Best Places for Free Entertainment in Myrtle Beach

Article Thumbnail Image

Everyone has their own idea of fun things to do in Myrtle Beach. From beach going and attractions to shopping and restaurants, the options are aplenty. But there's one thing that everyone in the family can agree on – free. Not only is the price right, but the good times are ready to roll at these free-admission events on the Grand Strand:

Barefoot Landing: On Monday nights, this North Myrtle Beach multiplex throws a big shindig for the whole family. It all starts with a parade around the boardwalk, led by musicians, jugglers, stilt-walkers and more. The parade leads to the viewing spot for a free fireworks show over Barefoot Lake. Guests also line the boardwalk and the Intracoastal to get a nice view of the best fireworks show on the North Strand.

Boathouse: Spend your Sunday afternoons relaxing on the banks of the Intracoastal Waterway and taking in some of the best live music on the Strand. Located beneath the Highway 501 Bridge in Myrtle Beach, the Boathouse welcomes national and regional music acts on the outdoor stage in the “Best Backyard in Myrtle Beach.” Patrons party on boats, take a dip in the river and soak up some sun on the lawn while listing to the likes of The Expendables (July 19), the Chris Robinson Brotherhood (July 26), Collie Buddz (Aug. 16) and Donavan Frankenrieter (Aug. 23), just to name a few.

Broadway at the Beach: The most popular spot in Myrtle Beach puts on two nights of fireworks displays as well as free concerts throughout the summer months. At 10 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays, the skies light up over Lake Broadway and the entire complex with the top pyrotechnics displays on the Strand. The outdoor stage at Celebrity Square also hosts free concerts during select nights in the summer, and look for roving entertainers every night.

Market Common: Taking the family out to the movies can be an expensive night out, unless you know where to go. On Friday nights, Market Common hosts its “Movies Under the Stars” Series, featuring classic family films shown in the great outdoors. Guests bring blankets and chairs, grab some popcorn and drinks from the concession stand, and take in such hits as Frozen (July 17), Up (Aug. 7) and Finding Nemo (Aug. 14).

Music on Main: This summer concert series takes place in downtown North Myrtle Beach, alternating between a Main Street stage and the Horseshoe band stand. Guests bring chairs and blankets to stretch out or dance in the streets to the music of local and regional bands, including The Deluge (July 23), Hip Pocket (July 30), and Too Much Sylvia (Aug. 6). The weekly concert series continues through Oct. 1 and is free to the public.

Myrtle Beach Boardwalk: The downtown district is the place to be for free concerts, fireworks and festivals. The Kids Carnival kicks things off on Monday nights with inflatable rides, games and other kid-friendly activities. Wednesday nights features fireworks launched from a nearby pier so visitors can see the color explode over the Atlantic Ocean. The other five nights offer live music as part of the Hot Summer Nights concert series on the Plyler Park stage. Other festivals are held throughout the year, such as St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest.

North Myrtle Beach Park & Sports Complex: This new park offers lots of outdoor activities like hiking and biking, but also rolls out free concerts on the third Friday of each month. Playing on the outdoor amphitheater stage, the bands include Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot (July 17), Painted Man (Aug. 21) and Nantucket (Aug. 21).

 

(Posted: 7/14/15)