18 Seasonal Events Not to Miss in Myrtle Beach
Posted by: Awayday
Parades packed with personality, food truck feasts, vintage car shows, shrimp-fueled weekends, and country music by the ocean; Myrtle Beach knows how to throw a party, no matter the season.
When you think of coastal getaways, summer may come to mind first. But Myrtle Beach has a calendar full of events that go way beyond sunscreen and sandcastles, and it makes the city worth a visit pretty much any month of the year!
And the best part? It’s fun with a local twist. That means spaghetti-eating contests, meatball tastings for a cause, and fireworks lighting up a warm winter night by the boardwalk.
I love traveling for events, be it on the beaches of Florida, the mountains of Colorado, or right here in the Carolinas.
At Luxury Beach Rentals, we’re all about sunshine, ocean breezes, and premier oceanfront vacation rentals that put you right where the fun is. We know Myrtle Beach like the back of our sun-kissed hands (no bragging, really). Head over to our destination blog for insider tips and local favorites that’ll take your vacation from good to unforgettable.
Today, I’m bringing you a list of the best events to catch year-round in Myrtle Beach, SC. Ready to dive into the good stuff?
Spring Events in Myrtle Beach
1. Myrtle Beach Marathon, March
Are you into marathons or just enjoy cheering from the sidelines with a coffee and a cowbell? Held annually on the first Saturday in March, the Myrtle Beach Marathon is the largest in South Carolina. The event features a full marathon, half marathon, relay, 5K, and kids’ mile. With its flat, scenic course and ocean views, it draws between 5,500 and 7,500 participants each year.
⭐ Highlights:
Ideal for first-timers
Flat, beautiful course with ocean views and well-organized support stations
Generous swag (shirts, medals, and post-race beers)
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Runners of all levels, especially beginners, Boston Marathon hopefuls, and families thanks to the multiple race options.
2. Surfside Beach BBQ Festival, March
Two days of smoky goodness, live tunes, and family-friendly fun, that’s what the Surfside Beach BBQ Festival is all about. This beloved event features BBQ competitions, local vendors, live music, shopping, and activities for the kids. And the best part? Admission is totally free.
⭐ Highlights:
Super friendly atmosphere with great live music
A wide variety of BBQ styles and flavors
Plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, BBQ lovers, foodies, and anyone looking for a fun, casual outdoor event with serious flavor.
3. Can-Am Days Festival, March
What’s not to love about a little cross-border camaraderie? Since 1961, the Can-Am Days Festival has celebrated the bond between Canadians and Americans with a nine-day lineup of more than 60 events. Timed with Canadian school breaks, the festivities include everything from live concerts and sporting events to beach games and the International Kitefest.
⭐ Highlights:
A wide range of activities with a fun, welcoming atmosphere
Strong focus on cultural exchange and community spirit
A great opportunity for kids to learn about international friendship
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Canadian and American families, snowbirds, and anyone who enjoys community events with a cross-cultural twist.
4. Run to the Sun Car Show, March
Love seeing vintage beauties shine in the sun? This three-day classic car show brings thousands of enthusiasts together to admire more than 3,000 antique and classic vehicles. Held near the former Myrtle Square Mall, it’s one of the largest and most iconic car events on the East Coast.
⭐ Highlights:
An incredible variety of classic and antique cars
Lively, welcoming atmosphere for gearheads and casual fans alike
Ocean-close setting adds to the charm
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Car lovers, families, and anyone who appreciates a dose of old-school Americana with a side of chrome.
5. North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festival, March
North Myrtle Beach knows how to throw a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration. This lively parade and street festival brings Irish heritage to life with festive floats, live music, local food, arts and crafts, and plenty of fun for the whole family.
⭐ Highlights:
High-energy, contagious atmosphere
Creative floats and nonstop entertainment
Family-friendly activities and popular local eats
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, parade lovers, and anyone looking for a fun, community-centered way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.
6. Myrtle Beach Food Truck Festival, April
Chasing flavors, one truck at a time. This three-day festival fills downtown Myrtle Beach with a rolling feast of food trucks, live music, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. Admission is free, just pay as you go for the eats.
⭐ Highlights:
A huge variety of food trucks serving everything from street tacos to gourmet fusion
Great opportunity to try new flavors and regional favorites
Relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
Family-friendly and impressively well-organized
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Foodies, families, and groups of friends looking to snack, stroll, and soak up the local flavor.
7. Black Bike Week (Atlantic Beach Bikefest), May
Held over Memorial Day weekend, Black Bike Week is the largest African-American motorcycle rally in the U.S. The event takes over the Grand Strand with roaring rides, beachfront parties, and vibrant cultural celebrations—bringing thousands of riders and fans together for an unforgettable experience.
⭐ Highlights:
Impressive custom and classic bikes everywhere you turn
Diverse, welcoming, and high-energy crowd
A full weekend of rides, events, and community celebrations
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Motorcycle enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone looking for a bold, unique, and unforgettable festival atmosphere.
Summer Events in Myrtle Beach
8. Sun Fun Festival, June (early)
Looking for a classic way to kick off summer? The Sun Fun Festival is one of Myrtle Beach’s longest-running traditions, dating back to 1951. It brings the Boardwalk to life with vendors, carnival games, live music, a festive parade, fireworks, and more.
⭐ Highlights:
A nostalgic summer vibe that’s fun for all ages
Lively mix of music, games, and entertainment
The fireworks display is always a crowd favorite
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, locals, and visitors looking to soak up some sunshine and old-school Myrtle Beach charm.
