From Labor Day fireworks and fall festivals to local traditions and beach music, September is packed with reasons to get out and explore.
Summer may be winding down, but September brings a full calendar of reasons to keep the fun going. From fireworks over the water and live music by the beach to cultural celebrations and longtime local traditions, here are some of the biggest events happening across the Grand Strand this month.
Labor Day Weekend Goes Out with a Bang
September 3–6 | Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach and Surfside Beach
Labor Day weekend offers several ways to celebrate before summer slips away. Hot Summer Nights concludes at Plyler Park on September 4, while the Waves of Praise Gospel Festival brings three days of music to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk area from September 3–5.
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans also play their final regular-season home series September 1–6, giving baseball fans one last chance to visit the ballpark this season.
When the sun goes down, fireworks take over. Barefoot Landing hosts its Labor Day display on September 5, followed by fireworks at Broadway at the Beach and the End of Summer Fireworks Festival at the Surfside Beach Fishing Pier on September 6.
Fords at the Shore Rolls Across the Grand Strand
September 5–13 | Various Grand Strand locations
Classic Mustangs, vintage favorites, modern performance vehicles and Ford trucks will take center stage during Fords at the Shore.
The nine-day automotive celebration includes car shows, cruises, gatherings and activities across Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Surfside Beach and Murrells Inlet. Whether you are a dedicated enthusiast or simply appreciate an impressive car, there will be plenty to see throughout the week.
The Grand Strand Comes Together to Remember
September 8–12 | Myrtle Beach and Little River
This September marks 25 years since the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Community members can participate in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Crabtree Memorial Gym from September 8–12. Myrtle Beach will also hold its September 11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Unity Memorial in Warbird Park on September 11.
On September 12, Little River Patriots Day will honor military heroes, first responders and community service members at Little River Landing.
Gullah Geechee Heritage Comes Alive at Brookgreen Gardens
September 12 | Brookgreen Gardens
Brookgreen Gardens’ Gullah Geechee Junkanoo Festival celebrates the connections among West African, Caribbean and Gullah Geechee cultures.
The festival brings music, dance, storytelling, food, art-making and cultural demonstrations to the Wall Lowcountry Center Complex. It is a colorful and meaningful opportunity to experience the living traditions of the African Diaspora while spending the day at Brookgreen Gardens.
Shag Season Returns with SOS Fall Migration
September 18–27 | North Myrtle Beach
North Myrtle Beach will once again become the center of Carolina beach music when the Society of Stranders returns for SOS Fall Migration.
The 10-day celebration fills the Ocean Drive and Main Street area with live bands, DJs, shag dancing, lessons and social events. Even newcomers can enjoy the music, energy and unmistakably local atmosphere.
SeptemberFest also comes to Barefoot Landing on September 19 with live music, family activities and the Duplin Winery Grape Stomp.
Aynor Welcomes Fall with a Longtime Local Tradition
September 19 | Aynor Town Park
The 46th Annual Aynor Harvest Hoe-Down Festival brings a full day of small-town fall fun to Aynor.
The celebration begins with a parade and continues with musical entertainment, children’s activities, arts and crafts, hundreds of vendors and plenty of festival food. Admission is free, making this an easy day trip for families looking to welcome the season together.
September Ends with One Very Busy Weekend
September 25–27 | Throughout the Grand Strand
The final weekend of September gives visitors several completely different ways to spend the day.
The Myrtle Beach Bike Week Fall Rally begins September 25 and continues through October 4, bringing motorcycle rides, vendors and entertainment to locations across the Grand Strand.
At Huntington Beach State Park, the 51st Annual Atalaya Arts & Crafts Festival showcases more than 100 artisans around historic Atalaya Castle from September 25–27.
On September 26, the new NMB Live! The festival fills Main Street in North Myrtle Beach with live entertainment, interactive experiences and more than 150 vendors. Coastal-Carolina Con also takes over the John T. Rhodes Myrtle Beach Sports Center on September 26 and 27 with comics, collectibles, cosplay and gaming.
Find Your Reason to Get Out and Explore
September offers a little bit of everything: the last celebrations of summer, the first signs of fall and plenty of local traditions in between. Choose a favorite, invite a few friends and make the most of another event-filled month along the Grand Strand.
Dates and event details may change. Confirm the latest information with each organizer before attending.
