Featuring 60-plus miles of gorgeous Atlantic Ocean coastline and a lengthy list of family-friendly attractions, the Grand Strand is well-known as a top destination for summertime fun in the South. Add in the numerous and wide-ranging summer festivals and events found in the Myrtle Beach area, and it’s easy to see why the lure of the Carolina coast only grows as the temperatures rise.
Considered by many to unofficially kick off the summer season on the Grand Strand, Memorial Day weekend never disappoints. This year, the schedule for the holiday weekend includes a range of observances honoring our nation’s heroes, perhaps highlighted by the culmination of Myrtle Beach’s month-long Military Appreciation Days, which features a parade, a picnic and a remembrance ceremony, in addition to other patriotic events.
And Memorial Day weekend just gets the Grand Strand’s action-packed summer schedule started. While the options for summer fun in the Myrtle Beach area are endless, 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: Returning for its fourth consecutive year this summer and held on the oceanfront at the former Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park site, the Carolina Country Music Fest — recognized as the East Coast’s largest three-day outdoor country music festival — will feature more than 30 of the biggest acts in country music. Headliners will include superstars like Toby Keith, Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band and Cole Swindell, all hitting 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 all-day blowout gets the 4th of July week off to a high-energy 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 kids 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 marks its 27th anniversary this year and 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 about a mile inland from The Strand Resort, the Broadway at the Beach shopping/dining/entertainment complex is a top destination for vacationing families year-round. But the attraction really sizzles in the summer, when free fireworks light up the skies over the complex most Tuesday and Friday nights at 10 p.m. 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 high allure of the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. And getting there is easy for guests at The Strand Resort — the northern terminus of the 1.2-mile oceanfront walkway is just a mile 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 this summer on the Grand Strand — the full list goes on and on. Whatever event or festival you choose to attend while visiting the Myrtle Beach area, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable accommodations at The Strand Resort to get some rest and prepare for your next adventure on the Grand Strand. Book your Myrtle Beach getaway today, and start planning to explore all of the Grand Strand’s many amazing summertime attractions!
