With its 60-plus miles of inviting Atlantic Ocean coastline and its plentiful family-friendly attractions, the Grand Strand is well-known as a prime destination for Southern summertime fun. Add in the area’s numerous and diverse summer festivals and events, and the draw to the Carolina coast is only amplified as the weather warms up.
Memorial Day weekend is considered by many to be the unofficial kickoff to the summer season on the Grand Strand, and it doesn’t disappoint. The weekend 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, which features a parade, a picnic, a remembrance ceremony and other patriotic events.
And the big holiday weekend just gets the action-packed summer schedule started. While the opportunities for summer activities in the Myrtle Beach area are endless, check out this trio of exciting events that serve as highlights on the Grand Strand’s summer calendar:
Carolina Country Music Fest, June 7-10, 2018: Held on the oceanfront at the former site of the Myrtle Beach Pavilion amusement park and returning this summer for its fourth consecutive year, the Carolina Country Music Fest — the East Coast’s largest three-day outdoor country music festival — will feature more than 30 of country music’s biggest names. Headliners will include superstars like Zac Brown Band, Toby Keith, Cole Swindell and Luke Bryan, 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. 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 4th of July week off to an action-packed start with live music on two stages, vintage bikes, classic cars, a burn-out, a fireworks show and more. Note — this event includes adult-oriented activities and is not suitable for the young ones. Learn more about the music lineup and additional activities on tap at redwhiteandbang.com.
Junior SOS, July 17-22, 2018: Celebrating 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.
These are just a few highlights among the exciting events on tap for this summer on the Grand Strand — the full list far too long to fit in a single article. Whatever event or festival you choose to catch while visiting the Myrtle Beach area, finish your day by heading back to your comfortable oceanfront accommodations 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!
