Offering over 60 miles of beautiful Atlantic Ocean coastline and an impressive list of family-friendly attractions, the Grand Strand is renowned as a prime destination for summertime fun in the South. When you also consider the numerous and wide-ranging summer festivals and events found in the Myrtle Beach area, it’s easy to see why the draw of the Carolina coast only increases as the temperatures rise.
Considered by many to be the unofficial kickoff to the Grand Strand’s summer season, Memorial Day weekend never disappoints. This year, the long holiday weekend’s schedule includes a range of observances honoring our nation’s heroes, perhaps highlighted by the culmination of Myrtle Beach’s month-long Military Appreciation Days. The event’s celebrations include a parade, a picnic, a remembrance ceremony and other red, while and blue-tinged events.
And Memorial Day weekend just gets the ball rolling on the Grand Strand’s action-packed summer schedule. While the options for summer fun in the Myrtle Beach area are plentiful, check out these five exciting events that serve as highlights on the Grand Strand’s summer calendar:
Carolina Country Music Fest, June 7-10, 2018: Back for its fourth consecutive year on the oceanfront at the former site of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park, the Carolina Country Music Fest — known as the East Coast’s largest three-day outdoor country music festival — will feature more than 30 of the biggest names in country music. Headliners will include superstars like Zac Brown Band, Cole Swindell, Luke Bryan and Toby Keith, all taking the stage on a site where the Atlantic Ocean serves as the backdrop and vendor booths, concession stands and even a zip line ramp up the fun in the sun. Check out the full lineup and learn more about the festival at carolinacountrymusicfest.com.
Red, White & Bang, June 30, 2018: Held at the famed Suck Bang Blow biker bar in Murrells Inlet, this blowout gets 4th of July week off to a roaring start with vintage bikes, classic cars, live music on two stages, a burn-out, a fireworks show and more. Note — this event includes adult-oriented activities and is not suitable for the children in your vacation crew. Learn more about the music lineup and additional activities on tap at redwhiteandbang.com.
Junior SOS, July 17-22, 2018: The world’s biggest and greatest junior dance event returns this year to mark its 27th anniversary, and it will again celebrate the next generation of Shag dancers. Held in some of the same North Myrtle Beach dance clubs that host the adult Society of Stranders events, Junior SOS is organized by the Junior Shag Association and puts the spotlight on young talent. Event headquarters are the O.D. Beach and Golf Resort on Ocean Drive in North Myrtle Beach. To learn more, visit juniorshaggers.com.
Broadway at the Beach Fireworks: Located just 10 minutes south of Long Bay Resort, the Broadway at the Beach shopping/dining/entertainment complex is a popular destination for vacationing families year-round. But the attraction really sparkles in the summer, when free fireworks light up the skies over the complex at 10 p.m. on most Tuesday and Friday nights. See the full fireworks schedule at broadwayatthebeach.com.
Hot Summer Nights on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: On Monday through Saturday nights from mid-June through early September, family-friendly activities and live entertainment add to the already strong allure of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. And getting there is an easy, 13-minute drive for guests at Long Bay Resort — the northern terminus of the 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway is roughly 5 miles south of the resort property. Check myrtlebeachdowntown.com for a full schedule of planned Hot Summer Nights events.
These are just a handful of the many exciting events planned for the Grand Strand this summer — the full list just keeps on going. Whatever event or festival you choose to attend during your visit to the Myrtle Beach area, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable accommodations at Long Bay Resort to get some rest and prepare for your next Grand Strand adventure. Book your Myrtle Beach vacation today, and start planning to explore all of the Grand Strand’s amazing summertime attractions!