The first part of making your Myrtle Beach vacation is easy: stay at Long Bay Resort. The second part is all about picking which dates to visit the Grand Strand. This is easier said than done especially when there are so many things happening year-round in Myrtle Beach. Here’s a little help, with 10 events you don’t want to miss in 2017:
* ACC Women's Basketball Tournament: The Atlantic Coast Conference relocated its women's hoops tournament to the HTC Center in Conway on March 1-5, and fans can get a courtside seat to all the action. Stay oceanside at Long Bay for the best views and sit courtside for all the hoops action.
* Art in the Park: Featuring top artists and craftsmen from all over the East Coast, the 45th Annual Art in the Park series comes to Chapin Park in downtown Myrtle Beach (April 8-9 and June 10-11) and Valor Park at The Market Common (April 15-16). There are three more festival weekends in the fall.
* Boat House Summer Sunday Concert Series: Take advantage of Long Bay's weekend specials and catch a free concert on the Intracoastal Waterway. Big-name bands rock the outdoor stage while patrons sun on the banks and take a dip to cool off. The 2017 schedule has yet to be announced but the shows are held Sunday afternoons from April through Labor Day weekend.
* Carolina Country Music Festival: The Third Annual CCMF looks to be even bigger and better than the past two, which have drawn rave reviews from country music fans and artists alike. The 2017 headliners include South Carolina's own Darius Rucker, Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean, as more than 30 bands in all will play on the main stage on the downtown oceanfront. Crowds of more than 30,000 are expected again for the 2017 event, which will be held June 8-11.
* Hot Summer Nights: Head down to the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk for free entertainment all summer long. Featuring a Kids Festival on Mondays, fireworks on Wednesdays, and concerts nearly every other night of the week, there's something going on in the downtown district from June through Labor Day weekend. Be sure to check the upcoming schedule for special events you and your family will not want to miss.
* La Belle Amie Festivals: This Little River winery hosts wine-tasting sessions and bi-weekly bonfires and festivals, with live music on the outdoor stage and good food on the barbecue. Among the most popular festivals scheduled for 2017 are the Spring Big Band Fest (March 25), Blues & Jazz Fest (April 8), the Key West Music Fest (May 6), and the Summer's First Saturday Cookout (June 17).
* Mayfest on Main: Make plans to attend this traditional summer kickoff in the Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach. Featuring outdoor stages with live music, arts and crafts vendors, food and beverage tents, and shaggers dancing in the streets, the 2017 event will be held Saturday, May 13.
* Myrtle Beach Marathon: The 20th Annual event is scheduled for March 2-4, with three days of race-related events, including the Dasani Half-Marathon, the Night Neon 5K, and the 1-mile Family Fun Run.
* Run to the Sun Car Show: Rev up your engine for the 29th annual vintage car show. See antique cars cruise The Strip and get an up-close look under the hood of the hot rods at this March 16-18 event.
* St. Patrick's Day: Celebrate St. Paddy's Day in true beach style at local pubs on Friday, March 17, then keep the party going on Saturday at the 29th Annual North Myrtle Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Eighth Annual Irish Festival at The Market Common and the Luck of the MarshWalk.
Pick your favorite, or plan multiple trips to Myrtle Beach to experience all the fun and festivities. Long Bay Resort is waiting for you.
