The summer is about to get a little more exciting in Myrtle Beach. Beginning June 1, SummerFest! begins at Barefoot Landing and that means fun and exciting events are taking place through September 1.

Every Monday there will be a fireworks display over the lake beginning at 10:15 p.m. And on Wednesdays watch the entertaining boardwalk parade, complete with a marching band and live animals. You’ll be able to ride on a camel and visit a mini petting zoo, too. Parades begin at 7 p.m. near the Alabama Theatre.

Other entertainers will show up nightly for your entertainment, including:

• Stilt walkers
• Clowns
• Magicians
• Kids Karaoke
• Nick Pike from America’s Got Talent

Special fireworks shows will be held on July 4 and September 1.

Barefoot Yacht Club & Resort

There’s plenty to do all day in Barefoot Landing, so come out early and enjoy shopping, dining, or just a stroll along the boardwalk. If you’re looking for nearby lodging, check out Barefoot Yacht Club & Resort Villas or other North Myrtle Beach resorts.

Myrtle Beach is a great choice for a vacation, especially if you’re looking to getaway as a couple.  The romantic beach location, myriad of entertainment and dining options and upscale resorts create a South Carolina escape that’ll leave you refreshed, relax and, of course, in love.

Here are our recommendations for a couple’s vacation in Myrtle Beach:

Have a romantic dinner:  Choose a restaurant that is located seaside, like the Sea Captain’sHouse, Damon’s Restaurant or Divine Fish House in Murrell’s Inlet.  Another romantic place to eat in Myrtle Beach is Greg Norman’s Australian Grille.  It is located on the intercostal waterway at Barefoot Landing and has some of the best steaks in town! 

Go for a night on the town: If you’re looking to heat things up after dark, Myrtle Beach has you covered.  The nightlife scene is exciting year round, with hotspots at Broadway at the Beach open every night.  Broadway at the Beach is the premier place to party, specifically at Celebrity Square, home to sizzling nightclubs, retro bars and smaller pubs.  There’s something for everyone too. From the Latin vibe of Senor Frogs to the island feel of Margaritaville to the laid-back tavern The Tilted Kilt, you’ll find a place to have a good time.  Of course, this is Myrtle Beach, so there are oceanfront bars to visit as well. We recommend Bummz Beach Cafe and Sharkey’s. 

Walk the beach:  Simple yet romantic, a timeless stroll on the beach is always a favorite of Myrtle Beach visits.  Grab your sweetheart, take them by the hand and enjoy the sounds of the waves and the classic beauty of the Grand Strand. 

Get outdoors: There are two state parks in Myrtle Beach, both offering hiking and bike trails.  You can also explore the beauty of South Carolina by visiting Brookgreen Gardens, a gorgeous botanical and sculpture garden.  If you’re looking for some adventure, try parasailing or rent a jet ski from one of the many water sports companies. 

Catch a Myrtle Beach show:  The Alabama Theater and The Carolina Opry are two of the most outstanding shows in the South.  Both showcase world-class entertainers, a variety of music and hilarious comedy.  You can also catch a live music show at House of Blues at Barefoot Landing

Stay in style:  Where you stay is always important, especially when you want to have a romantic getaway.  Our top places to stay for couples include Hotel Blue, Anderson Ocean Club, Beach Cove Resort and Patricia Grand Resort.

Medieval Times Myrtle Beach is debuting an all-new show with more rivalry and more revelry this June.  This is the first premiere of a new show since 2008. 

The show features many new elements, but several fan favorites remain.  Knights and horses and a utensil-free meal served in a castle-inspired arena are still the main focus.  However, the new live show includes more sword fighting, jousting, horsemanship and falconry. Guests are taken back in time and cheer for one of the “Knights of the Realm,” named for the historic regions of medieval Spain.  New lighting, choreography and battle scenes, costumes, and musical score add to the spectacle. 

Purchase Medieval Times tickets to enjoy the all-new show at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament.

There’s always a lot going on in Myrtle Beach during Memorial Day weekend and this year’s no different. Check out the schedule of events below and start planning your holiday weekend trip to the beach!

