When the summer crowds thin and the weather cools slightly, Myrtle Beach and its surrounding towns transform into lively hubs filled with the energy of fall festivals. This is the perfect season to experience the culture, food, and community spirit that make the Grand Strand such a welcoming destination. From small-town parades to large gatherings celebrating art, food, or heritage, each festival carries its own unique charm. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or just exploring on your own, these events offer a chance to enjoy local traditions, meet friendly faces, and create lasting memories. Many of them are free or low-cost, making them accessible to everyone. The mix of food, live music, art, and fun activities ensures that there’s something for every interest. To help you plan, here’s a guide to 12 of the best fall festivals to check out near Myrtle Beach.
1. Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival
The Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival is one of the most beloved fall traditions in the area, bringing small-town charm to life with its blend of entertainment and community spirit. Visitors can expect a lively parade that sets the stage for a full day of fun. More than 140 vendors line the streets, offering local crafts, handmade items, and delicious food. Live music fills the air throughout the day, making it easy to enjoy the festival at a relaxed pace. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly activities, while the evening street dance ensures everyone ends on a festive note.
2. Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival
Held at Huntington Beach State Park, the Atalaya Arts and Crafts Festival is a must for art enthusiasts. This event highlights the talents of artisans who showcase pottery, jewelry, paintings, and woodwork against the scenic backdrop of the coast. The historic setting of Atalaya Castle gives the festival a unique atmosphere, allowing guests to explore both culture and creativity in one place. Visitors can stroll from booth to booth, interact with artists, and even find one-of-a-kind souvenirs to take home. Live entertainment and local food vendors round out the experience, making this festival a delightful way to celebrate fall.
3. Irish Italian International Festival
The Irish Italian International Festival blends two cultures in a spirited street celebration along Main Street in North Myrtle Beach. This family-friendly event features two stages of live entertainment, including music, dance, and street performers. Food plays a starring role, with vendors serving everything from traditional Irish dishes to Italian specialties, making it a paradise for those who love global flavors. One of the highlights is the spaghetti-eating contest, which always draws a crowd. Children can enjoy dedicated play areas and activities, while adults take in the lively performances. It’s a colorful, energetic gathering that emphasizes diversity and community fun.
4. Crooktoberfest at Barefoot Landing
Crooktoberfest at Barefoot Landing adds a coastal spin to the traditional German Oktoberfest. Guests are treated to a wide selection of seasonal beers, including pumpkin and apple-inspired brews, alongside hearty German-style dishes. Live music creates an upbeat vibe, while lawn games and activities make it fun for all ages. This event is especially great for those who want a festive fall day in a waterfront setting. Families, groups of friends, and even solo visitors can find something to enjoy, whether it’s sampling local food or relaxing by the music stage. Crooktoberfest truly brings seasonal cheer to Myrtle Beach.
5. Surfside Beach Family Festival
The Surfside Beach Family Festival is a seaside favorite, combining local culture with a laid-back atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. Visitors will find streets lined with arts and crafts vendors offering handmade goods and unique finds. Food booths feature plenty of local favorites, and the live music stages keep the mood vibrant throughout the day. Children’s attractions and games ensure that younger visitors are entertained, making this festival ideal for families. The setting near the beach makes it easy to transition from browsing booths to enjoying the sand and surf, creating a well-rounded fall experience for all.
6. Little River ShrimpFest
Seafood lovers won’t want to miss Little River ShrimpFest, a festival that celebrates fresh shrimp in every way imaginable. Held along the charming waterfront, this event draws thousands of visitors each year. Guests can savor a variety of shrimp dishes while enjoying live music performed across multiple stages. Dozens of arts and crafts vendors add to the appeal, offering everything from jewelry to home décor. Family-friendly activities, including balloon artists and games, make it a great day out for all ages. With its mix of food, fun, and music, ShrimpFest is one of the most anticipated fall events in the region.
7. Art in the Park
Art in the Park is an event that highlights the creativity of local and regional artists in a relaxed outdoor setting. Held at Valor Park in The Market Common, the festival offers visitors the chance to browse works of pottery, jewelry, woodcrafts, paintings, and more. It’s an excellent opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their techniques, and purchase one-of-a-kind pieces. The festival runs across select weekends in October and November, giving art lovers multiple chances to attend. The open-air venue makes it an enjoyable way to spend a crisp fall day, surrounded by vibrant works and creative energy.
8. Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival
The Myrtle Beach Jazz Festival fills the air with rhythm and soul, drawing music lovers from across the region. This free event is spread over three days, featuring an impressive lineup of jazz musicians performing on outdoor stages. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to settle in for hours of smooth sounds and upbeat performances. Food vendors serve up delicious local favorites, and the family-friendly atmosphere ensures there’s fun for everyone. From classic jazz to modern styles, the variety of performers keeps the energy fresh. It’s a cultural highlight of the fall season along the Grand Strand.
9. Loris Bog-Off Festival
Centered around the local favorite dish known as chicken bog, the Loris Bog-Off Festival is as delicious as it is entertaining. This hearty meal of rice, chicken, sausage, and spices takes center stage in a cooking competition that showcases the best recipes in town. Beyond the food, the festival features vendor booths, live music, carnival rides, and a lively parade. Families can enjoy games and activities for children, while adults take in the entertainment. The day concludes with a fireworks display, making it a memorable event for all. It’s a true taste of local tradition during the fall season.
10. Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally
The Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally attracts motorcycle enthusiasts from far and wide, transforming the Grand Strand into a hub of roaring engines and camaraderie. Riders gather to enjoy scenic coastal cruises, bike shows, and live entertainment across multiple venues. The rally also brings local businesses into the spotlight, with restaurants, bars, and shops offering specials tailored to the crowd. Even for those who don’t ride, the event offers a fun atmosphere with plenty to see and do. It’s an exciting, high-energy festival that brings a different kind of thrill to fall in Myrtle Beach.
11. Mythical and Medieval Fest
Step into another world at the Mythical and Medieval Fest, a fantasy-inspired gathering held in Myrtle Beach each November. Visitors can encounter knights, fairies, and mythical creatures brought to life through costumes, performances, and interactive activities. The event includes jousting matches, fire shows, artisan vendors, and themed entertainment that delights both children and adults. With its playful mix of history and fantasy, this festival is unlike any other on the Grand Strand. It’s a family-friendly event that encourages imagination and fun while offering unique shopping and entertainment options. A magical way to celebrate fall before the holiday season begins.
12. Dickens Christmas Show and Festival
Though it edges into the holiday season, the Dickens Christmas Show and Festival is still considered a fall highlight in Myrtle Beach. This unique event transports guests to a Victorian marketplace, where they can shop for handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and specialty items. Costumed vendors, live performances, and festive decorations add to the charm, creating a joyful and immersive atmosphere. Families and friends can spend hours exploring the elaborate displays, enjoying stage performances, and discovering unique treasures. The festival captures the spirit of the season while offering a memorable way to close out the fall festivities along the Grand Strand.
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