Making Music and Memories in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is famous for the rhythm of the waves of the Atlantic lapping against its sandy shores, the laughter (and occasional screams) of riders at Family Kingdom Amusement Park, and the chatter of families on their annual beach getaways. But the true soundtrack of this seaside destination is its live music scene, which pulses through the town day and night. From oceanfront stages on the sand to some of America’s most beloved dive bars and everything in between, it’s easy to see why Myrtle Beach is music’s favorite beach. 

With more than 25,000 performances a year across countless venues, there’s something for every music lover in Myrtle Beach. Visit The Bowery, a musical mainstay since 1944. This beloved dive bar sits just 50 yards from the water and offers live entertainment every night. Not only does this local landmark see its share of phenomenal guest performers, but its original house band was country supergroup Alabama. The band still makes regular appearances at their beloved home away from home.

Located in the heart of town, The Carolina Opry Theater offers world-class acts in a state-of-the-art theater founded by local visionary Calvin Gilmore. When the Opry opened its doors in 1986, it was the first house show of its kind to open in Myrtle Beach. A true gamechanger for the beach town, this stunning theater is home to The Carolina Opry, a must-see variety show starring 35 of the nation’s most talented performers. This musical variety show spans all genres for an experience you’ll never forget. The theater also hosts touring productions, with big names like The Lovin Spoonful, Sara Evans, and Kenny G all set to perform this season.

South Carolina’s state dance is the Shag, a movement that celebrates the beach music the region is known for, and there’s no better place to Shag than Fat Harold’s. Known as the Home of the Shag, Fat Harold’s was inducted into the Carolina Beach Music Awards Hall of Fame in 1996. Today, they’re still offering Shag lessons to newbies on Tuesdays, refresher courses and new steps on Mondays, and DJs or live music and dancing every night of the week.

The region’s musical history is on full display at Charlie’s Place, which was a popular African American nightclub and hotel owned by Charlie Fitzgerald and his wife, Sarah, from the 1930s to the 1960s in the Booker T. Washington Neighborhood of Myrtle Beach. In its prime, Charlie’s Place hosted the likes of Dizzy Gillespie, Little Richard, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, and Lena Horne. Today, the sites of the club, hotel, and Fitzgerald’s home serve as a historic landmark, community center, and museum paying tribute to the important music that came out of the region.

Beloved restaurants and beach bars like Ocean Annie’s offer live music right on the water. Dance barefoot to some of the hottest local bands by day, or shag seaside under a Myrtle Beach moon at night. Or take a stroll along The Murrells Inlet MarshWalk . This half-mile-long boardwalk along a natural saltwater estuary is home some the area’s best views and eight restaurants which all host live music regularly.

Myrtle Beach isn’t just a place to hear music, it’s a place that celebrates it. Homegrown talent abounds in this creative enclave. Visitors and locals alike flock to see native acts like soul country singer (and American Idol alum) Mariah Faith, American reggae band TreeHouse!, and country singer Kevin Nichols.

While Myrtle Beach is a hotbed for all types of music, country reigns as a beachside favorite at venues like Tin Roof. Overlooking the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk and featuring three full bars, a stage for live music, and an open-air rooftop patio, this beach bar is the perfect place to discover a new favorite artist or hear one you already love. The Nashville HitsThe Roof concert series features Music City’s hottest up-and-coming acts on the Tin Roof stage for a free show. Previous Tin Roof performers include stars like Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, and Kacey Musgraves.

Head to The House of Blues and its outdoor space, The Deck at The House of Blues for live music nearly every day of the week. Catch big-name acts like Soulja Boy and 38 Special, or enjoy free entertainment from local favorites, including Smoke and Mirrors and The Rich Johnson Band. Sing along to your favorites with performances by tribute bands like Synchronicity, a tribute to The Police; Brotherhood, a Doobie Brothers tribute band; American Floyd: The Ultimate Pink Floyd Tribute Experience; and more. Don’t forget the World Famous Gospel Brunch on Sunday mornings. Experience live gospel music while enjoying a decadent all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet featuring Southern-inspired favorites.

Summer festivals give Myrtle Beachgoers a chance to hear even more music. In June the Carolina Country Music Fest will celebrate its ten-year anniversary with a sold-out event. The East Coast’s largest four-day outdoor country music fest brings in some heavy hitters to the Carolina shores. This year, expect performances from headliners like Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Kid Rock, Rascal Flatts, and even the iconic Beach Boys. The fest will also celebrate up-and-coming local talent with its first-ever CCMF Hometown Stars. Local music lovers had the chance to nominate their favorite Myrtle Beach band for the honor of playing the CCMF Discover Stages (located in the Blue Moon Soundstage Bar, Jack Daniel’s Party Tent and Honda of the Carolina’s Stage). You may be among the first to see music’s next big star.

Whether it’s a beachside performance on the sand, an upscale evening of music in a state-of-the-art theater, or a rowdy dive bar show that has audience members raising their beers to a night they won’t forget, Myrtle Beach has a musical memory for every taste. No wonder it’s music’s favorite beach.