina puts on the Harvest Hoe-Down Festival. The event celebrates the end of the harvest season with a wide range of family-friendly activities including musical entertainment by local choruses and singing groups, local food, a parade and their annual beauty pageant.
Location: Aynor, SC
Website: aynorhoedown.com
October: Loris Bog-Off Festival
The Loris Bog-Off Festival celebrates the local tradition of chicken bog, a local rice dish made with a mix of chicken, onion, peppers and spices. Chefs are on site making enough chicken bog to feed the masses, while attendees are invited to explore the tables of over 200 vendors, enjoy the live entertainment and take in the fireworks display at the end of the day. It’s one of Loris’ biggest events, drawing in around 35,000 people.
Location: Loris, SC
Website: lorischamber.com/loris-bog-off-festival-1
November: Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast
Oyster lovers can’t miss the Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast. Feast on all-you-can eat steamed oysters while taking in views of the Marshwalk. Even if you don’t like oysters, there’s plenty of other food and drink to enjoy.
Location: Wicked Tuna, Murrells Inlet, SC
Website: myrtlebeach.com/myrtle-beach-events/murrells-inlet-oyster-roast
December: Conway’s Rivertown Christmas Celebration
The holiday season is merry and bright throughout the entire month of December thanks to the Rivertown Christmas Celebration in downtown Conway. Every week and weekend brings a full calendar of events such as a parade, tree lighting and festive competitions like the gingerbread house display contest.
Location: Downtown Conway, SC
Website: conwayalive.com/events
