Month: August 2016

September is already here – can you believe it? Summer is slowly winding down and fall is just around the corner. The great thing about fall – aside from the agreeable weather – is the jam packed local event schedule that takes place as soon as the beach traffic slows down.

Take a look at our rundown of September events and be sure to pencil in a few during your fall visit. 

Labor Day Weekend Events

Labor Day weekend is often touted as the “unofficial end to summer” and many families flock to the beach for one last hoorah before school starts. If you are heading to Myrtle Beach this year, be sure to check out some of the local Labor Day weekend events happening throughout the Grand Strand. From succulent culinary events to fun, family friendly festivals, you surely won’t be short on things to do during your long weekend.

Full Labor Day Weekend Events Schedule

The Piano Men | Brookgreen Gardens | September 8^th – September 11^th

Kick back and relax to the iconic tunes of “The Piano Men”, Elton John and Billy Joel, at this popular Brookgreen Gardens event. The four-day spectacle will include all of your favorite songs like “Tiny Dancer”, “Just The Way You Are”, “Candle In The Wind”, and many more. Tickets are only $30 for members or $35 for the general public and the music will begin at 7:30 pm each night. Please call (843) 235-6016 for more information.

Dog Days Blues & Jazz Fest | La Belle Amie Vineyard | September 10^th

Are you a lover of outdoor events, live music, and tasty beverages? If so, be sure to check out the Dog Days Blues & Jazz Festival at La Belle Amie Vineyard. This popular local winery will host live blues and jazz entertainment throughout the afternoon and will be offering complimentary vineyard tours. Additionally, guests can nosh on tasty treats via The Vineyard Grill and sample current wine offerings. Admission to the event is only $8; call (843) 399-9463 for more information.

Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival | Huntington Beach State Park | September 23^rd – 25^th

Arts & Crafts fans and fanatics are sure to love the variety at the 40^th Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival. This event has gotten bigger and better every single year and this year is no exception! There will be over 100 local and regional artists present offerings up their finest crafts across multiple genres – paintings, sculptures, jewelry, glass and metal work, handmade clothing, and so much more. The festival will also feature live entertainment, children’s crafts, and tasty local food vendors throughout the weekend. The festival is scheduled to run from 12pm – 6pm on Friday, 10am – 6pm on Saturday, and 10am – 5pm on Sunday and admission in only $8 per day or $10 for a weekend pass. Call (843) 237-4440 for more information.

Brew at the Zoo | Brookgreen Gardens | September 24th

Get out and enjoy the fall weather at the annual Brookgreen Gardens Brew at the Zoo night. This fun festival will host 30 regional craft beer vendors and guests will have the opportunity to taste a few or try them all. Event guests can also enjoy live entertainment by Bullfrog and tasty snacks while they visit the various animal exhibits throughout the zoo. The event will also feature a silent auction that will benefit the gardens. Tickets are only $35 per person for members or $40 per person for the public and include a signature tasting glass. Call (843) 235-6000 for more information.

12th Annual Irish Italian International Festival | Main Street North Myrtle Beach | September 24th

A seemingly unlikely combination, the Annual Irish Italian Festival has become a local favorite each year – and it’s not hard to figure out why! This tasty arts and food fest offers the finest Italian and Irish food around, in addition to tons of kid-friendly entertainment and adult-friendly beverages. Scheduled events include spaghetti eating content, street performers, live music stages, arts and crafts vendors, dance competitions, and much more. Where else can you eat homemade meatballs with a side of Guinness? This is a rain or shine event scheduled from 10am – 4pm along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach and admission is free to the public.

St. John’s Greek Festival | St. John’s Church | September 29^th – October 2^nd

Tasty homemade Greek treats, lively music, and handmade artisan crafts are just a few things that visitors and locals alike look forward to at the annual St. John’s Greek Festival. Guests can get their fill of just about any traditional Greek cuisine – moussaka, spanakopita, pastisio, dolmathakia, souvlaki, gyros, baklava, and so much more. The festival will also offer several local arts and crafts booths, live Greek entertainment and dancing, and a full kids area. Hours for the event are 11am – 9pm Thursday, 11am – 10pm Friday & Saturday, and 12pm – 7pm Sunday and admission is only $1 per person. Call (843) 448-3773 for more information.

What event are you most looking forward to in September?

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching – have you made plans? Myrtle Beach is THE place to be for Labor Day weekend and our resorts are close to all of the action. From exciting “end of summer” celebrations to finger-licking good food events, you are sure to find plenty to do to keep you busy all weekend long!

Take a peek at these top Labor Day Weekend events!

Beach, Boogie, & BBQ Festival | September 2^nd & 3^rd | Market Common 

This finger-licking good annual event is a favorite among visitors and locals alike and always draws a crowd. Head to Market Common over Labor Day weekend to try samples of the best BBQ offerings in the entire southeast! Get your fill of succulent wings, smoky pulled pork, fall-off-the-bone tender ribs, and plenty of signature sauces This festival will also offer live entertainment, plenty of activities for children, games and contests, a spacious beer garden for the adults, and even a spectacular fireworks show on Saturday evening. Stop by between 6pm – 10pm on Friday or 12pm – 10pm on Saturday to see what all the buzz is about!

Coastal Uncorked Food & Wine Festival | September 2^th – 4^th | Broadway at the Beach

This lively culinary event is entering it's eighth year and promises to be bigger and better than ever. The festival will kick off with “Chocolate Under The  Moon”, a sweet dessert and moonshine cocktail event that will take place Friday evening. Saturday will host the “Brews ‘N The Beach” Craft Beer event with tons of beer and food vendors and live entertainment throughout the afternoon. Finally, Sunday afternoon will host the popular Grand Tasting Event with signature wine samples, decadent hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment. All events will take place on the 21st avenue side of Broadway at the Beach. Tickets are available online or can be purchased the day of at the event; call (843) 626-9668 for more information.

