It’s fall festival time! Here’s your guide to 12 of the best around Myrtle Beach
As South Carolina prepares for autumn, it’s time for fall festivals in the Grand Strand.
From cultural celebrations to entire events dedicated to food, there’s something for everyone at these festivals. Check out 12 of the most popular seasonal offerings in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, Surfside Beach and more.
Gullah Geechee Junkanoo Festival
Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
1931 Brookgreen Drive, Murrells Inlet
Inspired by the Bahamian Junkanoo festival, Brookgreen Gardens is celebrating Caribbean, Gullah Geechee and West African heritage with a colorful fall festival. Visitors can enjoy live music, heritage presentations, exhibits, crafts, food tastings, storytelling and a mask parade. The event is free for members and included with garden admission for non-members.
Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival
Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
600 S. Main St., Aynor
Aynor’s 45th annual fall festival promises a big time in a small town. Visitors can enjoy a parade, arts and crafts, antique tractors and cars, live music, inflatables and more.
Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
Sept. 26 from 12 to 5 p.m., Sept. 27 and 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
16148 Ocean Highway, Murrells Inlet
This year Huntington Beach State Park will host its 50th annual Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival with works from more than 100 artisans, local food and live music in the natural outdoor beauty of Murrells Inlet. Admission is $10 for guests 16 and older, and kids get in free.
Irish Italian International Festival
Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Main Street, North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach will celebrate its 21st annual Irish Italian International Festival on Main Street with live entertainment on two stages, arts and crafts vendors, street performers, festival food and a spaghetti-eating contest.
Oktoberfest Family Festival
Sept. 27 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
1181 Celebrity Circle, Myrtle Beach
The Hangout at Broadway at the Beach will host a free fall celebration for all ages. Festivities will include games, live music, local vendors, stein-holding competitions and German-inspired food and drinks for purchase. While kids can enjoy the family-friendly activities, adults can explore the Oktoberfest Beer Garden featuring local breweries.
Surfside Beach Family Festival
Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Surfside Drive, Surfside Beach
Families will find something for everyone at Surfside Beach’s Family Festival. The free festival with live entertainment, vendors, food trucks and a kids’ zone with children’s activities is scheduled for Saturday with plans to reschedule for Sunday if rain strikes.
Little River ShrimpFest
Oct. 11 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4468 Mineola Ave., Little River
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss Little River’s 20th annual ShrimpFest at the Historic Little River Waterfront. With live music, stilt walkers, balloon artists, vendors and fresh local seafood, the festival promises boatloads of fun.
Myrtle Beach Greek Festival
Oct. 16 through 19, various times
3301 N. 33rd Ave., Myrtle Beach
St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church will host its annual celebration of Greek culture with food, heritage dance performances, a kids’ zone, vendors and church tours. Admission $5 for adults and free for kids 10 and under.
Loris Bog-Off
Oct. 18 starting at 9 a.m.
4242 Main St., Loris
Loris celebrates the Pee Dee region’s classic chicken and rice dish every year on the third Saturday in October. In its 46th year, the festival will feature the classic chicken bog contest, hundreds of vendors, live performances, a children’s area and wrap up the festivities with a fireworks extravaganza.
Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
Oct. 17 through 19 from 3 to 8 p.m.
2501 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach
The Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival is bringing three days of live performances, vendors and family-friendly activities to the site of the former Myrtle Square Mall. The festival is free, but donations are appreciated.
Mythical and Medieval Fest
Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
3833 Socastee Blvd., Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach’s only renaissance festival benefits Caleb’s Dragonfly Dream, a local nonprofit dedicated to serving kids in group homes and shelters. Visitors can embrace fantasy fun with a fairy forest, medieval combat, artisan’s village, live entertainment, fire show, festive food and more.
Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast
Nov. 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
4123 U.S. 17 Business, Murrells Inlet
This year the MarshWalk will feature the 21st annual Murrells Inlet Oyster Roast with live music, vendors and marsh views. With a $40 ticket, visitors get an oyster bucket to fill up as many times as they like and an official koozie.