As if there weren't already enought to do in Myrtle Beach with 60 miles of beautiful beach, amusement parks, nightclubs, fabulous shopping, and countless restaurants, the community also has exciting events and festivals throughout the year for residents and visitors alike. The activities cover a broad spectrum of themes, so there's sure to be one that sparks your interest. With so many celebrations offered, it's hard to narrow it down to ten, but here are some of the most popular:
NATIONAL SHAG DANCING CONTEST PRELIMINARY
Myrtle Beach is home to the "Shag," a type of dance similar to the jitterbug. This two-day event will be held at Studebaker's on January 25th and 26th in 2008. This year's festivity will highlight a special "Shagging with the Stars" on Friday night. The event is fun for the whole family. Since Myrtle Beach is a popular retreat for snowbirds, booking a room in advance would be a good idea, although rooms will not be as difficult to obtain as they will be in the summer months.
LE GRANDE CIRQUE
This spellbinding display begins February 4, 2008, and continues throughout the year. It's held at the Palace Theatre and is open every night except Sunday, with matinees on Wednesdays and Thursdays. If you're visiting the area, the cirque is a must-see, especially for children.
The acrobats, amazing costumes and lighting, and animal antics make this a spectacular event. Get your tickets early. For more information, call 843-448-0588.
NATIONAL SHAG DANCE CHAMPIONSHIP 25TH ANNIVERSARY
If you attended the preliminaries in January, you have to return to see how your favorite dancers do in the finals! Held March 6-8, 2008, at Studebaker's, the event will be fun for the entire family. Myrtle Beach is all about "the shag," and this gala is sure to get you into the true spirit of the Grand Strand's history. Get tickets and rooms as early as possible. Call 843-222-6706 for more info.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATION
This 3-day event, held on 3/15-3/17/2008, is a sure winner for adults. Whether you're of Irish ancestry or not, all revelers can join in the party. Go to Blarney Stone's for the main events, but traditional music and food will be found all along Broadway. Getting in won't be as difficult as fighting the crowds in Savannah, so you should be able to book a room in, or at least near, Myrtle Beach. For more information, call 834-444-3200.
SUN FUN FESTIVAL
Held June 5-9, 2008, this is the official opening of the summer season. Featuring live music, sand-sculpting contests and displays, a parade, numerous sporting events, air shows, special activities for kids, and a beauty pageant, Sun Fun has something for everyone. Book a room early if you plan to be part of the fun! Call 843-626-7444 to find out more.
STAR SPANGLED CELEBRATION AND FIREWORKS
This is the ultimate way to celebrate the Fourth! Lasting a week, from 6/30-7/6/2008, the festivities include spectacular fireworks displays on the 1st and 4th of July. Activities include music, street performers, giveaways, a parade, and lots more. You will probably need to book a room several months in advance, since the week of July 4th is such a popular time for summer vacations. But if you're lucky enough to be in the vicinity during this week, be sure to check out the Star Spangled Celebration. Call 843-444-3200 for more information.
BEACH, BOOGIE, AND BBQ
August 29th and 30th, 2008, welcomes Myrtle Beach's big Labor Day Weekend bash. Festivities include lots of live music, a car show, Kid Zone rides and games, boat rides, and South Carolina's Official State BBQ Championship, all held at the former Air Force Base at Valor Park. Also, lots of vendors will have tents set up for arts, crafts, and food. There is no charge for admittance, and a free shuttle service is provided from parking lots in the area. Bring your chair or beach blanket and enjoy all the fun, and maybe you'll win the new car they're giving away! For directions and more info, call 843-444-3200. This is a big celebration, so get a room as early as possible.
HALLOWEEN BASH
For some adult-only fun, check out the Halloween Bash on 10/25/08. The costume contest at Celebrity Square offers not only a wild and zany time, but also a top prize of $5,000 for the best costume. It's all about music, dancing, and crazy fun, but leave the kids at home. For more information, call 834-444-3200. You should have a wide selection of rooms this time of year.
HARVEST HOME FESTIVAL WEEKEND
For some kid-friendly fun, plan on attending this festival at Murrell's Inlet, held on October 18th and 19th, 2008. Activities include pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, hay rides, and lots more. Sure to get your little ones in the Halloween spirit! Call 1-800-849-1931 to find out more. Finding a nearby room this time of year should not be a problem.
27TH ANNUAL DICKENS CHRISTMAS SHOW AND FESTIVALS
What better way for you and your family to kick off the season than with a Dickensian celebration? Set in a Victorian Marketplace on Oak Street, the event includes period-costumed vendors selling Christmas decor, toys, fine arts, crafts, gifts, and much more. Bring the kids and have a Dickens of a time! Call 843-448-9483 for directions. Finding a room in Myrtle Beach should not be a problem, but booking ahead is always a good idea.
If you're planning a trip to the Myrtle Beach area, you might want to coordinate your vacation around one of these celebrations. The Grand Strand wants to be sure visitors are never bored, and these events and festivals just add to the fun and excitement that is Myrtle Beach.
This tidbit of real travel advice was brought to you by Holle Abee.
Ready to fest it up? First things first, book a vacation home rental in Myrtle Beach at Zonder.com. (And then begin praying to the funnel cake, patron saint of festival foods.)
Find hundreds of ratings and reviews for Myrtle Beach SC romantic getaway activities from TripAdvisor, Frommers and Fodors . . . all in one place.