Labor Day Music & Cookout | September 3^rd | La Belle Amie Vineyard

If you like good eats and good beats you won’t want to miss the Labor Day Weekend cookout at La Belle Amie Vineyard! This family friendly event will offer live music throughout the afternoon as well as tasty grilled treats from The Vineyard Grill – burgers, hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, and more. Guests will also be treated to complimentary vineyard tours and will have the chance to sample current seasonal wine offerings. This event runs from noon – 5pm and the cost is only $3 to attend. Call (843) 399-9463 for more information.

Pops With The Pelicans | September 3^rd | Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Looking for a great family event to enjoy on Saturday evening? If so, grab tickets to the first ever Pops With The Pelicans event, presented by Duplin Winery and The Long Bay Symphony. Guests will be enjoy an enchanting and lively 2-hour long on-field performance from the symphony featuring a wide array of genres, including Broadway and iconic pop hits and more traditional classical arrangements. Gates will open at 6:00 pm and the performance will begin promptly at 7:30 pm. The event will conclude with a magical fireworks display that is sure to delight. Tickets are $25 / person in advance or $30 the week of the event. Call (843) 918-6000 for tickets or for more information.

Brews, Blues, & BBQ | September 3^rd | Myrtle Beach House of Blues

Do you love good food, good brews, and good tunes? You can enjoy just that at the 5th annual Brews, Blues, & BBQ Festival at the Myrtle Beach House of Blues. Enjoy craft beer samples from a wide array of local and regional vendors and signature BBQ items from The Smokehouse while listening to live music from Nova City out on the famous outdoor deck. Gates will open at 5pm and Nova City will rock out from 7pm – 11pm. The cost is only $5 / person, which includes a souvenir sampling cup, and then beer samples range from $2 – $4 / each. Call (843) 272-3000 for more information. 

Labor Day Last Day Blast | September 4th & 5th | Myrtle Waves Water Park 

Come out and celebrate the unnofiicial last weekend of summer at Myrtle Waves Water Park! The state’s largest and most exciting water park is offering one-day passes for only $15.99 / person for all day long park access. Both fun-packed days will feature a live DJ, family games, and special character appearances. Myrtle Waves will also screen a family-friendly movie on their giant wave pool screen. Call (843) 913-9250 for more information.

Labor Day Eats

Looking to grab all-American fare this Labor Day weekend? Here are a few spots that our guest love and recommend to others:

Myrtle Beach BBQ

Damon’s Oceanfront Grill – This oceanfront eatery offers succulent house-smoked barbecue offerings, including the signature Damon’s ribs – offered in both a full and half rack. Located just a short drive south from Coral Beach, this BBQ hotspot is a visitor favorite. Call (843) 626-8000 for more information.

Little Pigs BBQ – Little Pigs BBQ offers a no-frills approach to their culinary concoctions. Dine on a variety of barbecue favorites like pulled pork, BBQ chicken, tender ribs, and plenty of succulent souther-style sides. Call (843) 692-9774 for more information.

Simply Southern Smokehouse – If you are looking for the best BBQ buffet in town, look no farther than Simply Southern. This local staple offers something for everyone with a variety of barbecue meats, sides, and house made sauces. Call (843) 839-1913.

Myrtle Beach Burgers

River City Café – Looking for a more creative twist on the traditional burger? If so, look no farther than River City Café. This local chain offers over 30 signature spins on the traditional burger, including the mac-n-cheese burger and the peanut butter burger. Call (843) 448-1990 for the 21^st Avenue North location.

Peaches Corner – Peaches Corner is an area staple and has been going strong for over 75 years. The iconic location in downtown Myrtle Beach is hard to miss! Peaches is the perfect spot for a classic burger to-go. Call (843) 448-7424 for more information.

Burky’s Grill – Enjoy a blast from the past and a classic diner experience at Burky’s Grill. This retro restaurant serves up fresh flat-top grilled burgers cooked to-order with just about any topping you can imagine, including the famous Burky’s chili. Call (843) 626-2888 for more information.

ART Burger Sushi Bar – Burger perfectionists and aficionados will appreciate the gourmet offerings at ART Burger Sushi Bar. This downtown burger destination uses fresh, local ingredients for their decadent selection of craft burgers. Call (843) 839-4774 for more information.

Fuddrucker’s – Cheese sauce… need we say more? This well-known burger chain serves up thick, juicy burgers and endless burger toppings via their spacious toppings bar. Call (843) 946-9887 for more information.

Myrtle Beach Ice Cream

Painter’s Ice Cream – Painter’s Ice Cream is a tradition for many – and it’s not hard to see why. This local shop hand-churns all of their signature flavors in-house and they offer several varieties that can’t be found anywhere else. Call (843) 272-6934 for more information.

Ben & Jerry’s – Rich, creamy concoctions that are full of your favorite flavors is exactly what you can find at one of the area’s many Ben & Jerry’s locations. Ben & Jerry’s is the perfect place to go if everyone already has their favorite flavor in mind. You can find locations at Broadway at the Beach or in downtown Myrtle Beach.  Call (843) 213-1754 for the 21^st Avenue / Ocean Boulevard location.

Mad Myrtle Ice Creamery – Pick up a cone or a milkshake to-go at Mad Myrtle Ice Creamery, conveniently located in downtown Myrtle Beach. This diner-style ice cream shop serves up all of your favorite traditional ice cream concoctions with a smile. Call (843) 626-0022 for more information.

What Myrtle Beach event are you most looking forward to this Labor Day?