Sunshine, Sandy Beaches and Summertime Fun

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The surrounding area of North Myrtle Beach also kicks things up a notch with a plethora of summer festivals. Dance to the beat of the music, feast on great food and good times, and watch fireworks explode over the ocean at the many parties taking place on the Grand Strand this summer. Here's a list of some of the fun and festivities coming up this summer:

* Military Appreciation Days (through May 31): Memorial Day is the unofficial start to summer, but it's officially the time we honor our American troops who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms. Myrtle Beach hosts a month-long celebration that is highlighted by the Military Appreciation Days Parade & Picnic on Saturday, May 27. Appropriately held at The Market Common, former home of Myrtle Beach Air Force Base, the parade route winds down Farrow Parkway and ends at Valor Park, where a picnic and other festivities take place throughout the day. On Monday, May 29, there are a pair of events on tap — the Veterans March on Ocean Boulevard and a remembrance ceremony at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.

* Summer Nights at Broadway (June 6-Sept. 4): Long Bay guests can make the short trip to Broadway at the Beach for some free family entertainment at this popular multi-purpose complex. Along with great attractions, shopping, dining and nightlife, Broadway at the Beach also offers nightly entertainment at the main stage, including live music, comedians, jugglers and more. After the sun goes down, the skies over Lake Broadway light up with fireworks shows on most Tuesday and Friday nights.

* Carolina Country Music Fest (June 8-11): Cowboy boots or flip-flops? That's the big question for attendees of this annual seaside shindig, which features headliners Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney and Darius Rucker among more than 30 acts playing on three stages at the former Pavilion amusement park site in the heart of the downtown district. Tickets are going fast, so make your plans to stay at Long Bay Resort today.

* Hot Summer Nights Festival (June 12-Sept. 4): The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk, a 1.2-mile wooden walkway along the downtown oceanfront, is the center of summer activity. Offering nightly entertainment at various spots along the Boardwalk, Hot Summer Nights features live music virtually every evening, along with other special events. The Kids Carnival is held Monday nights in Plyler Park with face-painting, inflatable playgrounds, games and other kid-oriented entertainment. The biggest nights on the Boardwalk are Wednesdays, when fireworks are launched from the Second Avenue Pier.

* Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival (Sept. 1-2): Time flies when you’re having fun, so the end of summer comes before you know it in Myrtle Beach. Labor Day weekend means one last chance to dance away the summertime blues at the Beach, Boogie & BBQ Festival at The Market Common. More than 75 barbecue pitmasters battle it out over hot coals for world championships in several tasty categories, like pulled pork, ribs and chicken wings. Patrons get to sample the BBQ, wash it down with a cold drink and listen to live music on the Grand Park grounds. It’s the perfect ending to another awesome summer in Myrtle Beach.

No matter when you decide to visit Myrtle Beach this summer, you can rest easy knowing that we’ve got you covered on fun. Pick the festival of your choice, and book your vacation plans at the Cottages at North Beach Plantation today.