Memorial Day Weekend Parade

May 26 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The annual Memorial Day parade will begin at 10:00 on Ocean Boulevard and will go from 27th Avenue North to 9th Avenue North. There will be plenty of floats, music, and candy for the kids. The Grand Marshal will be Major General Robert E. Livingston, The Adjutant General, South Carolina.

Picnic on the Pavilion Site

May 26 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.

After the parade, the festivities will continue with a Picnic on the Pavilion Site from noon – 3 p.m. There will be military exhibits on display, activities for the kids, food, and music. The festivities will be located between Eight and Ninth Avenue on Ocean Boulevard.

Memorial Day Ceremony

May 28 @ 11 a.m.

The Grand Strand Patriotic Alliance and City of Myrtle Beach will hold a Memorial Day ceremony on the Convention Center Plaza at 11 a.m.

Memorial Day Service in Surfside Beach

May 28 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Surfside Beach will be holding their Memorial Day ceremony at the Veterans Memorial in Fuller Park.

Military Appreciation Days Ceremony

May 28 @ 5 p.m.

The closing ceremony for Military Appreciation Days, which has been going on all month long, will be held at Valor Memorial Garden in The Market Common.

Memorial Day Observance at Battleship North Carolina

May 28 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The Battleship will hold their annual observance ceremony beginning at 5:30 and will feature a military speaker, all-service Color Guard, 21-gun salute, and a military band.

Dinosaurs have invaded the Ripley's Aquarium in Myrtle Beach!  An all-new innovative and educational exhibit features life-size flly animatronic animals, interactive activities and all sorts of facts and informational nuggets. 

With your Ripley's Aquarium tickets you'll journey back in time and will be able to:

• Uncover Dinosaur bones
• Have their picture taken with a Tyrannosaurs Rex
• Operate an animatronic Tyrannosaurs Rex
• Learn interesting facts about Dinosaurs

Here's an inside look at the Dino-mite exhibit:

 

June 2-3:  Butterfly and Art Festival at Brookgreen Gardens

Learn about butterflies during this two-day event. Kids can enjoy arts and crafts and there will be regional artwork on display and for purchase. The festival runs from 9:30 – 4:00 and is free with park admission.

June 9:  Battleship 101 at Battleship North Carolina

From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ship volunteers will engage visitors on certain areas of the ship including gunnery, sickbay, galley, radar, engineering, and daily ship life. The battleship is located in Wilmington, about 1.5 hours from Myrtle Beach.

June 9:  Wine Tasting at Brookgreen Gardens

Come to the Gardens from 6-8 p.m. and enjoy wine samplings, hors d’oeuvres, and live music. There will be a silent auction and you’ll have the chance to speak with expert wine reps and buy discounted bottles. Cost is $65/non-members or $50/members. Call (843) 235-6016 for reservations.

June 9:  John Heiert/Jean Wheeler Memorial Golf Tournament

The 11^th annual golf tournament to benefit Mercy Care will be held at River Oaks Golf Club. Proceeds will go towards the children’s programs at the non-profit hometown hospice. Tournament includes breakfast, lunch, and prizes. Sign up online.

June 9-10:  Art in the Park

The Waccamaw Arts & Crafts Guild is organizing the 40^th year of Art in the Park. The event will be held at Chapin Park. Art will be available for purchase.

June 29-30:  Conway Riverfest

This annual independence celebration in Conway will have plenty of live music, food, games, and fireworks. Conway is located about 20 minutes from Myrtle Beach and makes a great destination for a day trip. 

Mayfest on Main in Myrtle Beach is scheduled for May 12, from 10am to 6pm.  Live musical acts, street entertainers, arts, crafts and food vendors and children’s play area are just a few of the highlights of the festivals. 

There will be a kick-off concert on May 11 from 6:30 to 8:30pm featuring the Carolina Soul Band will also be held on Main Street.