9. Carolina Country Music Festival, June
Summer sound chasers, this one's for you. The Carolina Country Music Festival is a four-day outdoor blowout held right on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. With multiple stages, major headliners, and a beachfront backdrop, it draws 30,000–35,000 fans every year for nonstop music and good vibes.
⭐ Highlights:
Big-name country performers like Rascal Flatts, Chris Young, and Lainey Wilson
Prime beachfront setting with epic crowd energy
Well-organized event with a festival-worthy lineup and amenities
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Country music fans, groups of friends, and anyone looking for a high-energy, unforgettable summer festival experience.
10. Juneteenth Celebration Festival, June
This meaningful festival marks the end of slavery in the U.S. with a blend of celebration and reflection. Expect live music, delicious food, readings, and cultural activities that honor African American history and highlight the ongoing journey toward equality.
⭐ Highlights:
A powerful celebration of African American community and heritage
Educational programming that’s as engaging as it is important
Vibrant mix of entertainment, food, and cultural expression
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, history buffs, educators, and anyone interested in cultural heritage and community connection.
Fall Events in Myrtle Beach
11. Irish Italian International Festival, September
A cultural mashup worth celebrating. This one-day street festival in North Myrtle Beach brings together Irish and Italian traditions with music, food, arts, and fun competitions. It draws around 15,000 attendees each year.
⭐ Highlights:
A great mix of cultural foods from both heritages
Live entertainment throughout the day
Fan-favorite spaghetti eating contest
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, food lovers, and anyone who enjoys community-centered cultural celebrations.
12. Pawleys Island Food & Wine Gala, October
Here’s something a bit more elegant for your fall calendar. Hosted at The Reserve Golf Club, this annual gala features over 75 wines, gourmet creations by local chefs, desserts, cheese tastings, and a silent auction. It’s a favorite among food and wine lovers.
⭐ Highlights:
Incredible wine selection and beautifully plated cuisine
Upscale yet relaxed coastal atmosphere
A great night out with live music and a touch of sophistication
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Adults, wine lovers, couples, and groups looking for a classy evening in a beautiful setting.
13. Little River ShrimpFest, October
Shrimp isn’t just food; it’s a fall tradition around here. This two-day waterfront festival in Little River serves up fresh seafood (especially shrimp), live music, arts and crafts vendors, and family activities.
⭐ Highlights:
A great variety of shrimp dishes and other coastal favorites
Craft booths, local goods, and fun for all ages
Scenic setting and lively entertainment
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Seafood fans, families, and anyone looking for a festive fall day by the water.
14. Best of the Beach Meatballs Challenge, October
Yes, meatballs; taken seriously (and deliciously). In this Surfside Beach competition, local chefs battle it out for the best meatball title. Guests get to sample entries and vote for their favorites.
The best part? It’s not just a fun culinary competition. It also supports a great cause. Proceeds from the event go toward raising autism awareness and funding local autism-related organizations.
⭐ Highlights:
Supports autism awareness and benefits local autism-related organizations.
Tons of tastings from creative, locally made recipes
Fun, interactive atmosphere with friendly competition
A different kind of food fest that’s all about flavor
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Foodies, families, and anyone who loves a hands-on (and fork-in-hand) culinary experience.
15. Loris Bog-Off Festival, October
This beloved local festival celebrates “chicken bog,” a classic South Carolina dish. Expect cooking contests, live music, vendors, and fireworks. Plus, there's a crowd of 35,000+ attendees who take their bog seriously.
⭐ Highlights:
Chicken bog tastings (a must-try Southern favorite)
Big variety of food and craft vendors
Fireworks to end the night with a bang
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, Southern food fans, and anyone curious about regional traditions.
16. Myrtle Beach Greek Festival, October
Opa! This four-day festival celebrates Greek culture with authentic cuisine, pastries, music, dancing, church tours, and artisan vendors. A Myrtle Beach staple and a foodie favorite.
⭐ Highlights:
The food! Especially the desserts and traditional dishes
Live Greek music and dancing
A welcoming cultural experience for all ages
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, foodies, and anyone interested in exploring a rich cultural tradition.
Winter & Holiday Season Events in Myrtle Beach
17. Winter Wonderland at The Beach, November–December
Myrtle Beach lights up for the holidays. Literally. This seasonal event features twinkling lights, festive décor, and fun activities for all ages along the iconic Boardwalk.
⭐ Highlights:
Magical holiday lights and decorations
Free and family-friendly activities
Cozy, festive atmosphere
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families, couples, and anyone looking to feel the holiday spirit by the sea.
18. A Southern Times Square NYE, December 31
Ring in the New Year Myrtle Beach-style. Inspired by NYC’s Times Square, this family-friendly, ticketed event includes live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, a ball drop, drone show, and fireworks to start the year off right.
⭐ Highlights:
Local music performances and great food options
Ball drop and countdown at midnight
Drone show and fireworks
Ticketing keeps it safe and family-friendly
🎯 Who Is It Good For?
Families with kids, and anyone seeking a fun, non-alcohol-centric New Year’s Eve celebration with Southern charm.
Experience Myrtle Beach Like Never Before!
Soak up the best of coastal living with a stay in one of our stellar vacation rentals. From beach houses to condos, all of our properties are nestled along the Grand Strand including Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and North Myrtle Beach, just a short drive from top attractions.
At Luxury Beach Rentals, we offer a well-curated collection of top-tier stays to help you find that perfect home away from home for a vacation you’ll be talking about long after the suntan fades.
Posted in Things to Do # Local Events
