Hot Summer Nights Highlights Fun on the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk

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What can you do for fun on a hot summer night in Myrtle Beach? You answered your own question.

The Hot Summer Nights series brings a variety of family-friendly entertainment to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. Featuring live music, kids’ carnivals, fireworks shows and a whole lot more, Hot Summer Nights provides the perfect reason to enjoy the season in the downtown district.

Running from June through August, Hot Summer Nights recently released its schedule of activities for 2015, and this year's lineup promises to be the hottest ever. Music-lovers are in luck as local and regional bands will perform four nights each week on the Plyler Park stage, and the popular “Boardwalk Elvis” show is back by popular demand two nights a week.

The Kids Carnival kicks off the festivities on Monday, June 3, with music for youngsters, inflatables, games, face-painting, balloon artists and more. Stilt-walkers, jugglers, and other caricature artists create a carnival-style environment. Offering a family-friendly atmosphere and a fun night out for the little ones, the Kids Carnival is held on Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m.

The highlight of the week will once again be the Wednesday night fireworks shows, which feature high-tech pyrotechnics exploded over the Atlantic Ocean. Watch from Plyler Park or anywhere along the beach or boardwalk for the colorful displays. The show begins at 10 p.m., but guests at Compass Cove with early bed times can watch the fireworks from their private balconies.

However, you don't want to miss some of the earlier activities planned throughout the week, especially if live music is up your alley. Bands and solo artists perform an eclectic array of genres, including rock, pop, country, jazz, reggae, blues and just about anything else you can tap your toe to. Bands take the stage at 8 p.m. every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night.

Hot Summer Nights gives guests a great excuse to hot the downtown district and visit some of the Grand Strand's top attractions. Here are a few places you don’t want to miss while you are in Myrtle Beach’s hottest neighborhood:

  • Myrtle Beach Skywheel: The centerpiece of the Boardwalk is this 190-foot, neon-lit monster that towers over the Myrtle Beach skyline. This high-tech Ferris wheel is the tallest of its kind on the East Coast and offers spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and downtown district. Catch a ride in the enclosed, climate controlled gondolas, and take some lovely vacation photos top capture the moment.
  • Family Kingdom: Although located a couple of blocks south of the Boardwalk, it’s only a short stroll down Ocean Boulevard to this amusement park. Featuring roller coasters, go-kart racing, and other thrill rides, Family Kingdom also has a water park located on the oceanfront and kiddie rides to keep the little ones entertained. There’s no admission charge, only ride passes, so spectators can tag along for free.
  • Second Avenue Pier: This wooden walkway allows visitors to stroll out over the ocean and see for miles out over the open waters. Located at the southernmost point of the Boardwalk, Second Avenue Pier also has a restaurant, the Pier View Restaurant, and an open-air rooftop bar. Grab a seat on a sofa and relax with a cold drink or hot food as the waves crash beneath your feet. This is a great place to watch the fireworks if you can get a seat.
  • Fun Plaza Arcade: Experience a slice of old-school Myrtle Beach at this huge arcade and game room in the heart of The Strip. Featuring a wide selection of antique arcade games and all the latest modern video games, kids and kids at heart can spend hours and quarters playing games of skill and chance. Patrons can collect tickets to redeem for prizes to take home as souvenirs.

 

(Posted: 5/18/15)