The May 12 Performance Schedule for the Main Stage (11 S. Ocean Boulevard):
12:15 p.m. - The Tams
1:45 p.m. - Project 7ven
4 p.m. - Night Ranger

May 12 Performance Schedule for the Community Stage (230 Main St.):
10 a.m.–10:15 a.m. - Cierra Bellamy-Vereen (North Strand Optimist Club Friend of the Year
10:15 a.m. – To be announced
11:15 a.m. – North Myrtle Beach Middle School Orchestra
12:30 p.m. – Dino Capone’s School of Rock (intermediate students)
1:30 p.m. – Dino Capone’s School of Rock (advanced students)
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. – North Myrtle Beach High Skoolhouse Rock

Mayfest is location on Main Street from Hillside Drive to Ocean Boulevard in North Myrtle Beach. 

The Beach Blast Music Festival storms Myrtle Beach in less than three weeks.  On May 19, the Grand Strand will welcome South Carolina’s largest Christian Music Festival. 

Fan favorite TobyMac returns to the festival and will be joined by other Christian artists as well as inspirational speaker Nick Hall and emcee KJ-52. This year’s festival also features an all-new Outcast BMX event.

The full line-up of performers for Beach Blast:

• Toby Mac
• Third Day
• RED
• Jamie Grace
• Royal Tailor

The Beach Blast Festival will be located between 8th and 9th Avenues North on Ocean Boulevard. Tickets are on sale now, with advance tickets for adults available for $27.99 and children for $17.99. Tickets day of show will sell for $39.99 for adults and $24.99 for children (ages 3-12). To purchase tickets, click here.

If you plan on attending the festival, stay at Bay View Resort, Atlantic Breeze Resort or Camelot by the Sea.  All three are located beachfront and are within convenient walking distance to the festival location.

Conway, South Carolina is a charming town filled with historic buildings, tree-lined streets, and the Waccamaw River. Located only about 20 minutes northeast of Myrtle Beach, Conway is a great destination for a day-trip where you can go antiquing, take a riverboat cruise, and see numerous historic landmarks.

Conway is also home to the annual independence celebration, Conway Riverfest. This year you can come take part in the festivities June 29-30, 2012. This popular festival will include live entertainment, an artisan market, raft race, food, games, and fireworks.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, June 29

8 p.m. – 11 p.m. @ Riverfront Park

• Allstate Insurance FeDora Cannon Agency Boat Parade
• Local Favorite Party Band, Tru Sol
• Beer Garden

Saturday, June 30

11 a.m. – 7 p.m. @ Historic Courthouse Area

• Artisan market
• Business expo
• Corvette car show
• Bass fishing tournament
• Golf cart parade
• Agape Gospel Stage
• Bluegrass Stage

6 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. @ Riverfront Park

• The Davisson Brothers
• Ty Herndon
• Fireworks Spectacular – 10 p.m.

Pirates have taken over Myrtle Beach, pillaging and plundering Coastal Carolina for lost treasure. Now, you can join their crew on the search for fun, feast and adventure in the epic new show Pirates Voyage, with tickets available through Reserve Myrtle Beach. Customers can purchase Pirates Voyage tickets and combine the show with other area attractions like Ripley’s Aquarium and WonderWorks, as well as lodging, to create a money-saving Myrtle Beach vacation package. Map out your Pirates Voyage adventure today on Reserve Myrtle Beach and discover the pirate’s life!

Pirates Voyage is a swashbuckling experience buccaneers of all ages will enjoy. The main arena – known as Buccaneer Bay – is outfitted with two Pirate ships in a 15-foot-deep, 750,000 gallon lagoon and sets the stage for a pirate battle between the Sapphire and Crimson crews. The show features spectacular acrobatic competition, thrilling stunts, dramatic special effects, exciting musical productions and a mouth-watering five-course pirate feast. Even animals get in on the festivities, with sea lions and Labradors making special appearances. The entire show is set to an original Dolly Parton score, too, creating one of the most breathtaking dinner shows ever.

Reserve Direct is an online travel company offering destination specific reservation solutions enabling consumers to book value-priced vacations with instant confirmations. Using its unique website platform, Reserve Direct consumers are able to seek out specific activity and show schedules, park hours and ticket types, excursions and other attractions, and have the ability to bundle with vacation homes, cabins, hotels, condos and other lodging, in one complete vacation purchase. The company has operated destination websites in markets such as Branson, Missouri; Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; the Hawaiian Islands; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and Williamsburg, Virginia since 2001.