The fall season is upon us and for many along the Grand Strand, it's our favorite time of the year, offering the perfect blend of gorgeous weather, a slower pace, yet still providing numerous things to see and do. While the summer fun is awesome, for many, fall is the ideal opportunity to partake in seasonal celebrations while exploring the region's coastal charm and unique culture.
Visit Myrtle Beach's team agrees. “There’s something truly special about fall in Myrtle Beach,” said Stuart Butler, Chief Marketing Officer.
Although things start to slow down at The Beach throughout the fall, the region continues to attract visitors, which allows our destination's tourism offerings to keep providing us with ample things to do throughout September, October and November.
“It’s the perfect time to enjoy festivals, take in the beauty of the area and soak in the warmth of our community," Butler said. "We invite everyone to experience the magic of autumn along the Grand Strand and to create memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.”
Locals are encouraged to explore the Grand Strand, using VisitMyrtleBeach.com as a resource guide for discovering all the things there are to enjoy, like hitting the links or trying out a new craft beer. Plus, there are numerous festivals and events happening throughout the region.
In fact, we've collected this list of over 30 events, many of which offer free admission or support charitable and civic organizations*:
● Nights at Nance Fall Concert Series (Thursdays, Sept. 12 - Oct. 24): Enjoy live music on Thursdays at Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach, featuring performances from local and regional artists. Free admission.
● SOS Fall Migration (Sept. 12-22): Celebrate beach music and the official dance of South Carolina, The Shag, as the Society of Stranders gather on Main Street in North Myrtle Beach for this popular annual event. Free admission.
● I Love Seafood Festival (Sept. 13-14): Satisfy your seafood cravings at this festival featuring fresh local catches, live entertainment and family-friendly fun along Myrtle Beach’s oceanfront.
● Celebrate Surfside Beach Festival (Sept. 14): Find four blocks of fun, food, music and merchandise.
● Conway Burger Week (Sept. 14-22): Enjoy historic downtown Conway and some of their unique restaurants offering burgers made by "Conway's Patty Chefs."
● Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down (Sept. 21): A local favorite, this day-long celebration features a parade, live entertainment, food vendors and a variety of homemade arts and crafts in the quaint town of Aynor. Free admission.
● Opening Weekend at Thompson Farm (Sept. 21-22): Spend a day on the farm with animal feedings, corn maze and more. Thompson Farm and Nursery at Brickyard Plantation is location in Conway.
● Funk in the Park (Sept. 21): Gather at Nance Plaza in downtown Myrtle Beach as Grand Strand Brewing Company features live music and craft beer. Free admission. Open to all ages.
● SeptemberFest (Sept. 21): Barefoot Landing’s annual SeptemberFest offers live music, activities for kids, raffles, auctions and more.
● Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival (Sept. 27-29): Held at the historic Atalaya Castle in Huntington Beach State Park, this event showcases over 100 artisans offering unique handcrafted works in a natural coastal setting.
● Beach ’n Chili Fest (Sept. 27-29): Spice things up at this international festival featuring chili competitions and tastings, live entertainment and plenty of fun, family activities. Free admission.
● Irish Italian Festival (Sept. 28-29): Now in its 20th year, this festival brings North Myrtle Beach’s cherished Main Street alive with Irish and Italian food favorites, street performers, live entertainment, vendors and more. Free admission.
● Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally (Sept. 30-Oct. 6) Bikers and motorcycle enthusiasts gather for a week of riding and reveling in bike culture with various events planned.
● Vintage Market Days (Oct. 4-6) Held at the Myrtle Beach Sports Center, the indoor-outdoor market offers original art, antiques, jewelry, clothes, decor, furniture, plants and more.
● Surfside Beach Fall Family Festival (Oct. 5): Bring the entire family out to the heart of Surfside Beach to enjoy activities the kids will love, live music, food vendors and more. Free admission.
● Oktoberfest! at Barefoot Landing (Oct. 5): Enjoy traditional German fare, local beers, live entertainment and family fun at this festive celebration at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach. Free admission.
● Water Lantern Festival (Oct. 5) Held at Grand Park Athletic Complex, tickets include floating lantern kit, LED candle, commemorative bag, marker and playing and conversation cards.
● Harvest Home Weekend (Oct. 5-6): Celebrate the season at Brookgreen Gardens with hayrides, pumpkin decorating, scarecrow building and more in one of the area’s most scenic settings.
● Cruisin the Beach Car Show (Oct. 10-12): Explore all years, makes and models of cars and trucks at Broadway at the Beach will host all kinds of cool cars and gearheads this October. Free admission to view cars.
● Myrtle Beach Greek Festival (Oct. 10-13): Hosted by St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church, this beloved festival celebrates Greek culture and authentic cuisine, traditional dancing and handcrafted goods.
● Fall Taste of the Market Common (Oct. 12) Sample the best of Market Common’s cuisine at the annual Fall Taste of Market Common with the purchase of tasting tickets.
● Myrtle Beach Mini-Marathon and Coastal 5k (Oct. 12) Watch runners take on the 13-mile half-marathon and the 3-mile 5k race through Myrtle Beach. Free to watch.
● Little River Shrimp Fest (Oct. 12-13): Feast on fresh shrimp and seafood while enjoying live music, vendors and kids’ activities along the waterfront in Little River.
● Art in the Park (Oct. 12-13): Held in Valor Park at Market Common, this artist-run event features local and regional artists showcasing handcrafted pottery, paintings, jewelry and more. Free admission.
● Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival (Oct. 18-20): Groove to live jazz performances by local and national musicians at this festival held in the historic Carver Street district of Myrtle Beach.
● Loris Bog-Off Festival (Oct. 19): This long-standing tradition celebrates the savory regional, Southern dish, chicken bog, with a day of competitions, live music, food and fun in the historic town of Loris. Free admission.
● Halloween Golf Cart & CCU Homecoming Parade (Oct. 19): In October, the city of Conway transforms into “Halloween, SC,” offering a full month of spooky fun and festivities! One of the must-see events is the 5th annual Halloween and Golf Cart Parade, a tradition you’ll want to add to your list. Free admission.
● Kite Festival (Oct. 19-20): The 7th annual kite festival will be held in downtown Myrtle Beach at Pavilion Place. Free admission.
● Georgetown Wooden Boat Show (Oct. 19-20) For the past 35 years, historic Georgetown has hosted the Wooden Boat Show on Front Street. It’s one of the Southeast’s best wooden boat exhibits, featuring more than 140 classic wooden boats displayed on land and water, children’s model boatbuilding, knot-tying contests, a boat race, youth sailing regatta, maritime arts and crafts, food, and music.
● Myrtle Beach Jeep Jam (Oct. 25-27) The fourth annual MJeep Jam welcomes thousands of Jeep owners with a car show and more than 120 local vendors at 2501 North Kings Highway.
● Fall Jerk Fest (Oct. 27): This festival celebrates the history and revitalization of the historical Broadway Street, located in the heart of Myrtle Beach, and pays homage to one of the enduring legacies of the fusion of African and Taíno cultures in Jamaica.
● Myrtle Beach Invitational (Nov. 21, 22 and 24): The 2024 Myrtle Beach Invitational will be played November 21, 22, and 24 at the HTC Center on the campus of Coastal Carolina University in Conway, S.C. All games will be televised across the ESPN platforms.
(*Please note: Events are subject to change. Please check with the event organizer for full details, including dates, times and pricing.)
Whether you're looking to savor local flavors, enjoy first-class live music or simply relax along the coastline, this is the season to enjoy Myrtle Beach’s temperate climate and endless experiences with family and friends.
