Myrtle Beach is quite the hot spot these days, and the town’s enjoying an entirely new wave of exciting attractions and entertainment options. While the days of Jimmy Buffett showing up at Margaritville were certainly memorable, the town has taken its entertainment to the next level. Locals and tourists alike are welcoming the town’s music revival with open arms.
While the well-established House of Blues continues to bring great artists to the area, there are a now many new ways to enjoy music throughout town. Beginning over the last few summers, summer series are gaining great traction, much to the town’s excitement. They are adding a fresh new layer to the music scene. Music on Main is held every Thursday evening in season on Main Street, where the heartbeat of North Myrtle Beach is transformed into a concert venue. Sponsored by the parks and recreation department, vendors and restaurants offer their goods, with bands playing at the end of the street with the beautiful Atlantic in the backdrop.
Perhaps the most famous addition to the music scene is the Carolina Country Music Festival, which attracted some of the most famous names in country to the shores of Myrtle Beach, including Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, and Florida Georgia Line. Sold out well in advance, the concert attracted over 80,000 during the four-day event held down at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Many of the restaurants in town now have live music nightly and on weekends, and schedules for live music in the area can be found online at www.MyrtleLive.com. What started as a handful of restaurants has now blossomed to close to 100 offering everything from individual artists to full bands. Live music is available year-round at many restaurants, while some offer larger acts and more showings in season.
La Belle Amie vineyard, Myrtle’s local winery, hosts Saturday concerts and bonfires throughout the seasons as well. There they have wine tastings and a variety of live music ranging from Blues & Jazz to Country.
In nearby Little River, the famous Blue Crab festival and Shrimp Festival, among others take place, with performances throughout the weekend. Located right on the waterway just north of North Myrtle Beach, visitors can stroll through the food stands and art vendors while listening to great bands.
If you are looking for fun for the whole family, venture over to the Sounds of Summer concert series at the North Myrtle Beach Park and Sports complex, which hosts bands playing family-friendly music once per month in summertime. Bring chairs or a beach blanket, and leave the coolers at home – food and drinks are available for purchase once inside.
Finally, special events such as Monday after the Masters with Hootie and the Blowfish bring together music and charity and are often the locals’ favorite events of the year.
With the exciting growth Myrtle Beach is experiencing, it is no surprise the music scene is evolving in step. We will cherish our days of Jimmy Buffett, enjoy our Hootie, and keep an eye on the horizon for what’s next to come.
