Boasting over 60 miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean coastline and a long list of family-friendly attractions, the Grand Strand is well-known as a top destination for Southern summertime fun. Add in the Myrtle Beach area’s numerous and wide-ranging summer festivals and events, and it’s easy to see why the lure of the Carolina coast is only amplified as the weather warms up.
Considered by many to be the unofficial kickoff to the summer season on the Grand Strand, Memorial Day weekend never disappoints. This year, the schedule for the long weekend includes a range of holiday observances honoring our nation’s heroes, perhaps highlighted by the culmination of Myrtle Beach’s month-long Military Appreciation Days, which offers a parade, a picnic, a remembrance ceremony and other patriotic events.
And the Memorial Day weekend kickoff just gets the action-packed summer schedule rolling here. While the opportunities for summer activities in the Myrtle Beach area are endless, check out these four exciting events that serve as highlights on the Grand Strand’s summer calendar:
Carolina Country Music Fest, June 7-10, 2018: Returning this summer for its fourth consecutive year and held on the oceanfront at the former site of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park, the Carolina Country Music Fest — known as the largest three-day outdoor country music festival on the East Coast — will feature more than 30 of country music’s biggest acts. Headliners will include superstars like Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Zac Brown Band and Cole Swindell, 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 Murrells Inlet’s famed Suck Bang Blow biker bar, this all-day blowout gets the 4th of July week off to an action-packed 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: Marking its 27th anniversary this year, the world’s biggest and greatest junior dance event 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.
Barefoot Landing Fireworks: Located just across North Kings Highway from The Cottages at North Beach Plantation, the Barefoot Landing shopping/dining/entertainment complex is a year-round draw for vacationing families. But the allure really sizzles in the summer, when fireworks light up the skies over the complex at 10 p.m. each Monday evening in June through August. Learn more at bflanding.com.
These are just a handful of the many exciting events on tap for this summer on the Grand Strand — the full list far too long to fit into a single article. 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 Cottages at North Beach Plantation to get some rest and prepare for your next Grand Strand adventure. Book your Myrtle Beach area getaway today, and start planning to explore all of the Grand Strand’s many amazing summertime offerings!
