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Myrtle Beach Festivals: A Celebration of Culture and Fun

07/26/2024

Myrtle Beach offers a wide range of festivals that celebrate its rich culture, diverse music, and coastal charm throughout the year. From the star-studded Carolina Country Music Fest, which draws thousands of fans with its lineup of top country artists, to the Myrtle Beach Seafood Festival, showcasing the region's culinary delights, there's something for everyone. Whether you're a music enthusiast, foodie, or culture lover, Myrtle Beach festivals offer unforgettable experiences in an unforgettable seaside setting.

Annual Festivals in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach International Film Festival

Annually in April

Hailed as one of the best film festivals in the world and the East Coast’s answer to Sundance Film Festival, Myrtle Beach International Film Festival takes place annually in April. While many film festivals only allow filmmakers on their judges panel, MBIFF is proud to offer a panel of seven judges from all different walks of life to bring diverse, fresh perspectives to the film festival. 

Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF)

Annually in June

Gather with country music fans from all over the United States at Carolina Country Music Fest in Myrtle Beach. This annual festival in the Grand Strand has drawn huge names like Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, and more over the years. CCMF typically includes 40 of country music’s hottest names, playing incredible shows throughout one special weekend. Tickets to CCMF 2025 WILL sell out – sign up for text and email alerts so you don’t miss your chance to attend one of Myrtle Beach’s hottest festivals! 

Myrtle Beach Bike Week 2025

Annually in May

A tradition since 1940, this famous event for motorcycle enthusiasts draws thousands of riders to the Grand Strand. From food trucks and vendors to restaurants and bars running specials, the entire city gets involved with Myrtle Beach Bike Week

Taste of the Town 

Annually in October

Taste of the Town is an annual fundraiser for St. Andrew Catholic School. Taste of the Town features many of the Grand Strand’s finest restaurants, bestows culinary awards, hosts live entertainment, a silent auction, and more. 

Food Truck Festival

Annually in March or April

This annual festival in Myrtle Beach hosts the area’s best food trucks all in one place. Local spots offering everything from seafood and fried chicken to ice cream and other dessert options are enough to satisfy every foodie, whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and light or want to chow down on some of the Grand Strand’s tastiest dishes. 

Myrtle Beach Greek Festival

Annually in October

The Myrtle Beach Greek Festival is an annual celebration of Greek culture and fun. Explore the tastes, sights, and sounds of Greece right here in Myrtle Beach! The festival partners with local charities as part of their commitment to making a positive impact in the Grand Strand. Indulge in gyros, souvlaki, Greek salads, spanakopita, dolmades, and more at this incredible festival in Myrtle Beach. 

Seasonal Events in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach Spring Festivals

  • Little River Blue Crab Festival: The annual Little River Blue Crab Festival will be held in May of 2025. On the scenic waterfront of Historic Little River, enjoy fresh local seafood, live music, and unique items from vendors. This world-famous festival has been awarded the Best Annual Event/Festival on the Grand Strand for almost 10 years in a row
  • KidzTime Festival: This Myrtle Beach festival for kids features vendors with games, activities, and giveaways, plus face painting, character appearances, and other free things for kids to do. Vendors will be set up in Broadway at the Beach’s Center Court, located between Build A Bear, It’Sugar, The Mole Hole, and Quiet Storm, in addition to along The Avenue between Hard Rock Cafe and Dave & Buster’s. This is a free Myrtle Beach festival, and most games/activities offered are also free
Close up of child with butterfly face painting at one of the top Myrtle Beach Spring Events.

Myrtle Beach Festivals in Summer

  • Myrtle Beach Fourth of July Celebrations: The Murrells Inlet Boat Parade, Myrtle Beach Independence Day 5K, and several fireworks displays take place across the Grand Strand for 4th of July
  • Craftsmen's Summer Classic Art & Craft Festival: Browse aisles full of jewelry, clothing, pottery, woodwork, glass art, photography, homemade treats, home decor, seasonal specialties, and more

Fall Festivals in Myrtle Beach

  • Myrtle Beach I Love Seafood Festival: Seafood vendors, live cooking demonstrations, and exceptional live music await at this annual fall festival in Myrtle Beach
  • Irish Italian International Festival: Indulge in tasty treats from both Ireland and Italy, enjoy live entertainment on two stages, kids games, arts and crafts vendors, and more at the annual Irish Italian International Festival 

Myrtle Beach Winter Festivals

  • Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens: The Grand Strand’s most anticipated holiday event that always sells out, Nights of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens transforms the already-gorgeous gardens into a sparkling wonderland dotted with thousands of lights 
  • Dickens Christmas Show and Festivals: The premier holiday festival in Myrtle Beach, this four-day event lets visitors step back in time to the Victorian era and browse vendors selling everything from spice mixes and collectable items to tea leaf readings and handmade jewelry
  • Winter Wonderland at the Beach: See the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk transformed into a dazzling light display for Winter Wonderland at the Beach. Winter Wonderland at the Beach features light installations, artificial snow, vendors, ice rinks, and more so you can get your holiday shopping done while you enjoy the feel of winter in beautiful Myrtle Beach – for FREE! 

Tips for Festival-Goers

Planning Your Visit

With so many festivals happening year round in Myrtle Beach, it’s easy for your trip to line up with one of them. Check local pages like the city’s Facebook and official website to see what’s going on during your trip! 

The easiest way to get to most of these festivals is in your own vehicle, which will save you from rideshare app fees or having to call and wait for a ride when you’re ready to go. If you didn’t drive to Myrtle Beach, Uber and Lyft are great options for getting around since the drivers know the area and can get you where you need to go quickly without the hassle of parking. 

What to Bring

Festival hopping in Myrtle Beach? We recommend comfortable walking shoes, sun protection for outdoor festivals, and some empty space in your luggage to fill with souvenirs. Outdoor festivals almost always have a rain date or rain location ready, so be on the lookout for weather-related changes in festival schedules – some will go on rain or shine, and you’ll need a poncho or umbrella and a great attitude to take them on. 

Navigating the Crowds

Before you go into a festival, decide on a meeting point with your group in case you get separated. If you’re going with a large group or one likely to split up for everyone to browse at their leisure, pick designated check in times to meet up again. Keep an eye on your surroundings always, especially when in large crowds, and make sure you know where your emergency exits are if you’re indoors. 

Where to Stay

No matter what festivals you plan to attend on your Myrtle Beach vacation, Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort is conveniently located in central Myrtle Beach and offers breathtaking ocean views with extensive on-site amenities. Kids love our pool attractions, including an on-site waterpark, and adults will enjoy our amazing dining options, including the Malibu Beach Bar and Beach Java Café. Book your vacation at Sea Crest Oceanfront Resort today!