10 of the best summer festivals and events around Myrtle Beach you won’t want to miss
The summer season is here and there’s no better time to get outside and enjoy the Grand Strand. For locals and visitors alike, there’s no shortage of exciting festivals, attractions and events to check out this summer.
For those looking to make the most of the vacation season, here are 10 events around the Myrtle Beach area that shouldn’t be missed.
Carolina Country Music Festival
Through June 8
812 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Located next to the boardwalk in the heart of downtown Myrtle Beach, the biggest music festival in the Grand Strand returns for its 10th year this June. Attendees can catch more than 60 artists, including headliners like Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Rascal Flats.
Thursdays through Sept. 25
11 S. Ocean Blvd., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
North Myrtle Beach’s annual summer concert season is back with free live performances every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Horseshoe on Main Street. The free concerts are open to all with family-friendly beach, country, rock and R&B performances.
Surfside Beach Hula and Fire Dancer Show
Mondays through Aug. 11
11 Ocean Blvd. S., Surfside Beach, SC 29575
Surfside Beach is hosting free shows celebrating Polynesia every Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. on the beach next to the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier. The dazzling live performances feature dances, fire and knives from Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa and Tahiti.
Through Aug. 24
1325 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Broadway at the Beach is celebrating summer every night with free live entertainment, variety shows, character meet and greets, dance parties and street performers – but there are a few extra special events. Every Tuesday visitors can watch free fireworks shows, and from June 30 through July 4, the center is celebrating its 30th birthday with nightly fireworks at 10 p.m.
Through Aug. 25
4898 Highway 17 S., North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
Barefoot Landing is also bringing back its nightly summer entertainment series with live music, street performers, character meet and greets, variety shows and more. Every Monday, guests can check out the free fireworks show above the lake at 10 p.m.
Wednesdays and Saturdays through Aug. 30
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576
Visitors can enjoy all the beauty of Brookgreen Garden’s nature and art lit up after closing at Summer Light: Art by Night. This year’s exhibition, “Gardens of Glass: The Art of Craig Mitchell Smith,” features 30 larger-than-life glass sculptures and a special pop-up gallery. Guests can also enjoy live music and a variety of local food trucks. Tickets are available online.
June 9 to Aug. 31
1000 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Summer festivities return to downtown Myrtle Beach for Hot Summer Nights. With live music, karaoke, dance parties and more, the event series brings free family-friendly entertainment to Plyler Park and the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and Promenade. Most days events run from 5 to 8 p.m., but on Sunday things kick off earlier from 1 to 4 p.m, and after the Wednesday night festivities, guests can check out a fireworks show over the Atlantic at the 2nd Avenue Pier.
Sounds of Summer Concert Series
June 20, July 18, Aug. 15 and Sept. 19
150 Citizens Circle, Little River, SC 29566
The City of North Myrtle Beach is hosting another series of concerts at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports Complex amphitheater every third Friday from 7 to 9 p.m. The events – which feature tributes to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Steely Dan, Elton John and The Eagles–are free, but food and drinks are available for purchase.
June 28
7 Elm St., Conway, SC 29526
With live music, bouncy houses, local vendors, tournaments and even fireworks, the Conway Riverfest offers something for the whole family. Located in historic downtown Conway on the Waccamaw River, the festival has been a staple in Conway since 1980.
Aug. 29-30
812 N. Ocean Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
Gospel music fans, rejoice. The Waves of Praise Gospel Fest is bringing two days of free performances to downtown Myrtle Beach at Burroughs and Chapin Pavilion Place. Artists include Eartha Edwards, Lisa Knowles-Smith & the Brown Singers, The Walls Group and more.